Outcomes after flow diversion for ruptured blood blister-like and dissecting aneurysms: A single-center series

BackgroundFlow diverter (FD) use has become a popular method for treating intracranial aneurysms, but evidence in acutely ruptured blood blister-like and dissecting morphologies is limited. Furthermore, there is little evidence regarding the role of short-term follow-up imaging to assess aneurysm stability. This study is a single-center retrospective review of dissecting aneurysms treated by FD, with an analysis of short-term follow-up angiograms to guide post-treatment management.MethodsOur single-center retrospective review included all patients from 2016 to 2024 with spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage from blood blister-like and dissecting aneurysms who underwent treatment with an FD. Outcomes included re-rupture, treatment failure, re-treatment, aneurysm morphological changes, and ischemic/hemorrhagic events. Short-term, inpatient angiograms were used to assess early response to treatment, and long-term follow-up angiogram, >4 months, was used to assess long-term aneurysm obliteration.ResultsTwenty-eight patients underwent FD for treatment of their ruptured dissecting aneurysm. Twelve patients (43%) were treated with coiling plus FD. Treatment failure occurred in four patients (14%). Placement of additional FDs in a second procedure occurred in three patients (11%). Thromboembolic events occurred in five patients (18%). Hemorrhagic complications, not including aneurysm re-rupture, occurred in six patients (21%). Short-term aneurysm improvement occurred in 17 patients (63%). Thirteen patients had long-term follow-up, with 11 (85%) demonstrating complete occlusion.ConclusionsFlow diversion is a reasonable technique for treating ruptured dissecting aneurysms. Risks are moderate and include short-term aneurysm growth and re-rupture. Early post-treatment angiography is suggested to help identify aneurysm growth and the need for re-treatment.