Feasibility & Limitations of Endovascular Coil Embolization of Anterior Communicating Artery Aneurysms

Objective : The purpose of this study is to analyze aneurysm morphology and define limitations and feasibility in endovascular Gugliemi detachable coil[GDC] embolization for anterior communicating artery [ACoA] aneurysms. Methods : From January 2000 through October 2003, 123patients were treated with endovascular coil embolization for ACoA aneurysms. There were 75women and 48men, with a mean age of 63years. All ruptured aneurysms were treated within 15days of rupture. Aneurysm morphology was classified according to neck size and projection of aneurysm dome as follows-A : neck of aneurysm <4mm & anterior projection, B : neck of aneurysm [4mm & anterior projection, C : neck of aneurysm<4mm & posterior [superior] projection, D : neck of aneurysm [4mm & posterior [superior] projection, E : neck of aneurysm<4mm & inferior projection, and F : neck of aneurysm [4mm & inferior projection. Endovascular procedures were categorized as either "successful" or "unsuccessful". Clinical follow-up was estimated at discharge and at 6months, post treatment results were classified according to Glasgow Outcome Scale[GOS]. Results : Successful embolization for ACoA was performed in 86patients of 123patients [69.9%]. Complete or near complete aneurysm occlusion was observed in 102patients [82.9%]; a neck remnant was observed in 6patients [4.9%]; partial embolization was done in 3patients [2.4%]; and embolization was attempted in 12patients [9.8%]. Among 55patients with follow-up angiographic results, 18patients [32.7%] were defined as recanalization of the aneurysm sac. Morphological analysis demonstrated that anterior projecting aneurysms and morphological classifications [morphological classifications worsens [A - D] chances of successful coil occlusion significantly decrease] were major factors in successful embolization, and, inferiorly projecting and wide neck [${\ge}4mm$] aneurysms are highly related to recanalization of aneurysms. Conclusion : Endovascular coil embolization of ACoA aneurysms shows good outcome in our study. Nevertheless, there is a limitation in the endovascular approach to ACoA, even though advanced modern techniques evolve rapidly. Compensatory surgical approach with the endovascular approach is required for successful treatment of ACoA aneurysms.