Unruptured intracranial aneurysms : Does the risk of endovascular treatment outweigh natural history?

Summary: Background: The management of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) remains controversial. The international study of UIAs (ISUIA) found low rates of rupture and appreciable treatment risks, which can be interpreted that many UIAs should not be treated. Results of endovascular coiling of 131 patients with UIAs are presented along with a risk-benefit analysis based on patient and aneurysm characteristics. Patients and methods: From December 1996 to September 2005, 131 patients (93 women and 38 men, mean age 51 years) with 151 UIAs were treated using detachable coil embolisation. Data on procedural complications, patient and aneurysm characteristics, clinical and radiological follow-up were entered into a prospectively collected database. A risk-benefit analysis was performed. Results: Endovascular treatment was successful in 145 (96%) aneurysms. One aneurysm ruptured intraoperatively with a fatal outcome. Ten thromboembolic events occurred, leaving one patient moderately disabled. The combined morbidity and mortality rate at 6 months per patient is 1,5% (95% confidence interval: 0,07 - 5,7%). Risk-benefit analysis comparing these data with published natural history suggests that treatment with low complication rates can be offered to most patients with UIAs. Conclusion: UIAs can be coiled with..