Endovascular Treatment of “Donut-Shaped” Aneurysm—A Case Series

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Partially thrombosed aneurysms represent a subset primarily found within large and giant aneurysms. The presence of an intraluminal thrombus can cause an aneurysm to present in different shapes upon angiographic examination. We present a series of five cases of “donut-shaped” aneurysms observed over the past decade at the Clinic for Neurosurgery in the University Clinical Centre of Serbia. Materials and Methods: The management of “donut-shaped” aneurysms was accomplished through endovascular interventions, employing techniques such as the deployment of flow-diverting stents or a combination of stent placement and coil embolization. Results: Four out of five patients underwent endovascular treatment, yielding positive outcomes with complete thrombosis of the aneurysms during follow-up. The fifth patient was successfully diagnosed; however, due to their deteriorating condition, treatment was not feasible. Conclusions: Given the potential life-threatening complications associated with this entity, accurate diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial. In our cohort, endovascular interventions demonstrated efficacy in the majority of cases, underscoring the significance of this approach in treating “donut-shaped” aneurysms. Nevertheless, considering the rarity of this condition, further research is justified to refine diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for these complex intracranial vascular anomalies.

1. Introduction

Partially thrombosed aneurysms represent a unique subset primarily observed within the spectrum of large and giant aneurysms [1]. These occurrences are documented in a significant proportion, ranging from 17.5% to 33%, among cases involving giant aneurysms [2]. The presence of an intraluminal thrombus within these aneurysms introduces a complexity that often manifests in diverse morphological presentations seen upon angiographic examination [3].

The term “donut-shaped” aneurysm characterizes a distinct subset of partially thrombosed aneurysms, distinguished by their particular morphological features resulting in a ring (donut)-like appearance. This radiological manifestation is exceptionally rare, with only four documented cases identified within the past decade at our clinic. Since the seminal Italian giant aneurysm study in 1988, there has been low attention devoted to exploring this intriguing phenomenon [4]. We hereby present five cases of “donut-shaped” aneurysms documented in the past several years, which were admitted to the Clinic for Neurosurgery in the University Clinical Centre of Serbia (Table 1).

2. Case Report

2.1. Case 1

A 59-year-old female patient was referred to the Emergency Center for evaluation following a loss of consciousness. Computed tomography (CT) imaging revealed a significant intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) with extension into the ventricular system. Subsequent computed tomography angiography (CTA) revealed a substantial saccular middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysm with central thrombosis, imparting an atypical donut shape to the aneurysm (Figure 1). Upon admission, the patient presented with a significantly diminished Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of five, indicative of a severe neurological compromise. Unfortunately, the patient’s condition rapidly deteriorated, culminating in death two days following admission.

2.2. Case 2

A 33-year-old female patient was admitted to the Clinic for Neurosurgery in the University Clinical Centre of Serbia with persistent headaches and bilateral visual impairment, notably more pronounced on the left side. Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) revealed a 26.5 mm × 25 mm donut-shaped aneurysm on the right C6 segment of internal carotid artery (ICA) with a neck measuring 11 mm. A pre-aneurysmatic narrowing of the proximal ICA was noted, measuring 3.2 mm proximally and 1.9 mm in the pre-aneurysmatic part. The right A1 segment of anterior cerebral artery (ACA) was aplastic in appearance, and the right ACA was filling from the left A1 segment, which was elevated due to compressive effect of the aneurysm. A flow-diverting (FD) stent was deployed, resulting in initial stagnation of contrast agent within the aneurysm sac (O’Kelly-Marotta (OKM) grade B3). At the 6-month digital subtraction angiography (DSA) follow-up, the aneurysm appeared completely thrombosed, accompanied by a restoration of the contra-lateral A1 segment of ACA to its anatomically expected position and improved visual status. Subsequent 18-month MRA reaffirmed the positive outcome of treatment (Figure 2).

2.3. Case 3

A 51-year-old female patient presented with complaints of vision loss in her left eye, frequent headaches, nausea, and weakness in her left arm. An MRI revealed a giant aneurysm measuring 36 mm × 30 mm on the intracranial segment of the left ICA, characterized by a donut-shaped formation on the Time of Flight (TOF-3D) images. Given the aneurysm’s substantial size and location engulfing segments C4–C6 of the ICA, an FD stent was deployed across its broad neck. An immediate post-implantation assessment indicated an OKM grade B3. The follow-up MRI at 12 months demonstrated a reduction in aneurysm size and complete exclusion from circulation (Figure 3).

2.4. Case 4

A 48-year-old female patient incidentally presented with a giant donut-shaped aneurysm at the basilar tip during a CT examination of the paranasal sinuses. Initially, a neuroradiologist suspected an expansive process, prompting a contrast-enhanced CT scan which revealed a vascular etiology of the anomaly. Subsequent DSA indicated a 25 mm radius for the aneurysm with a 14.5 mm neck diameter (Figure 4). Due to a contrast allergy, the embolization procedure was delayed by six weeks following the appropriate preparation. Pre-procedural angiograms revealed the occlusion of the entire right side and a portion of the left “wing” of the aneurysm. A stent was placed across the neck in her left posterior cerebral artery (PCA), followed by coiling of the aneurysm. The patient was discharged 14 days later in good general condition, only with complaints due to allergy-related issues. On the 6-month follow-up, DSA revealed an aneurysm remnant measuring 19 × 11 mm due to coil impaction within the thrombus mass. The residual portion was addressed with an additional coil embolization during the same procedure, excluding the aneurysm once again. Upon discharge, the patient had the same complaints regarding allergy symptoms, expressing higher discomfort compared to previous occurrence. Taking the patient’s specific condition into account, she refused the contrast allergy premedication protocol and CTA, requesting an MRA follow-up. Six months after the intervention, two residual segments of the aneurysm were identified, measuring 5.5 mm × 4 mm on the right and 7 mm × 3.5 mm on the left side, which eventually morphed into the single residuum upon a 13-month follow-up diagnostic assessment. Throughout this interval, the patient remained asymptomatic, refusing further intervention until the onset of aneurysm-related symptoms.

2.5. Case 5

Our last patient in this series involves a 46-year-old male with a donut-shaped aneurysm at the tip of the basilar artery. The aneurysm was incidentally detected during an MRI conducted as part of a routine medical examination, reporting a mild headache as the only symptom. Measuring 12.5 mm × 10.5 mm, the aneurysm exhibited a characteristic donut-shape configuration. Its main channel extended back to the aneurysm neck, while the right channel terminated as the right PCA. Two weeks following the discovery, the patient underwent endovascular treatment. Given the aneurysm’s wide neck, the patient received dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) in preparation for the pCONus2 device deployment. Pre-procedural DSA revealed alterations in the aneurysm presentation with partial dissolution of the mid-positioned thrombus. Subsequently, during the procedure, the device was positioned to cover the aneurysm neck, followed by coil embolization of its sac (Figure 5).

3. Discussion

A partially thrombosed cerebral aneurysm presenting in a donut-shaped configuration represents an exceedingly rare occurrence, with only a handful of documented cases in the existing literature [3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14]. The primary method of management has typically involved endovascular interventions, yet these interventions have resulted in a challenging prognosis marked by a high likelihood of relapse.

Characterized by a thrombus formation within the aneurysmal sac suggestive of an “eaten apple core”, the thrombus extends between opposing points on the sac wall, as a result of the peripheral orientation of blood flow. The hemodynamic pattern concentrates blood flow within a circular area along the aneurysm wall, producing a distinctive donut-shaped appearance on angiographic examinations [5].

The formation of thrombus within the aneurysmal sac is a dynamic process, varying in degree. In intracranial aneurysms, the emergence of a donut-shaped aneurysm can be attributed to alterations in flow dynamic conditions. Additionally, such morphology can be disrupted by the progression of thrombosis, as evidenced in our fourth case [6].

The surgical and endovascular approaches for “donut” aneurysms have not significantly differed from that of typical “berry” aneurysms thus far. Van der Schaaf et al. asserted that both surgery and embolization are viable options for patients in good general condition, with embolization being preferred for those in poorer health due to its lesser invasiveness [15]. Considering all aspects, Seifert et al. advocated for an interdisciplinary approach to unruptured aneurysms. They emphasized the importance of carefully selecting patients and collaboratively deciding on the most appropriate treatment modality to achieve the optimal outcome with minimal complications [16]. Hoh’s guidelines for the management of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) also indicated the necessity of an interdisciplinary approach, given that morbidity is influenced by numerous factors [17]. However, in situations where the aneurysm is located in the posterior circulation, treatment options are somewhat limited. In this scenario, the absolute advantage of endovascular treatment and angio-architectonic remodeling is unquestionable. Direct surgery in the posterior circulation requires meticulous conditions and is associated with a notably higher rate of perioperative morbidity (47%) and mortality (23%), whereas endovascular intervention carries an average morbidity risk of 12% and mortality of 4% [18,19]. On the contrary, regarding the endovascular treatment, the use of flow-diverting (FD) stents is discouraged due to a significantly higher risk of mortality, ischemic stroke, and perforator infarction and should therefore be reserved for carefully selected patients only [5,20]. While FD stents are considered preferred approach for large and giant anterior circulation aneurysms, their implantation in posterior circulation cases remains a matter of debate [21].

When addressing aneurysms within the posterior brain circulation, particularly those located at the apex of the basilar artery, challenges persist due to the controversies surrounding the utilization of flow-diverting stents and the necessity for a more traditional approach, often resulting in subsequent recurrences. In our evaluation, the most viable approach for endovascular treatment of posterior circulation aneurysms involves stent-assisted coiling (SAC) or coiling with the aid of aneurysm neck-bridging devices. Furthermore, when opting for coil embolization, it is crucial to recognize that the passable segment of the “donut-shaped” aneurysm has more of a tubular rather than spherical shape, usually demanding the utilization of smaller diameter coils. Implanted coils may be displaced by blood flow and become embedded within the thrombus mass, potentially leading to recanalization of previously occluded portions of the aneurysm. As a result, the presence of intraluminal thrombus may contribute to a five-fold increase in aneurysm recurrence compared to non-thrombosed giant aneurysms treated with coils alone [22].

4. Conclusions

This atypical radiological finding of a partially thrombosed intracranial giant aneurysm may be formed due to the specific angulation of concentrated blood flow. Given its rarity and potential life-threatening complications, prompt and appropriate diagnosis and management are imperative.

In our clinical experience, endovascular interventions using flow-diverter stents and stent-assisted coiling have demonstrated efficacy in treating such cases, when diagnosed in a timely manner. However, managing aneurysms in the posterior brain circulation, especially those of the basilar artery, remains a challenge. Debates continue about using flow diverter stents in this arterial region, leading to more frequent utilization of other methods and resulting in frequent recurrences. Given the aforementioned factors, further studies are justified for establishing comprehensive assessment protocols and treatment standards for this rare condition, leading to an improvement in patient outcomes and prognosis.