Objective This study aims to compare the efficacy, safety, and long-term outcomes of two flow diverters, i.e., pipeline embolization device and flow re-direction endoluminal device, in the treatment of distal carotid aneurysms. Methods A total of 138 patients with 175 aneurysms were included from February 2012 to September 2019. Ninety-nine aneurysms were treated with flow re-direction endoluminal device and 76 with pipeline embolization device. Angiographic follow-ups were at the 6th, 12th, 24th, 36th, and 60th months; the O’Kelly-Marotta grading scale was used to assess aneurysms occlusion. Outcomes of two devices were compared; possible associations regarding patient characteristics, aneurysm properties, treatment details, and adverse events were evaluated. Results The mean follow-up period was 33 months, with 10 patients lost to follow-up. Occlusion rates at the 6th and 12th months and during the last follow-up were similar for flow re-direction endoluminal device (81%, 84%, and 90%) and pipeline embolization device (82%, 85%, and 93%). Occlusion rates were also similar after stand-alone use without coiling. There was no significant difference regarding adverse event rates with a 10.9% overall complication rate, 3.6% mortality, and 0.7% permanent morbidity. All the mortality and morbidity were related to hemorrhagic complications. Device deployment failure was observed with five flow re-direction endoluminal devices and two pipeline embolization devices, whereas two severe in-stent stenoses occurred with each device. Conclusions Both flow re-direction endoluminal device and pipeline embolization device are feasible and effective in flow diversion of distal internal carotid artery aneurysms, with similar adverse events rates and aneurysm occlusion success. Aneurysm occlusion rates increase with time, while the presence of an integrated branch significantly decreases treatment success.

We present a case of a 10 year-old girl with slowly enlarging, painless mass at the volar aspect of her left hand. The lesion had been present since infancy. Diagnosis was lipomatosis of the median nerve which is a very rare, benign tumor involving peripheral nerves. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound (US) features of this lesion are discussed.

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This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of flow diverters (FDs) in the treatment of middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms and share the follow-up (F/U) results. METHODSThe treatment and F/U results of 76 MCA aneurysms treated with the flow re-direction endoluminal device (FRED), FRED Jr., and pipeline embolization device (PED) FD stents were evaluated retrospectively. The aneurysm occlusion rates were compared between FDs, and the integrated and jailed branches were evaluated through follow-ups. The oversizing of the stent was compared between occluded/non-occluded aneurysms and integrated branches. RESULTSThe mean F/U duration was 32 ± 6.3 months, and the mean aneurysm diameter was 4.45 mm. A total of 61 (80.3%) aneurysms were wide-necked; 73 (96.1%) were saccular; 52 (68.4%) were located at the M1 segment; and 36 (45.6%) FREDs, 23 (29.1%) FRED Jr.s, and 19 (24.1%) PEDs were used for treatment. The overall occlusion rates for the 6-, 12-, 24-, 36-, and 60-month digital subtraction angiographies were 43.8%, 63.5%, 73.3%, 85.7%, and 87.5% respectively. The last F/U occlusion rates were 67.6% for FRED, 66.7% for PED, and 60.6% for FRED Jr. (P = 0.863). An integrated branch was covered with an FD during the treatment of 63 (82.8%) aneurysms. A total of six (10%) of the integrated branches were occluded without any symptoms at the last F/U appointment. The median oversizing was 0.45 (0-1.30) for occluded aneurysms, and 0.50 (0-1.40) for non-occluded aneurysms (P = 0.323). The median oversizing was 0.70 (0.45-1.10) in occluded integrated branches and 0.50 (0-1.40) in non-occluded branches (P = 0.131). In-stent stenosis was seen in 22 (30.1%) of the stents at the 6-month F/U and in only 2 (4.7%) at the 24-month F/U. Thus, none of the patients had any neurological deficits because of the in-stent stenosis. Severe in-stent stenosis was seen in two stents. CONCLUSIONMCA aneurysms tend to be complex, with integrated branches and potentially wide necks. FD stents are safe and effective in the treatment of MCA aneurysms, and the patency of the side and jailed branches is preserved in most cases. Higher occlusion and lower in-stent stenosis rates are seen with longer F/U durations.

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