Treatment results of endosaccular coil embolization of asymptomatic unruptured intracranial aneurysms in elderly patients.

Abstract

We report the results of endosaccular coil embolization of asymptomatic unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) in elderly patients (≥65 years). There were 375 elderly patients with 400 asymptomatic UIAs. Patients were divided into two groups: group A included patients aged 65-74 years and group B patients aged ≥75 years. Endovascular procedures were completed in 97.8% of patients. Immediate anatomical outcomes showed complete occlusion in 53.7%, residual neck in 18.9%, and residual aneurysm in 27.4%. Anatomical follow-ups (mean 36.3±28.1 months) were unchanged in 55.7%, improved in 22.6%, minor recurrence in 11.5%, and major recurrence in 10.2%. Procedure related complications occurred in 31 patients (8.3%). 15 patients had ischemic and 10 hemorrhagic complications. Retreatments were performed in 16 patients (4.3%). Among 366 patients technically completed, 363 (99.2%) showed a favorable clinical outcome (modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score <1) at 30 days. The remaining three patients showed a worsening of mRS >0 at 30 days. The latest clinical follow-up outcomes showed: mRS score 0 in 362 patients; mRS score 1 in one; mRS score 3 in one; mRS score 4 in one; and mRS score 5 in one patient. Permanent morbidity and mortality rates were 1.1% and 0%, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in gender, comorbidities, aneurysm size, neck width, dome-to-neck ratio, immediate anatomical outcomes, anatomical follow-up outcomes, or procedure related complications between the groups. Endosaccular coil embolization is safe and feasible for elderly patients with asymptomatic UIAs. Old age itself should not be a contraindication.