Blister-Like Aneurysms: Report of Successful Surgical Treatment of Consecutive Cases and Review of the Literature.

Abstract

Blister-like aneurysms (BAs) are usually defined as arterial lesions arising from nonbranching sites on intracranial arteries. Because of specific peculiarities such as different pathophysiology, fragility of the aneurysmal wall, high risk of intraoperative bleeding, and high probability of losing parent vessel patency, their treatment is controversial, and both endovascular and surgical options have been reported. From 2006 to 2015 (10 years), 7 aneurysms in 6 patients were treated. We retrospectively reviewed the records of these patients to analyze clinical pictures and outcomes, which are expressed as modified Rankin Score. In our sample of 7 aneurysms in 6 patients, all BAs were successfully treated (complete exclusion in 100% on follow-up angiography). A good outcome (modified Rankin Score = 0) was achieved in all patients, with no difference related to aneurysm size and location. There was no mortality. Surgical treatment of BAs may be effective and have acceptable complications and outcomes.