Recanalization of Embolized Endovascular Intracranial Aneurysms and Changes in the Blood Viscosity: A Pilot Study

Med Sci Monit. 2020 Mar 31:26:e919059. doi: 10.12659/MSM.919059.

Abstract

BACKGROUND The purpose of our research was to evaluate the relationships between blood viscosity and recanalization of coiled intracranial aneurysms. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study included consecutives patients treated endovascularly by a team of experienced neurosurgeons and neuroradiologists due to brain aneurysm. A total of 50 patients (the average age was 57.48 years, SD=13.71) were assigned to 2 groups: group A with recanalization (4 male and 8 female patients) and group B without recanalization (10 male and 28 female patients) were examined. All patients underwent a 6-month follow-up of the whole-blood viscosity test with a Brookfield DV III+pro cone-plate viscometer using the Rheocalc program. Differences between groups were assessed using the Statistica 12 computer program (StatSoft Inc., Tulsa, OK, USA). RESULTS Studies have shown no significant difference in the age range between group A and B (P=0.31). In group A, higher viscosity values were found for whole blood [median: 4.14 dyn×sec/cm² (mPa×sec) quartile range 0.42], compared to group B [median: 3.92 dyn×sec/cm² (mPa×sec); quartile range 0.40; (P=0.04)]. This difference was significant (P=0.04). Additionally, the level of hematocrit was positively related with recanalization, the higher the hematocrit, the more frequent recanalization. A very strong and statistically significant relationship occurred between the frequency of recanalization and smoking (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS The occurrence of higher values of whole blood viscosity which increase turbulent flow through the vessels may be a risk for recanalization of the coiled intracranial aneurysm.

Publication types

  • Observational Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Balloon Occlusion / adverse effects*
  • Balloon Occlusion / instrumentation
  • Balloon Occlusion / methods
  • Blood Viscosity / physiology*
  • Cerebral Angiography
  • Endovascular Procedures / adverse effects*
  • Endovascular Procedures / instrumentation
  • Endovascular Procedures / methods
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Hematocrit
  • Humans
  • Intracranial Aneurysm / diagnosis
  • Intracranial Aneurysm / physiopathology
  • Intracranial Aneurysm / therapy*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pilot Projects
  • Recurrence
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Risk Factors
  • Smoking / epidemiology*
  • Smoking / physiopathology
  • Treatment Outcome