Comparative analysis of endovascular treatment methods for anterior choroidal aneurysms: single center study with 80 aneurysms

Abstract

Purpose

Anterior choroidal artery (AChoA) aneurysms are rare and pose a significant treatment challenge due to the artery’s small caliber and critical vascular territory. Endovascular treatment (EVT) has become a preferred approach, but optimal management strategies remain debated. This study compares the efficacy and safety of different EVT techniques, including primary coiling, stent-assisted coiling (SAC), and flow diversion (FD), in treating AChoA aneurysms.

Methods

Patients were categorized by endovascular technique, aneurysm morphology, and rupture status. Angiographic occlusion rates were assessed using the Raymond-Roy Occlusion Scale (RROS), and clinical outcomes were measured via the Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at discharge and follow-ups. Statistical analyses compared occlusion rates, procedural complications, and functional outcomes among treatment groups.

Results

In this study, 60 patients with 80 anterior choroidal artery aneurysms were treated. Among these, 44 aneurysms (55%) were classified as dependent, meaning the choroidal branch arose from the aneurysm dome or neck, while 36 aneurysms (45%) were independent, originating from the carotid artery near the choroidal branch. Primary coiling was used in 29 cases, stent-assisted coiling (SAC) in 21, and flow diversion (FD), with or without additional coiling, in 30 cases. Complete occlusion rates were significantly higher with SAC (83.3%) and FD (76.1%) compared to primary coiling (31.8%) (p < 0.05). Flow diversion was associated with more technical complications (25%), and ischemic events were more common in dependent aneurysms (p < 0.05). Importantly, no cases of symptomatic AChoA occlusion occurred after FD treatment. The overall mortality rate was 5%, with all deaths occurring in the primary coiling group among patients with ruptured aneurysms.

Conclusion

EVT of AChoA aneurysms is effective, with SAC and FD demonstrating superior occlusion rates compared to primary coiling. FD carries a higher risk of technical complications but maintains AChoA patency. To optimize outcomes, treatment choice should be guided by aneurysm morphology and patient risk factors.