Background

Data on off-label use of flow diverter for ruptured distal anterior cerebral artery aneurysms (rDACAAs) are limited. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of flow diversion for rDACAAs in a large multicenter cohort.

Methods

A retrospective observational study on consecutive patients who were treated with flow diversion for rDACAAs at 8 centers in 4 countries was performed. Primary outcome was the occlusion rate of the target aneurysm at the last radiological follow-up. Secondary outcomes included good clinical outcome, retreatment, technical success, procedure-related complications, radiological outcome of the covered branches and mortality rate.

Results

A total of 21 patients with 21 rDACAAs were treated between January 2017 and December 2024. Thirteen patients were women (61.9%) and the median age was 54 years (IQR 46-66). The most common etiology was saccular (71.4%), followed by dissecting (23.8%) and mycotic (4.8%). In all patients a single stent was successful deployed. Median imaging follow-up was 9 (7-12) months. At last follow-up adequate occlusion was 95.2%. Symptomatic thromboembolic or hemorrhagic complications occurred in 9.5% of patients. Seventeen patients (81%) had good clinical outcome (mRS 0-2) with mortality rate of 9.5%. In-stent stenosis occurred in one case that was conservatively managed without major concerns.

Conclusions

Flow diversion is feasible as a potential treatment strategy for acutely ruptured aneurysms arising from distal anterior cerebral artery. Flow diverter may represent a valid option whenever other treatments are considered challenging or high risk.