Dolichoectatic vertebrobasilar aneurysms: a systematic review and meta-analysis of management strategies and outcomes

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to describe the efficacy, clinical outcomes, and complications of open cerebrovascular surgery, endovascular surgery, and conservative management of dolichoectatic vertebrobasilar aneurysms (DVBAs). METHODS Relevant articles were retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases according to PRISMA guidelines. A meta-analysis was conducted for clinical presentation, treatment protocols, and clinical outcomes—good (improved or stable clinical status) or poor (deteriorated clinical status or death)—and mortality rates. RESULTS The 9 identified articles described 41 cases (27.5%) of open cerebrovascular surgery, 61 endovascular procedures (40.9%), and 47 cases (31.5%) of conservative management for DVBAs. The total cohort had a good outcome rate of 51.9% (95% CI 28.3%–74.6%), a poor outcome rate of 45.5% (95% CI 23.0%–70.1%), and a mortality rate of 22.3% (95% CI 11.8%–38.0%). The treatment groups had comparable good clinical outcome rates (open cerebrovascular surgery group: 24.7% [95% CI 2.9%–78.2%]; endovascular surgery group: 69.0% [95% CI 28.7%–92.5%]; conservative management group: 57.7% [95% CI 13.0%–92.5%]; p = 0.19) and poor outcome rates (open vascular surgery group: 75.3% [95% CI 21.8%–97.1%]; endovascular surgery group: 27.2% [95% CI 5.6%–0.70.2%]; conservative management group: 39.9% [95% CI 9.1%–81.6%]; p = 0.15). The treatment groups also had comparable mortality rates (open vascular surgery group: 39.5% [95% CI 11.4%–76.8%]; endovascular surgery group: 15.8% [95% CI 4.4%–43.0%]; conservative management group: 19.2% [95% CI 6.8%–43.5%]; p = 0.23). CONCLUSIONS The current study of DVBAs illustrated poor outcomes and high mortality rates regardless of the treatment modality. The subgroup analysis showed heterogeneity among the subgroups and advice for personalized management.