Early change in ferumoxytol-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging signal suggests unstable human cerebral aneurysm: A pilot study

Document Type

Article

Abstract

Background and Purpose: The clinical significance of early (ie, within the first 24 hours) uptake of ferumoxytol by macrophages in the wall of human cerebral aneurysms is not clear. The purpose of this study was to determine whether early uptake of ferumoxytol suggests unstable cerebral aneurysm. Methods: Thirty unruptured aneurysms in 22 patients were imaged with magnetic resonance imaging 24 hours after infusion of ferumoxytol. Eighteen aneurysms were also imaged 72 hours after infusion of ferumoxytol. Aneurysm dome tissue was collected from 4 patients with early magnetic resonance imaging signal changes, 5 patients with late signal changes, and 5 other patients with ruptured aneurysms. The tissue was immunostained for expression of cyclooxygenase-1, cyclooxygenase-2, microsomal prostaglandin E2 synthase-1, and macrophages. Results: In 23% (7/30) of aneurysms, there was pronounced early uptake of ferumoxytol. Four aneurysms were clipped. The remaining 3 aneurysms were managed conservatively; all 3 ruptured within 6 months. In 53% (16 of 30) of aneurysms, there was pronounced uptake of ferumoxytol at 72 hours. Eight aneurysms were surgically clipped, and 8 were managed conservatively; none ruptured or increased in size after 6 months. Expression of cyclooxygenase-2, microsomal prostaglandin E2 synthase-1, and macrophages was similar in unruptured aneurysms with early uptake of ferumoxytol and ruptured aneurysms. Expression of these inflammatory molecules was significantly higher in aneurysms with early uptake of ferumoxytol versus aneurysms with late uptake. Conclusions: Uptake of ferumoxytol in aneurysm walls within the first 24 hours strongly suggests aneurysm instability and probability of rupture within 6 months, and may warrant urgent intervention. © 2012 American Heart Association, Inc.

Keywords

Aneurysm, Ferumoxytol, Macrophages, Magnetic resonance imaging, Rupture

Publication Date

12-1-2012

Publication Title

Stroke

ISSN

00392499

E-ISSN

15244628

Volume

43

Issue

12

First Page

3258

Last Page

3265

PubMed ID

23138441

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1161/STROKEAHA.112.673400

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