• V N Yamaki, W Brinjikji, M H Murad, and G Lanzino.
• From the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior Foundation (V.N.Y.), Ministry of Education of Brazil, Brasilia, Brazil.
• AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 2016 May 1; 37 (5): 862-7.

Background And PurposeOutcomes of endovascular treatment of very small intracranial aneurysms are still not well-characterized. Recently, several series assessing coil embolization of tiny aneurysms have presented new promising results. Thus, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies evaluating endovascular treatment of very small intracranial aneurysms.Materials And MethodsWe conducted a computerized search of Scopus, Medline, and the Web of Science for studies on endovascular treatment of very small (≤3 mm in diameter) intracranial aneurysms published between January 1996 and May 2015. Using a random-effects model, we evaluated clinical and angiographic outcomes.ResultsTwenty-two studies with 1105 tiny aneurysms (844 ruptured and 261 unruptured) endovascularly treated were included. Postoperative and long-term complete occlusion was achieved in 85% (95% CI, 78%-90%) and 91% (95% CI, 87%-94%) of aneurysms, respectively. The recanalization rate was 6% (95% CI, 4%-11%) and retreatment occurred in 7% (95% CI, 5%-9%) of cases. Seventy-nine percent (95% CI, 64%-89%) of patients had good neurologic outcome at long-term follow-up. Intraprocedural rupture occurred in 7% (95% CI, 5%-9%) of the coiling procedures, while thromboembolic complications occurred in 4% (95% CI, 3%-6%).ConclusionsCoil embolization of very small intracranial aneurysms can be performed safely and effectively. In the case of unruptured aneurysms, procedure-related complications are not negligible. Patients and providers should consider such risks when engaged in a shared decision-making process.© 2016 by American Journal of Neuroradiology.

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