Elimination of a cirsoid aneurysm of the scalp by direct percutaneous embolization with thrombogenic coils. Case report

Cirsoid aneurysms of the scalp are notoriously difficult lesions to manage. The authors report a patient in whom a large traumatic cirsoid aneurysm of the scalp was eliminated using a combined neurosurgical and interventional neuroradiological approach. Transarterial embolization was utilized to reduce arterial blood supply to the fistula. Thrombogenic Gianturco spring coils were then introduced via direct percutaneous puncture of the aneurysm. The aneurysm thrombosed and the multiple tortuous scalp vessels disappeared. One month after embolization, a small area of skin necrosis over the aneurysm necessitated surgical excision of the lesion. The thrombosed aneurysm was easily resected with minimal blood loss. Percutaneous embolization with thrombogenic coils in this case was a safe and effective ablative technique.