Angiogram 'problem'

[sherrardk]

Himself recently had an angiogram to check that the widget they put in his head (following a ruptured aneurysm) was doing what it's supposed to do. He has received a letter today saying there is some refilling of the neck of the aneurysm and a further study is necessary, maybe using a digital subtraction angiogram. The letter basically says not to panic, but obviously I am. Is this something to be getting in a flap about (although I know this won't help)? Thank you, just off to chain smoke for a bit.

[jennyjoan]

My friend got her aneurysm done about 5 years now - she did not know she had one until she went to her opticians who saw it the back of her eye. Went through the procedure and she is brilliant.

[Sqad]

Well, not the end of the world, but does suggest that it needs watching, as it may....just may....form another aneurysm in the same place.
If...IF...that is the case and he develops symptoms, then it may need "clipping."

[sherrardk]

Thank you - he currently gets frequent bad headaches but we thought that was normal. Is clipping the same thing he has already had done?

[jennyjoan]

well, sqad - my friend did indeed get the clipping at the time.

[sherrardk]

JJ - he has already had emergency surgery last July.

[jennyjoan]

well, was the clipping done then

[slaney]

I wouldn't worry too much at this stage - the digital subtraction angiogram will give a much clearer picture.
My recollection is that last year he had the aneurism coiled rather than have the open surgical clipping - is that right?

[sherrardk]

I think it was coiled. The bit that went bang is where the artery splits after it enters the brain, like on a Y shape.

[slaney]

*aneurysm*

[slaney]

Some filling of the neck of an aneurysm after coiling is not uncommon - hopefully it will be minor and not require any intervention. I hope he has the angiogram soon and does not have to wait too long.

[sherrardk]

Apparently he didn't have it coiled or clipped, he had a new thing (bit like a tiny metal umbrella inserted) - only the second time the surgeon had used one :(

[jennyjoan]

then sherrard you would need to ask your GP even to get some kind of reassurance.

[slaney]

If the aneurysm was wide-necked because it was on a Y-shaped bifurcation they may have used an unfolding umbrella or petal shaped bridge first.
Likely all will be well, but even if there were to be a problem it would be at an early stage. They are just being careful.

[anneasquith]

only natural to be concerned sher, but the letter does indicate not to panic. hopefully further investigation soon.