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CT images were reconstructed by using weighted filtered back-projection and iterative metal artifact reduction. Two neuroradiologists evaluated images in the region of spinal hardware and assigned a score for the visualization of critical anatomic structures by using soft-tissue and bone windows. Using bone windows, they measured the length of the most pronounced linear artifacts. Visualization of critical soft-tissue anatomic structures was significantly improved by using iterative metal artifact reduction, but there was not a significant improvement in visualization of critical osseous structures. Routine generation of these iterative reconstructed images in addition to routine weighted filtered back-projection is recommended.

Clinical follow-up of 144 of 154 patients who survived the admission period (January 1995–August 2006) was for a mean of 9.8 years. Aneurysm size of 15 mm was the most important independent predictor for retreatment. Nine rebleeds occurred in 106 patients who initially presented with SAH after a median follow-up of 8.3 years. Eight patients died of aneurysm-related adverse events: 3 of rebleed and 5 of progressive mass effect. Life-long MRA follow-up at yearly intervals is recommended.