Two cases of azygos anterior cerebral artery aneurysm (author's transl)]

Two cases with azygos anterior cerebral artery were reported from an analysis of 37 cases of distal anterior cerebral artery aneurysm. Case 1 was a 57-year-old woman. She had an attack of subarachnoid hemorrhage two months before admission to our clinic. The anterior cerebral artery was not demonstrated on the right carotid angiogram, and an azygos anterior cerebral artery was visualized on the left carotid angiogram. The aneurysm was situated at the distal end of the azygos artery. Case 2 was a 71-year-old hypertensive woman. Subarachnoid hemorrhage occurred 6 days before admission to our clinic. The left carotid angiography with contraleteral compression revealed an azygos artery and an aneurysm in its middle part. The azygos arteries in both cases were confirmed at operation and aneurysmal necks were managed without any serious deficit. The distal anterior cerebral artery aneurysm is frequently accompanied by azygos artery. This vascular anomaly may cause a hemodynamic change and may be one of the factors of aneurysmal formation at this part.     

Spontaneous dissection of the anterior cerebral artery presenting subarachnoid hemorrhage and cerebral infarction: a case report

A case is reported of anterior cerebral artery dissecting aneurysm presenting with subarachnoid hemorrhage and cerebral infarction. A 50-year-old man presented with sudden onset of weakness of the left lower limb was admitted to our hospital. CT scan on admission showed a subarachnoid hemorrhage in the interhemispheric fissure and CT on the 6th day demonstrated a cerebral infarction on the right medial frontal lobe. A carotid angiogram 12 hours after the onset showed no aneurysmal lesion, but, the angiogram repeated 11 days after the onset revealed an aneurysmal dilatation with distal narrowing at the right A2-A3 segment. To prevent rebleeding, we performed a wrapping procedure through the interhemispheric route on the 18th day after onset. The postoperative course was uneventful. We reviewed 27 previously reported cases with symptomatic dissecting aneurysm confined to the anterior cerebral artery.     

Familial cerebral aneurysms in three families, with two sibling pairs

The authors describe two pairs of siblings and a mother-son with cerebral aneurysms and the characteristics of familial intracranial aneurysms are briefly discussed. Family 1: A 54-year-old hypertensive woman (case 1) developed subarachnoid hemorrhage and a saccular aneurysm at the proximal portion of the left anterior cerebral artery was demonstrated on the angiogram. An azygos anterior cerebral artery was found as an associated anomaly. A 53-year-old hypertensive woman (case 2), a younger sister of case 1, suffered from subarachnoid hemorrhage and a saccular aneurysm at the distal portion of the right anterior cerebral artery was found on the angiogram. Vertebral angiogram showed bilateral fenestration of the extracranial vertebral arteries as a coincidental anomalies. Neck clipping for the aneurysms were successfully done in these two cases. Family 2: A 52-year-old hypertensive woman (case 3) suffered from subarachnoid hemorrhage and vertebral angiogram demonstrated a saccular aneurysm at the distal portion of the right posterior inferior cerebellar artery. The aneurysm was re-bled before surgical intervention and she died five days after admission. A 65-year-old hypertensive woman (case 4), an elder sister of case 3, was admitted with subarachnoid hemorrhage. Vertebral angiogram showed a saccular aneurysm on the proximal portion of the left posterior inferior cerebellar artery at the junction of the vertebral artery and a massive extravasation of the contrast medium from the aneurysm. The patient died three days after the onset before surgical intervention.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Intracerebral hematoma due to ruptured nontraumatic middle meningeal artery aneurysm--case report.

A 77-year-old woman suddenly lost consciousness and presented with right hemiparesis. Computed tomography showed a large subcortical hematoma in her left frontal lobe associated with subarachnoid hemorrhage. The first impression was hemorrhage due to a ruptured aneurysm of the middle cerebral or the internal carotid artery on the left. Left internal carotid angiography showed no aneurysm or vascular anomaly, but back flow of contrast medium into the external carotid artery disclosed two saccular aneurysms arising from the anterior branch of the left middle meningeal artery (MMA). Emergent surgical intervention confirmed that the hematoma was due to ruptured MMA aneurysm. Nontraumatic MMA aneurysm should be recognized as a possible causative lesion of intracranial hemorrhage despite the extremely low incidence. External carotid angiography should be performed in patients with intracranial hemorrhage in whom no vascular cause can be detected in the internal carotid system.     

Dissecting aneurysm of the middle cerebral artery (M1-2 portion) with subarachnoid hemorrhage: a case report

We report a SAH case of a ruptured dissecting aneurysm of the middle cerebral artery following parietooccipital subcortical hemorrhage. A 68-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital, complaining of headache. On admission she was alert with left homonymous hemianopsia. A CT scan disclosed subcortical hemorrhage in the right parieto-occipital lobe. An angiogram revealed no abnormal vessels. Seven days after admission, she suddenly lapsed into unconsciousness with left hemiparesis. A CT scan demonstrated subarachnoid hemorrhage with a right sylvian hematoma. A second angiogram revealed fusiform dilatation of the M2 branches and aneurysmal dilatation at the M1-M2 bifurcation. Following conservative therapy, she died 21 days after admission. The relationship between subcortical hemorrhage and the subsequent subarachnoid hemorrhage was not certain. We discuss and review the treatment of a dissecting aneurysm of the middle cerebral artery.     

"True" aneurysm of the posterior communicating artery as a possible effect of collateral circulation in a patient with occlusion of the internal carotid artery. A case study and literature review.

"True" posterior communicating artery (PCoA) aneurysms are extremely rare. A case of a 63-year-old patient with a ruptured "true" aneurysm of the right PCoA associated with the occlusion of the right internal carotid artery is presented. For nine years before he suffered from subarachnoid hemorrhage, the patient had developed symptoms of transient ischemic attack (TIA) due to the occlusion of the right internal carotid artery. The left vertebral angiogram demonstrated a "true" right PCoA aneurysm and collateral flow from the right posterior communicating artery to the right internal carotid artery. The right internal carotid system was also fed by collateral circulation from the left carotid artery through the anterior communicating artery. Transcranial colour-coded real-time sonography (TCCS) demonstrated increased velocity and turbulent blood flow in both communicating arteries. The patient was operated on and the aneurysm was clipped successfully. This case report suggests that the blood flow disturbances resulting from the collateral circulation through the PCoA could be a conductive factor in the formation and development of the aneurysm. This is the first described case of a "true" aneurysm of the PCoA coexistent with the occlusion of the internal carotid artery.     

De novo cerebral aneurysms manifesting as repeated subarachnoid hemorrhage and cerebral ischemic stroke--case report

A 29-year-old man suffered repeated subarachnoid hemorrhage and cerebral ischemic stroke over a period of 6 years. Cerebral angiography at each episode disclosed development of multiple de novo aneurysms at the bilateral middle cerebral arteries (MCAs), internal carotid arteries, right anterior cerebral artery, and right vertebral artery. Two of the ruptured aneurysms were treated by surgical and endovascular treatment, but he died of the effects of rupture of a de novo right MCA aneurysm. Histological examination at autopsy disclosed marked degenerative changes in all layers of the cerebral vessels, which were probably congenital in origin.     

Unilateral agenesis of the internal carotid artery in a patient with ruptured aneurysm of the anterior communicating artery; a case report]

This 27-year-old female suffered from subarachnoid hemorrhage. Angiography revealed a ruptured aneurysm of the anterior communicating artery. Unilateral absence of the right internal carotid artery was also demonstrated angiographically. Both the right anterior and middle cerebral arteries were perfused from the left carotid artery via the anterior communicating artery. Absence of the right carotid canal was proved on bone CT. Neuroradiological difficulties in differential diagnosis between agenesis and aplasia of the internal carotid artery were discussed. Subsequently, a diagnosis of adult type unilateral agenesis of the internal carotid artery with collateral circulation was made. The mechanism of association of cerebral aneurysm in patients with agenesis of the internal carotid artery was also discussed. From our experience, abnormal vascular anatomy should be carefully studied prior to direct surgery for a ruptured aneurysm in patients with unilateral agenesis of the internal carotid artery.     

Aneurysm growth and enlargement of pre-aneurysmal lesions

Three patients with cerebral aneurysms newly growing and enlarging for 2 to 10 years are reported. Case 1, a 54-year-old woman, had subarachnoid hemorrhage due to rupture of an intracranial aneurysm, growing from a small residual aneurysmal neck on the left internal carotid artery 10 years after the repair of the aneurysm. Case 2, a 63-year-old man, had a junctional dilatation on the left internal carotid-posterior communicating artery, developing into ruptured aneurysm about 10 years after the first hemorrhage. Case 3, a 52-year-old man, had multiple aneurysms on the bilateral bifurcations of middle cerebral arteries and left anterior cerebral artery-frontopolar artery junction. Angiography 2 years after the repair of the aneurysms revealed the new growth of a small aneurysm on the anterior cerebral artery at the junction of the fronto-orbital artery, developing from a localized vascular dilatation which had been recognized by the preoperative angiography. The existence of pre-aneurysmal lesions in arterial wall and the addition of hemodynamic impingement were thought to be one of the precipitating factors of aneurysmal formation. The pre-aneurysmal lesions in our study are as follows; a small part of thin wall of residual aneurysmal neck, a junctional dilatation, and a small evagination of arterial wall. It is necessary to discriminate a junctional dilatation and a small evagination of arterial wall from a small aneurysm with observation from multiple directions by the preoperative angiographic study. Our observations suggest that preaneurysmal lesions of the cerebral artery may develop into aneurysm and rupture, and hence the follow-up angiography is recommended for the cases with a preaneurysmal lesion or a small aneurysm for many years.     

A case of systemic lupus erythematosus with subarachnoid hemorrhage due to ruptured aneurysm

A case of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with subarachnoid hemorrhage due to a ruptured intracranial aneurysm is reported. A 31-year-old woman who had been treated with steroid for SLE was admitted to our department with severe headache, and nausea. CT scan showed subarachnoid hemorrhage and the left carotid angiogram revealed a small aneurysm at the supraclinoid portion of the left internal carotid artery. She had no neurological deficit. Hematological examination on admission showed disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), therefore, we decided to perform an intentionally delayed operation. In the meantime we treated the patient for DIC with FOY and methylprednisolone. The operation was performed after two weeks, when DIC had been eliminated completely. Postoperative hematological examination showed severe thrombocytopenia. We considered that SLE had come to the fore again, so we used Danazol in company with FOY and steroid. It seemed that Danazol was very effective for her. She was discharged about two months after admission with no problem. Cerebral apoplexy, such as cerebral infarction and cerebral hemorrhage, has often been seen in SLE, but subarachnoid hemorrhage due to a ruptured aneurysm is very rare. We could find only five reports of this phenomenon. Their prognoses were all, unfortunately, poor. It should be born in mind for therapy that a patient in SLE has a tendency to bleed. It seems that repeated hematological examinations and quick and proper management are important. We think that the aneurysmal formation in SLE is due to lupus vasculitis or the fragility of blood vessels due to a long use of Steroid.     

Posterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysm associated with persistent primitive hypoglossal artery

A 49-year-old woman presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) from an aneurysm associated with a persistent primitive hypoglossal artery (PPHA) manifesting as sudden onset of headache, but without neurological deficits. Conventional computed tomography (CT) of her head showed no abnormality but lumbar tap indicated SAH. Three-dimensional (3D)-CT angiography showed a PPHA originating from the internal carotid artery and an aneurysm of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery at the junction with the remnant hypoplastic vertebral artery. 3D-CT angiography was essentially useful for presurgical planning to determine the extent of craniotomy and the space for possible temporary clipping, and confirmed the diagnosis of aneurysmal SAH. The aneurysm was clipped and she returned to her job 4 weeks later. Cerebral angiography is the golden standard technique to diagnose PPHA, but 3D-CT angiography can be recommended for presurgical evaluation, especially in patients with complex and anomalous anatomical structures.     

Intracranial bacterial aneurysms--report of two cases with special reference to operative indications

Two cases of intracranial bacterial aneurysms caused by bacterial endocarditis are reported. Case 1 was a 20-year-old male who underwent mitral valve annuloplasty because of mitral regurgitation due to mitral valve prolapse syndrome 3 year prior to this admission. He was referred when a large intracerebral hemorrhage of the right frontal lobe ruptured into the lateral ventricle was seen in computed tomography (CT) scan on admission. An aneurysm at the distal portion of precentral artery of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) was found by right carotid angiography. Emergency evacuation of the hematoma and trapping of the aneurysm were performed. Another three aneurysms, located at the distal portion of contralateral left precentral artery of MCA, the left posterior cerebral artery (PCA) and the right anterior falx artery were found in the subsequent angiogram. The latter two aneurysms developed while receiving antibiotics. The aneurysms of PCA and MCA were trapped surgically. However, the aneurysm of anterior falx artery disappeared spontaneously under antibiotic therapy without surgery. Case 2 was a 21-year-old female who underwent cardiac surgery one month prior to presentation for aortic insufficiency and coarctation of the aorta. She was referred to our clinic because of sudden loss of consciousness, aphasia and right hemiparesis. CT scan and left carotid angiography showed a large hematoma in the left frontal lobe and an aneurysm at the distal portion of the opercular-frontal artery. Emergency ventricular drainage was performed. The operation for evacuation of the hematoma and clipping of aneurysm was performed 10 days later. However, at the operation the aneurysm neck was only partially clipped in order to prevent the obstruction of efferent vessels.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Multiple cerebral aneurysms and a contralateral occluded internal carotid artery associated with persistent primitive trigeminal artery

The frequency of angiographic demonstration of persistent primitive trigeminal artery (PTA) is 0.06 to 0.6%. It is well recognized that approximately 13.8 to 27.8% of patients with PTA also have intracranial aneurysms. However their association with the contralateral occluded internal carotid artery (IC) has not been reported. We reported such an extremely rare case of PTA associated with multiple cerebral aneurysms and a contralateral occluded IC. A 61-year-old female suffered from sudden onset of severe headache with nausea and vomiting. When she was admitted to our hospital, she complained only of headache with nausea. Computed tomography demonstrated a diffuse subarachnoid hemorrhage. Angiography showed a ruptured anterior communicating artery (Acom). Aneurysm and a left IC-PC large aneurysm with a broad neck. The angiogram also demonstrated a left PTA originating from the cavernous portion of the left internal carotid artery and ending at the midportion of the basilar artery and the contralateral occluded IC in the cervical portion. An operation was performed at day 3 using the left pterional approach, and the two aneurysms were successfuly clipped using the suction-decompression method. The patient was discharged with no neurological deficits.     

Subdural hematoma due to ruptured intracranial aneurysm.

Subdural hematoma (SDH) was observed in 15 of 484 cases of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). There were four males and 11 females, with ages ranging from 39 to 75 years. The clinical grades (Hunt and Hess) on admission were 11 in three cases, III in two, IV in four, and V in six. The ruptured aneurysms were located in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) in six cases, anterior communicating artery in three, internal carotid artery in two, and distal anterior cerebral artery (ACA) in two, with two cases unconfirmed. A high proportion of aneurysms occurred in the MCA and distal ACA. Aneurysmal neck clipping and removal of SDH were performed in the acute stage of seven cases, without intraoperative rerupture. The outcomes 1 year after SAH of the seven patients undergoing surgery were good recovery in five, but in two, vegetative state due to preoperative rerupture or medical complications. All eight patients without surgical intervention died. A good prognosis for patients with ruptured intracranial aneurysms accompanied by SDH can be expected with direct surgical intervention in the acute stage, even if the clinical grade on admission is poor.     

Persistent primitive hypoglossal artery associated with proximal posterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysm

BACKGROUND: A persistent primitive hypoglossal artery (PPHA) is a rare anomaly. The association of PPHA with intracranial aneurysms of the artery has also been rarely reported. We surgically treated a case of PPHA associated with a ruptured saccular aneurysm at the proximal posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA). CASE DESCRIPTION: The patient was admitted because of subarachnoid hemorrhaging. Angiography and three-dimensional computed tomography (CT) angiography (3D-CTA) demonstrated a left PPHA entering the posterior fossa through the left large hypoglossal canal. The left vertebral artery was absent. A saccular aneurysm was found at the junction of the PPHA and the proximal PICA. 3D-CTA showed not only the aneurysm itself but also the anatomical relationship between the aneurysm and the surrounding structures. Therefore, 3D-CTA was very useful in planning the surgery. The neck of the aneurysm was clipped through a far lateral approach associated with a C1 laminectomy, because this case had a large posterior condylar emissary vein and the aneurysm was located just posteroinferior to the hypoglossal canal. CONCLUSIONS: A case of PPHA associated with an aneurysm at the proximal PICA is reported. This case not only had a large hypoglossal canal but also had a huge posterior condylar emissary vein in the large posterior condylar canal. Anomalous structures associated with PPHA are also discussed. Finally, 3D-CTA proved to be very useful in planning the optimal surgical modality around the lateral portion of the foramen magnum.     

Are infundibular dilatations at risk of further transformation? Ten-year progression of a prior documented infundibulum into a saccular aneurysm and rupture: Case report and a review of the literature

Infundibular dilatations (IFDs) are conical, triangular, or funnel-shaped enlargements at the origin of cerebral arteries, and they are primarily located (7–25%) on the posterior communicating artery (PComA). Progression over time into a saccular aneurysm with a risk of rupture of a previously demonstrated IFD has rarely been reported. We report the case of a 60-year-old female who presented 10 years earlier with a subarachnoid hemorrhage caused by a left internal carotid artery aneurysm rupture. At that time, the carotid angiography showed the left internal carotid artery aneurysm and a right posterior communicating artery infundibular dilatation. Neck clipping for the left internal carotid artery aneurysm was performed and the patient was discharged with no neurological deficit. Ten years later, the patient suffered a second fatal subarachnoid hemorrhage; carotid angiography revealed a right posterior communicating artery aneurysm developed from the previously documented infundibular dilatation with a de novo right anterior choroidal artery aneurysm. This case is another proof of the small but growing number of examples of infundibular transformation over time, as well as their risk of progression into saccular aneurysms and subsequent rupture.     

Spontaneous middle cerebral artery occlusion with moyamoya-like vessels associated with contralateral middle cerebral artery aneurysm; a case report]

A case of spontaneous middle cerebral artery occlusion with moyamoya-like vessels associated with contralateral middle cerebral artery aneurysm is reported. A 23-year-old male was admitted to our hospital with complaints of severe headache and vomiting. On admission CT scan demonstrated subarachnoid hemorrhage with high density in the left Sylvian fissure and suggested a ruptured left middle cerebral artery aneurysm. Carotid angiograms demonstrated a left middle cerebral artery aneurysm and an occlusion of the right middle cerebral artery at its origin with moyamoya-like vessels. There was no occlusion or stenosis in the bilateral intracranial internal carotid arteries. Furthermore, bilateral vertebral angiograms were also normal. The aneurysm was successfully clipped. The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient was discharged with no neurological deficit. So far as we could ascertain, there have been only 21 cases reported previously of spontaneous middle cerebral artery stenosis or occlusion with moyamoya-like vessels. According to angiographic studies and transcranial Doppler ultrasound findings, we are more inclined to believe that hemodynamic changes secondary to arterial occlusion lead to the formation and growth of aneurysms of the contralateral middle cerebral artery.     

Growing aneurysm presenting with Weber's syndrome and obstructive hydrocephalus--a case report

A case with two cerebral aneurysms, in which one at the origin of the left superior cerebellar artery (SCA) grew and presented with Weber's syndrome and obstructive hydrocephalus, is reported. The patient was a 69-year-old female, who had severe headache and vomited. On admission, neck stiffness was recognized. CT scan showed findings of subarachnoid hemorrhage. Angiograms demonstrated two saccular aneurysms at the right middle cerebral artery (MCA) bifurcation and at the origin of the left SCA. Craniotomy and neck clipping of the aneurysm at the right MCA was performed. After discharge, left oculomotor palsy appeared and gradually progressed. Severe headache and right hemiparesis suddenly occurred two years after the first attack. On the second admission, CT scan revealed high density on the brain surface and a well enhanced round lesion at the left ambient cistern. Left vertebral angiogram demonstrated increase in size of the aneurysm at the left SCA. The patient was discharged after conservative therapy. Drowsiness and urinary incontinence appeared, and she was admitted for the third time three years after the first admission. CT scan showed an enhancing mass lesion sized 25 X 30 mm beside the left midbrain and obstructive hydrocephalus. The aneurysm at the SCA no longer seen on the left vertebral angiogram. V-P shunt was performed. Both Weber's syndrome and obstructive hydrocephalus in this case indicate an aneurysmal natural history, in which aneurysm becomes gigantic and thrombosed spontaneously.     

Bilateral distal anterior cerebral artery aneurysms associated with polycystic kidney and liver disease; a case report]

A patient who had bilateral distal anterior cerebral artery aneurysms and a right middle cerebral artery aneurysm in association with polycystic kidney and liver disease is reported. A 57-year-old woman was referred to our center with headache and disturbance of consciousness. On admission, her level of consciousness as evaluated by the Japan Coma Scale was 10. CT revealed subarachnoid hemorrhage, especially in the interhemispheric fissures. Right carotid angiography demonstrated bilateral distal anterior cerebral artery aneurysms and a right middle cerebral artery aneurysm. All three aneurysms were clipped in a one-stage procedure. The patient was discharged without any neurological deficits two weeks after the operation. Bilateral distal anterior cerebral artery aneurysms are extremely rare. This is the first report of such aneurysms and a right middle cerebral artery aneurysm in association with polycystic kidney and liver disease. The etiology of these aneurysms is discussed.     

Coexistence of bilateral aneurysms of the internal carotid arteries and an arteriovenous malformation of the left frontal lobe

A 44-year-old right-handed man was hospitalized because of a subarachnoid hemorrhage. He was drowsy on admission and exhibited a left partial third nerve palsy, right hemiparesis, and selective motor aphasia. A large subcortical arteriovenous malformation involving the left frontal lobe was demonstrated by angiography. The malformation filled from either carotid system and from the vertebrobasilar system as well. In addition, there were two bilaterally symmetrical (mirror) aneurysms of each internal carotid artery. Computed axial tomography revealed a left intratemporal-intraventricular hematoma. Deterioration of the patient's clinical condition occurred a few days after admission. Improvement was obtained after removal of the hematoma at a left subtemporal craniectomy, at which time the ruptured aneurysm arising from the left internal carotid artery was clipped. Sixteen months later, the intact aneurysm of the right internal carotid artery was clipped, and the arteriovenous malformation was radically excised through a bifrontal (Pool) craniotomy with microsurgical technique and with the aid of intraoperative angiography. The patient remained with a fixed neurological deficit, as observed preoperatively.