A rare anomaly of the anterior communicating artery complex hidden by a large broad-neck aneurysm and disclosed by three-dimensional rotational angiography

Double fenestration of the anterior communicating artery (ACoA) complex associated with an aneurysm is a very rare finding and is usually caused by ACoA duplication and the presence of a median artery of the corpus callosum (MACC). We present a patient in whom double fenestration was not associated with ACoA duplication or even with MACC, representing therefore, a previously unreported anatomic variation. A 43 year old woman experienced sudden headache and the CT scans showed subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). On admission, her clinical condition was consistent with Hunt and Hess grade II. Conventional digital subtraction angiography (DSA) was performed and revealed multiple intracranial aneurysms arising from both middle cerebral arteries (MCA) and from the ACoA. Three-dimensional rotational angiography (3D-RA) disclosed a double fenestration of the ACoA complex which was missed by DSA. The patient underwent a classic pterional approach in order to achieve occlusion of both left MCA and ACoA aneurysms by surgical clipping. The post-operative period was uneventful. A rare anatomical variation characterised by a double fenestration not associated with ACoA duplication or MACC is described. The DSA images missed the double fenestration which was disclosed by 3D-RA, indicating the importance of 3D-RA in the diagnosis and surgical planning of intracranial aneurysms.     

Therapeutic decision and management of aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage based on computed tomographic angiography

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential of high quality computed tomographic angiography (CTA) to replace digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in cases of ruptured saccular aneurysms and perform early surgical clipping or coiling on the basis of CTA alone. In a prospective study, 100 patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) diagnosed by computed tomography underwent CTA. CTA revealed a total of 118 aneurysms including all ruptured aneurysms. A decision of direct surgical clipping, endovascular coiling or therapeutic abstention was made in 89 cases (89%) on the basis of CTA alone. Sixty-one direct surgical procedures were performed after CTA. Twenty-six cases underwent DSA for immediate endovascular treatment of the ruptured aneurysm. In 11 cases (11%), a DSA was performed prior to the therapeutic decision because of unclear aneurysm. Four cases were not treated because of initial poor clinical grade. The surgical findings were compared with CTA data and were considered accurate in all but one case. All patients underwent postoperative DSA within 10 days after SAH. The sensitivity and the specificity of CTA for the detection of all aneurysms, as compared with postoperative DSA, were 95.1 and 100%, respectively. A total of six unruptured aneurysms were missed initially, but were visible retrospectively on CTA in all but one case and were found in patients with multiple aneurysms in whom the ruptured aneurysm was detected by CTA. Current quality CTA allows reliable pretreatment planning for the majority of cases of aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage and diminishes the pretreatment evaluation time critically. Complementary pretreatment DSA is required in situations where CTA characteristics of the ruptured aneurysm is unsatisfactory.     

Disappearance and reappearance of a cerebral aneurysm: a case report

BACKGROUND: The false-negative rate of DSA in the setting of a ruptured cerebral aneurysm is approximately 15% (Topcuoglu M, Ogilvy C, Carter B, et al. Subarachnoid hemorrhage without evident cause on initial angiography studies: diagnostic yield of subsequent angiography and other neuroimaging tests. J Neurosurg 2003;98:1235-1240). Detecting these aneurysms is imperative to avoid repeat hemorrhage. Rarely, one is able to document the phenomenon of the disappearance and subsequent reappearance of the ruptured aneurysm. CASE DESCRIPTION: This is a case report of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in which a cerebral aneurysm of the M1 segment of the left proximal middle cerebral artery was initially detected by CTA at an outside hospital only to evade detection with both CTA and DSA at our institution. Repeat DSA 1 week later revealed the culprit aneurysm, which was then treated endovascularly. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with significant SAH and negative DSA findings should be considered for further diagnostic testing including CTA or repeat DSA. The current literature supports the strategy used at our institution of initial CTA and DSA in the setting of SAH, and then subsequent repeat DSA as warranted if the initial studies are nondiagnostic. Timing of repeat examination, as demonstrated in this case, should favor a shorter time course.     

Evaluation of vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage by use of multislice computed tomographic angiography

OBJECTIVE: Multislice computed tomographic angiography (CTA) can provide clearer vascular images, even of the peripheral arteries, than conventional CTA. Multislice CTA was compared with digital subtraction angiography (DSA) for the detection of cerebral vasospasm in patients with acute aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) to analyze whether multislice CTA can replace DSA in the detection of vasospasm after SAH. METHODS: Within 72 hours after the onset of symptoms, multislice CTA and DSA were performed in 20 patients with SAH. Multislice CTA and DSA were repeated on Day 7 to assess cerebral vasospasm. Regions of interest were established in the proximal and distal segments of the anterior and middle cerebral arteries on both multislice CTA and DSA images, and the agreement between the severity of vasospasm on multislice CTA and DSA images was statistically compared. The multislice Aquilon computed tomography system (Toshiba, Inc., Tokyo, Japan) used the following parameters: 1 mm collimation and 3.5 mm per rotation table increment (pitch, 3.5). RESULTS: The degree of vasospasm as revealed by multislice CTA correlated significantly with the degree of vasospasm revealed by DSA (P < 0.0001). The agreement between the severity of vasospasm on multislice images obtained via CTA and DSA in the overall, proximal, and distal segments of the cerebral arteries was 91.6, 90.8, and 92.3%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Multislice CTA can detect angiographic vasospasm after SAH with accuracy equal to that of DSA.     

Clinical utility of multislice computed tomographic angiography for detection of cerebral vasospasm in acute subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) has been used as the standard method for detecting cerebral vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Multislice computed tomographic angiography (CTA) is a relatively recent method used for evaluating the vasculature of the intracranial arteries. The purpose of this study was to compare multislice CTA and DSA for the detection and quantification of cerebral vasospasm after SAH, and to analyze the usefulness of multislice CTA. Eight patients with SAH underwent initial CTA with DSA within 72 hours after the onset of symptoms and follow-up multislice CTA and DSA 8 to 48 days after SAH. Five arterial locations were established in the A1 and A2 segments of the anterior cerebral artery, the M1 and M2 segments of the middle cerebral artery and the posterior cerebral artery (PCA) on both multislice CTA and DSA images. Vasospasm was classified as none, mild (up to 30% reduction in luminal diameter), moderate (31-60% reduction), and marked (at least 60% reduction) using the scale of Schneck and Kricheff. The multislice CT system used the following parameters: 1.25 mm collimation and 3.75 pitch with a 4-channel system. The degree of vasospasm revealed by the multislice CTA was significantly correlated with the degree of vasospasm revealed by DSA. In general, most discrepancies between CTA and DSA were in the detection of mild and moderate vasospasm. We found that the consistency between multislice CTA and DSA was greater for mild (100%, n=3) or moderate (100%, n=3) vasospasm than none (n=1) or marked vasospasm (n=1). However, it was unclear whether multislice CTA was more specific for a proximal location (A1, M1, PCA) or distal location (A2, M2) for evaluation of cerebral arteries. Multislice CTA can detect angiographic vasospasm after SAH with an accuracy similar to that of DSA. Multislice CTA is highly sensitive, specific and accurate in detecting mild and moderate cerebral vasospasm. It is less accurate for detecting no vasospasm and marked vasospasm. Therefore, the authors propose that multislice CTA be considered as a useful tool for the detection and management of intracranial vasospasm after SAH.     

Comparison of computerized tomography angiography and digital subtraction angiography in ruptured cerebral aneurysm surgery

Objective: The aim of the present study was to review the efficacy of 16‐row multislice computerized tomography angiography (CTA) in ruptured cerebral aneurysm surgery by comparison with conventional digital subtraction angiography (DSA). Methods: A systemic review of patients suffering from ruptured cerebral aneurysm was performed. We report the results obtained during the 19‐month period from April 2003 to October 2004. In total, 32 patients had undergone aneurysm surgeries, in which 11 patients had both DSA and CTA performed. Results: Among the 11 patients with both DSA and CTA performed, two aneurysms were missed in DSA in two patients. The sensitivity and specificity of CTA were 100%. The correlation of CTA with DSA in operative findings was 100%. Our CTA could detect the aneurysm size down to 2 mm in diameter. Conclusion: The diagnostic accuracy of 16‐row multislice CTA is promising and it compares well with DSA for detection and evaluation of ruptured cerebral aneurysms. It is safe and effective to establish treatment decision on the basis of CTA alone in the majority of cases.     

Value of the quantity and distribution of subarachnoid haemorrhage on CT in the localization of a ruptured cerebral aneurysm

Summary ¶Background. Computed tomography (CT) is the gold standard for detecting subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) for visualising the vascular pathology. We studied retrospectively 180 patients with subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) who underwent first non-enhanced computed tomography (CT), then digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and finally operative aneurysm clipping. Our aim was to assess if the location of the ruptured aneurysm could be predicted on the basis of the quantity and distribution of haemorrhage on the initial CT scan. Methods. 180 patients with SAH were retrospectively studied. All the CT and DSA examinations were performed at the same hospital. CT was performed within 24 hours after the initial haemorrhage. DSA was performed after the CT, within 48 hours after the initial haemorrhage. Two neuroradiologists, blind to the DSA results, analysed and scored independently the quantity and distribution of the haemorrhage and predicted the site of the ruptured aneurysm on the basis of the non-enhanced CT. DSA provided the location of the ruptured aneurysm. All the patients were operated upon, and the location of the ruptured aneurysm was determined. Findings. The overall reliability value (-value) between the two neuroradiologists for locating all ruptured aneurysms was 0.780. The corresponding value for the right MCA was 0.911, that for the left MCA 0.877 and that for the AcoA 0.736. Not all of the -values were calculated, either because the location of the rupture was constant or because the number of ruptures in the vessel was too small. Subarachnoid haemorrhage with a parenchymal hematoma is an excellent predictor of the site of the ruptured aneurysm with a statistical significance of p=0.003. Interpretation. The quantity and pattern of the blood clot on CT within the day of onset of SAH is a reliable and quick tool for locating a ruptured MCA or AcoA aneurysm. It is not, however, reliable for locating other ruptured aneurysms. Subarachnoid haemorrhage with a parenchymal hematoma is an excellent predictor of the site of a ruptured aneurysm.Published online July 23, 2003     

3-Dimensional computed tomographic angiography for use of surgery planning in patients with intracranial aneurysms

Summary Background. After subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) diagnostic evaluation of the underlying cause is warranted since the rebleeding rate is high. The objective of the study was to answer the question, whether 3-Dimensional computed tomographic angiography (3D-CTA) is able to accurately determine the surgical indications in patients with intracranial aneurysms. Methods. After performing 3D-CTA the size of the aneurysm, direction of the aneurysmal dome, neck position and variants of the circle of Willis were analysed. Surgery was performed solely on CTA data in those cases, where the aneurysm was clearly visible. If the findings were negative or inconclusive, intra-arterial digital subtraction angiography (DSA) was also done. Findings. Between January 2001 and December 2002 100 patients (68 F, 32 M) were examined and 123 aneurysms (86 ruptured and 37 unruptured) were diagnosed. All patients received CTA preoperatively and in 27 patients selective DSA was additionally performed. Postoperatively in 34 patients the operative result was checked by DSA. A good correlation between CTA and the intra-operative findings was present in 92 of 100 patients. One aneurysm was not seen on CTA, but was on DSA. In four cases we could confirm DSA findings in CTA after re-evaluation of the data. In three cases neither CTA nor DSA clearly showed an aneurysm, but it was confirmed during surgery. A good correlation between CTA and DSA was found in 60 of 61 patients (98%). The correlation between CTA and intra-operative findings was good as expected in 92 patients, in 5 patients an aneurysm was detected on re-evaluation. Only one aneurysm could not be demonstrated by CTA but in DSA. Conclusion. CTA is less invasive, less time consuming, cheaper and easier to demonstrate the essential information regarding the aneurysm than DSA. We therefore recommend that following a careful analysis most aneurysms – 92% – can be operated solely on CTA data. Contributed equally.     

Reversible cortical auditory dysfunction caused by cerebral vasospasm after ruptured aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage and evaluated by perfusion magnetic resonance imaging. Case report

A 52-year-old woman developed subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) caused by a ruptured right internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysm. Because of the aneurysm configuration, the authors decided to delay surgery and instead undertook serial imaging studies of the aneurysm. The patient remained alert but developed acute bilateral deafness on Day 7. Audiological examination and auditory brainstem responses suggested that the hearing disturbance was cortical in origin. Three-dimensional computed tomography (CT) angiography showed severe vasospasm in the right middle cerebral artery (MCA) and moderate vasospasm in the left ICA and MCA. Three-tesla magnetic resonance (MR) imaging was performed 2 days after the onset of symptoms. Diffusion-weighted and T2-weighted MR images showed an acute infarction in the right insular cortex caused by vasospasm. Perfusion-weighted MR imaging, particularly mean transit time mapping, revealed hypoperfusion in both temporal lobes including the auditory cortex and right auditory radiation. The vasospasm was treated with induction of mild hypertension and hypervolemia. Follow-up MR images, 3D CT angiograms, and audiometry performed 2 weeks after the first examination showed recovery of vasospasm and resolution of perfusion abnormality and hearing disturbance. On Day 26, the aneurysm was successfully occluded with clips and the patient was discharged with no deficits. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of reversible cortical auditory dysfunction purely due to bilateral cerebral vasospasm detected using perfusion MR imaging after SAH.     

Results of a prospective protocol of computed tomographic angiography in place of catheter angiography as the only diagnostic and pretreatment planning study for cerebral aneurysms by a combined neurovascular team

OBJECTIVE: At many centers, patients undergo both computed tomographic angiography (CTA) and digital subtraction angiography (DSA). This practice negates most of the advantages of CTA, and it renders the risks and disadvantages of the two techniques additive. Previous reports in the literature have assessed the sensitivity and specificity of CTA compared with DSA; however, these investigations have not analyzed the clinical implications of a protocol that replaces DSA with CTA as the only diagnostic and pretreatment planning study for patients with cerebral aneurysms. METHODS: Since late 2001/early 2002, the combined neurovascular unit of the Massachusetts General Hospital has adopted a prospective protocol of CTA in place of DSA as the only diagnostic and pretreatment planning study for patients with cerebral aneurysms (ruptured and unruptured). We report the results obtained during the 12-month period from January 2002 to January 2003. RESULTS: During the study period, 223 patients with cerebral aneurysms underwent initial diagnostic evaluation for cerebral aneurysm by the combined neurovascular team of Massachusetts General Hospital. Of the 223 patients, 109 patients had confirmed subarachnoid hemorrhage (Group A) and 114 patients did not have SAH (Group B). All of these patients were included in the prospective CTA protocol. Cerebral aneurysm treatment was initiated on the basis of CTA alone in 93 Group A patients (86%), in 89 Group B patients (78%), and in 182 patients (82%) overall. Treatment consisted of surgical clipping in 152 patients (68%), endovascular coiling in 56 patients (25%), endovascular parent artery balloon occlusion in 4 patients (2%), and external carotid artery to internal carotid artery bypass and carotid artery surgical occlusion in 2 patients (1%). Nine patients (4%) did not undergo treatment. The cerebral aneurysm detection rate by CTA was 100% for the presenting aneurysm (ruptured aneurysm in Group A or symptomatic/presenting aneurysm in Group B) in both groups. The detection rate by CTA for total cerebral aneurysms, including incidental multiple aneurysms, was 95.3% in Group A, 98.3% in Group B, and 97% overall. The overall morbidity associated with DSA (pretreatment or as intraoperative or postoperative clip evaluation) was one patient (1.3%) with a minor nonneurological complication, one patient (1.3%) with a minor neurological complication, and no patients (0%) with a major neurological complication. CONCLUSION: We have demonstrated promising results with a prospective protocol of CTA in place of DSA as the only diagnostic and pretreatment planning study for patients with ruptured and unruptured cerebral aneurysms. It seems safe and effective to make decisions regarding treatment on the basis of CTA, without performing DSA, in the majority of patients with ruptured and unruptured cerebral aneurysms.     

A giant thrombosed aneurysm of the anterior communicating artery which developed 18 years after clipping: a case report]

A 64-year-old man, who had undergone clipping surgery 18 years before for a ruptured anterior communicating artery (ACoA) aneurysm, presented with mild aphasia. A computerized tomography (CT) scan showed a subcortical hemorrhage in the left temporal lobe, and a high density large mass at the ACoA. Neuro-imaging study revealed a giant thrombosed ACoA aneurysm. Thrombectomy and neck clipping were successfully performed, using the interhemispheric approach. The patient was discharged without additional neurological deficits. A long-term follow-up study is thus considered necessary after neck clipping of a ruptured aneurysm.     

无蛛网膜下腔出血的大脑中动脉动脉瘤破裂

目的总结无蛛网膜下腔出血（SAH）的大脑中动脉（MCA）动脉瘤破裂的临床特点。方法对6例在首次CT扫描上表现为脑内出血（ICH），或壁内出血（IMH）而无SAH的MCA动脉瘤破裂患者的临床表现、影像学检查、治疗方法和预后进行回顾性总结。结果本组首次CT扫描时间为起病后0—2d，表现为单纯ICH者4例，IMH者2例。DSA和手术证实为MCA动脉瘤破裂。开颅动脉瘤切除1例，夹闭5例，其中4例同时行血肿清除术。术后无死亡。结论MCA动脉瘤破裂首次CT扫描可仅表现为ICH或IMH而无SAH，与动脉瘤的部位、出血量以及CT扫描时间相关。     

Cognitive deficits after rupture and early repair of anterior communicating artery aneurysms

Summary In a retrospective follow-up study covering a time period of four years 18 patients operated upon early for an aneurysm of the anterior communicating artery (ACoA) and a control group of 21 patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) from other sources than ACoA aneurysm and 9 patients with SAH of nonaneurysmal origin were subjected to neuropsychological examination. Both groups were comparable in their neurological condition on admission and in the severity of bleeding seen on CT-scan. Testing included memory functions, concentration, logical and spatial thinking, a Stroop-test, an aphasia screening test and a complex choice reaction task. Patients with SAH of a ruptured ACoA aneurysm did not differ significantly from the control group in any of the tests used. But there was a trend for the ACoA patients to have more memory problems than the patients with SAH of other origins. On the other hand the patients in the control group with aneurysmal SAH of other locations and with non-aneurysmal SAH had not significantly more problems with concentration and aphasia than the patients with ruptured ACoA aneurysm. These results, which differ from the common opinion of frequent occurrence of memory deficits in ACoA aneurysms are interpreted as a consequence of the changes in improved pre-, intra- and postoperative management in modern neurosurgery.     

The usefulness of 3D MR angiography in surgery for ruptured cerebral aneurysms

BACKGROUND

We have used magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) in screening for unruptured cerebral aneurysms since 1993. The development of high-resolution magnetic resonance (MR) imaging has led to a remarkable improvement in image quality. Three-dimensional (3D) MRA can be used for surgical simulation. Here, we report on the usefulness of and problems associated with 3D MRA for the surgery of ruptured cerebral aneurysms.

METHODS

Between June 1998 and June 2000, 106 patients with SAH diagnosed by 3D MRA underwent surgery. We compared 3D MRA images with operative findings and investigated the usefulness of this assessment tool.

RESULTS

In 48 of 106 cases (45.3%), we were able to perform surgery based on 3D MRA alone. By using the 3D images, we could easily detect the relative location of the aneurysm, its neck and the surrounding arteries. The remaining cases required further examinations because of uncertainty of diagnosis or insufficient information.

CONCLUSION

3D MRA is a safe and useful procedure for the diagnosis and surgery of ruptured cerebral aneurysms. However, in approximately half of all cases, 3D computed tomographic angiography (CTA) or digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is required in addition for the planning of surgery. It is important to use 3D MRA for surgery only after taking sufficient consideration of certain limitations peculiar to MRA.     

Simultaneous occurrence of subarachnoid hemorrhage and epistaxis due to ruptured petrous internal carotid artery aneurysm: association with transsphenoidal surgery and radiation therapy: case report

A 62-year-old woman presented with simultaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and massive epistaxis. The patient had been treated for pituitary prolactinoma by two transsphenoidal surgeries, gamma knife radiosurgery, and conventional radiation therapy since age 43 years. Cerebral angiography showed left petrous internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysm with slight stenosis on the adjacent left petrous ICA. She underwent superficial temporal artery-middle cerebral artery (STA-MCA) double anastomosis with endovascular internal trapping without complication the day after onset. Postoperative course was uneventful; the patient did not develop symptomatic vasospasm, recurrent epistaxis, or cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea. Postoperative angiography demonstrated complete disappearance of the aneurysm with patent STA-MCA anastomosis. The patient was discharged 2 months after surgery without neurological deficit. The present case is extremely rare with simultaneous onset of SAH and epistaxis caused by ruptured petrous ICA aneurysm. The transsphenoidal surgeries and radiation therapies might have been critical in the formation of the petrous ICA aneurysm.     

Ruptured aneurysm at the origin of the median artery of the corpus callosum associated with accessory middle cerebral artery--case report

A 62-year-old male presented with ruptured anterior communicating artery (ACoA) aneurysm manifesting as severe headache associated with the rare combination of median artery of the corpus callosum (MACC) and accessory middle cerebral artery (MCA). Computed tomography demonstrated diffuse subarachnoid hemorrhage. Left carotid angiography demonstrated an anomalous vessel originating from the ACoA complex and passing forward in the interhemispheric fissure between the two companion A2 segments. This vessel was identified as the MACC. Another anomalous vessel originated from the left A1-A2 segment and passed into the sylvian fissure. This vessel was identified as the accessory MCA. Left frontotemporal craniotomy was performed to clip the neck of the aneurysm. After identifying both A1 and A2 segments, accessory MCA, and the MACC, the aneurysm neck was occluded successfully. The ACoA complex is one of the most frequent sites of vascular anomalies. Preoperative and intraoperative care is required to identify the presence of anomalies of the ACoA complex prior to clip placement, to avoid accidental damage or clipping, which may result in severe neurological deficits.     

Cerebral vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage, and inhibitory effect of nicardipine investigated by means of transcranial Doppler ultrasonography]

Cerebral vasospasm is a major complication associated with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). However, real-time evaluation of vasospasm is very difficult via angiography, CT scan, and cerebral blood flow. In this study, for the evaluation of the arterial narrowing, the flow velocity in the middle cerebral artery (MCAFV) was measured with transcranial Doppler ultrasonography (TCD) in 41 patients with ruptured cerebral aneurysms which were repaired surgically within 48 hours after SAH. MCAFV was measured daily until the 25th day after onset. All patients underwent CT scan, angiography, and neurological assessments upon admission. To clarify the morphological changes of the cerebral vessels due to SAH, angiography was performed again about 10 days after surgery. For evaluation of the efficacy of treatment for vasospasm, 21 out of 41 cases were administered a calcium antagonist (4mg of nicardipine) through the cisternal drain every 12 hours for an average of 10 days. The other 20 cases did not receive nicardipine and served as controls. 15 patients with clinical symptoms had a rapid increase in MCAFV from the 3rd to 6th day after onset, and a high velocity of more than 150cm/sec continued for 7.6 +/- 3.6 days on the average. In marked contrast, 26 patients without clinical symptoms showed only a small increase in MCAFV of less than 110cm/sec. There was a significant correlation between the arterial narrowing of MCA and MCAFV (gamma = 0.72, p less than 0.01) except for 5 cases (12%).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Cognition following subarachnoid hemorrhage from anterior communicating artery aneurysm: relation to timing of surgery.

OBJECT: This study was conducted to define neuropsychological changes following operation for subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) caused by rupture of an anterior communicating artery (ACoA) aneurysm and to assess the influence of the timing of surgery to clip the aneurysm. METHODS: Cognitive outcome was evaluated using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery in patients with an ACoA aneurysm that had caused an SAH. Adult patients younger than 70 years of age who had achieved a favorable neurological outcome (Glasgow Outcome Scale scores of 4 or 5) were studied 6 to 24 months postsurgery. Patients were divided into early (Days 0-3) and late surgery groups (after Day 3) according to the timing of surgery after the ictus. Neuropsychological analysis was performed by reviewers who were blinded to the timing of surgery. Forty-seven patients whose mean age was 51.5 years were tested. They were compared with age- and intelligence quotient (IQ)matched controls by using premorbid IQ as estimated on the National Adult Reading Test. Patients showed deficiencies in several tasks of verbal fluency, pattern recognition, and spatial working memory; this profile of deficits was similar to that seen in patients who underwent temporal lobe excisions. However, there was no significant difference in cognitive performance between the early and late surgery groups. CONCLUSIONS: After open surgery for ruptured ACoA aneurysms, patients who have achieved a favorable neurological outcome still exhibit significant cognitive deficits, primarily in tests sensitive to temporal lobe dysfunction. However, early surgery does not carry a higher risk of neuropsychological disability.     

Midaortic syndrome and subarachnoid hemorrhage associated with ruptured middle cerebral artery aneurysm: case report and review of the literature

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: We describe the presentation, screening, management, and clinical outcome of a 21-year-old man who sought care for a ruptured middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysm and midaortic syndrome (MAS). Only three cases of MAS and intracranial aneurysm rupture have previously been described in the literature. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: Cranial computed tomographic (CT) scanning, cerebral and abdominal angiography, and multislice three-dimensional CT angiography were used to evaluate intracerebral hemorrhage and to assess medically intractable hypertension in the patient. Digital subtraction angiography revealed a right MCA aneurysm, and multislice three-dimensional CT angiography revealed narrowing of the abdominal aorta. INTERVENTION: The patient's right MCA aneurysm was successfully clipped via a right pterional craniotomy. A narrowed abdominal aorta was confirmed by an abdominal aortic angiogram (performed at Day 5 after surgery) and then dilated by using percutaneous transcatheter angioplasty during the same session. The patient was normotensive even without antihypertensive medications. Neurological examination and postoperative cranial CT findings were within normal limits at the last follow-up examination, performed 4 months after the operation. CONCLUSION: Our patient is the first reported case of ruptured MCA aneurysm with MAS in an adult. The most important problem in the management of MAS associated with ruptured intracranial aneurysm is medically intractable hypertension, which may markedly increase the incidence of rebleeding. It is hard to achieve normotension unless the narrowed aorta and its branches are dilated. For these reasons, MAS should be considered in patients with medically intractable hypertension associated with ruptured intracranial aneurysm.     

Time-related changes in the cerebral blood flow in subarachnoid hemorrhage due to ruptured cerebral aneurysm]

Cerebral blood flow (CBF) was determined by the 123I-IMP SPECT reference sample method in 39 patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) due to ruptured cerebral aneurysm. They were examined according to the time lapse after onset, severity, CT findings, and prognosis. These 39 patients were admitted to our medical center within 36 hours after the onset, and SAH and ruptured aneurysm were diagnosed by CT scan and angiography, respectively. Patients with intraventricular hemorrhage, intracerebral hematoma, and other severe complications were excluded. The stage of SAH was divided into three, by designating the day of onset as day 0: day 0-4 as the acute stage, day 5-20 as the subacute stage, and day 21 and after that as the chronic stage. Acute stage surgery was conducted within 48 hours after the onset on principle. Hyperdynamic therapy and cisternal drainage were conducted in severe case of SAH. The prognosis was evaluated with Glasgow outcome scale (GOS). The average CBF was 33.39, 29.44, and 33.15 in the acute, subacute, and chronic stages, respectively. These are values lower than the reference sample value, 43.39 (ml/100 g/min). Only a small number of cases, however, revealed vasospasm by angiography conducted in the acute stage. There was a correlation between the CT severity in the acute stage and the decrease in CBF. In the group with low density area (LDA) on CT due to delayed cerebral ischemia in the subacute stage, the average CBF was 28.28 and 23.95 in the acute and subacute stages, respectively. These values were significantly lower than 35.97 and 32.45, respectively, in the group without LDA.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)