Multiple anterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysms associated with an arteriovenous malformation: case report

Abstract

Background: Multiple aneurysms of the proximal part of the anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) associated with a distal arteriovenous malformation (AVM) are extremely rare lesions.

Methods: A 52-year-old man was admitted because of sudden headache. Neurological examination revealed ataxia. Computed tomography scan showed a right cerebellar and subarachnoid hemorrhage. Vertebral angiograms demonstrated 3 small aneurysms at the proximal part of the AICA and distal AVM.

Results: A right-sided lateral retromastoid suboccipital craniectomy was performed. We observed strangulation and obliteration at the AICA due to multiple clipping for aneurysms. Thus, aneurysms could not be clipped. At 11 years after bleeding, vertebral angiograms showed that 3 aneurysms had slightly enlarged but the AVM remained unchanged. To date, the patient is still doing well except for dizziness.

Conclusion: This association is very rare at the AICA level, and definitive treatment of this association is sometimes complex.