Successful Surgical Resection of Spinal Artery Aneurysms: Report of 3 Cases

Abstract

Background: Spinal artery aneurysms (SAAs) are extremely rare lesions that can occur in isolation or associated with vascular malformations. Herein, we present 3 unusual cases of SAAs and discuss imaging, diagnosis, and surgical management strategies.

Case description: The first patient was a 57-year-old woman who presented with sudden onset of severe headache. Spinal angiography demonstrated an isolated anterior spinal artery (ASA) aneurysm at the level of the craniocervical junction. The second patient was a 27-year-old woman who presented with progressive bilateral pain of her lower limbs. The result of spinal angiography was consistent with an aneurysm at the level of L1. The third patient was a 26-year-old man who presented with bilateral weakness and numbness of the lower limbs. Spinal angiography revealed a conus medullaris aneurysm associated with an arteriovenous malformation (AVM). All these lesions were successfully managed with clipping or resection, and good outcomes were achieved.

Conclusion: Spinal artery aneurysms are rare lesions. Herein, we report 3 such cases and emphasize the importance of surgical management.

Keywords: Arteriovenous malformations; Spinal artery aneurysm; Surgical excision.