Giant fusiform aneurysm of the cerebral arteries

Abstract

Giant fusiform aneurysm of the cerebral arteries was found in 11 patients during a 20-year period. The 7 males and 4 females ranged in age from 9 to 68 years (mean: 49 years). The supraclinoid segment of the internal carotid artery (ICA) and the M-1 segment of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) were the most frequently involved arteries. Multiple aneurysms were identified in 3 patients. Compression of adjacent intracranial structures was the usual cause of symptoms, and only 2 patients experienced subarachnoid hemorrhage. One patient presented with transient ischemic attacks. Computed tomography, with and without Hypaque infusion, clearly demonstrated the aneurysms in the 6 of 7 patients studied. Thrombus was invariably seen in the lumen of the aneurysm. Cerebral angiography in 11 patients displayed marked dilatation and elongation of the involved artery. The dilatation frequently extended into connecting arteries. Surgical treatment was carried out in 6 patients, including 2 with aneurysm entrapment and decompression, 2 with proximal ICA ligation, 1 with wrapping and 1 with wrapping and superficial temporal artery (STA) to MCA anastomosis. Death occurred in 2 patients not treated surgically.