Enlarging thrombosed aneurysm of the distal basilar artery

H. Hunt Batjer, P. D. Purdy

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

41 Scopus citations

Abstract

The case of a 65-year-old man who had partial left third nerve palsy is reported. Radiographic examination disclosed a completely thrombosed giant suprasellar aneurysm. Although an angiogram appeared to indicate that his aneurysm arose from the distal basilar artery, he was also noted to have an unusual and ectatic distal internal carotid artery on the left side, and this was also felt to be a potential source of the aneurysm. Operative exploration was performed and confirmed the basilar artery as the sight of origin, and definitive therapy was deferred. The patient's progress was monitored, and for 3 years his neurological course was stable and there was no change in his radiographic abnormalities. During the 6 months following this period, the patient developed signs and symptoms of progressing hydrocephalus and was found to have significant enlargement of his still completely thrombosed giant aneurysm. This complicated case highlights the controversy regarding the management of this difficult condition, particularly with regard to endovascular therapies, and also provides insight into the evolution of this dynamic disease process.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)695-700
Number of pages6
JournalNeurosurgery
Volume26
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 1990

Keywords

  • basilar artery aneurysm
  • enlarging giant aneurysm
  • thrombosed giant aneurysm

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery
  • Clinical Neurology

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