The choice of therapeutic strategy for intracranial dissecting aneurysm is often based on radiographic features, including characteristic geometry (e.g., irregular stenosis, segmental stenosis, aneurysm formation [pearl-and-string sign]), irregular fusiform or aneurysmal dilation, double lumen, and tapering occlusion. However, there is often a discrepancy between preoperative radiographic data and actual dissecting length. The present report describes three cases in which there was a discrepancy between preoperative radiographic data and actual dissecting length in patients undergoing direct trapping with or without revascularization. All three cases experienced good outcomes, but these cases underscore the fact that open surgery is a good option for management of ruptured intracranial dissecting aneurysms for determination of the rupture point, dissecting length, and the relationship between dissecting area and small arteries arising from the associated vessel.
Background:Although surgery for aneurysms of the upper basilar complex is generally accomplished by a pterional or subtemporal approach, both techniques have disadvantages. Therefore, attempts have been made to combine both the approaches, such as an anterior temporal approach, which exposes the anterior aspect of the temporal lobe during standard fronto-temporal craniotomy. However, in all these techniques, the temporal vein is sacrificed to allow posterior retraction of the temporal lobe, which may cause venous infarction in the temporal lobe.Methods:Our institutional review board approved this prospective study. We modified the anterior temporal approach for low-position aneurysms of the upper basilar complex by performing posterior clinoidectomy as necessary, thereby preventing the sacrifice of all vessels.Results:From 2007 to 2014, seven patients were operated on using this modified approach, and four patients underwent additional posterior clinoidectomy. Complete clip ligation was performed for all aneurysms without sacrificing any vessels, and there were no permanent complications attributable to manipulation for clipping or posterior clinoidectomy.Conclusions:The modified anterior temporal approach allows a wider operating field within the retro-carotid space, without sacrificing any vessels, and permits safer posterior clinoidectomy and aneurysm clipping in patients with low-position aneurysms of the basilar complex.
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