CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 · Arquivos Brasileiros de Neurocirurgia: Brazilian Neurosurgery 2018; 37(03): 263-266
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1670697
Case Report | Relato de Caso
Thieme Revinter Publicações Ltda Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Ruptured Bilateral Pericallosal Artery Aneurysm in Mirror Position: Case Report

Aneurisma roto de artéria pericalosa bilateral em espelho: Relato de caso
Lucas Crociati Meguins
1   Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Neurological Sciences, Hospital de Base, Faculdade de Medicina de São José do RioPreto, São José do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil
,
Linoel Curado Valsechi
1   Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Neurological Sciences, Hospital de Base, Faculdade de Medicina de São José do RioPreto, São José do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil
,
Ronaldo Brasileiro de Miranda Batista Fernandes
1   Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Neurological Sciences, Hospital de Base, Faculdade de Medicina de São José do RioPreto, São José do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil
,
Dionei Freitas Morais
1   Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Neurological Sciences, Hospital de Base, Faculdade de Medicina de São José do RioPreto, São José do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil
,
Antonio Ronaldo Spotti
1   Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Neurological Sciences, Hospital de Base, Faculdade de Medicina de São José do RioPreto, São José do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Address for correspondence

Linoel Curado Valsechi, MD
Divisão de Neurocirurgia, Departamento de Ciências Neurológicas, Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto, Avenida Brigadeiro Faria Lima 5.416
Vila São Pedro15090-000, São José do Rio Preto, SP
Brazil   

Publication History

07 February 2018

11 June 2018

Publication Date:
18 October 2018 (online)

 

Abstract

Introduction Pericallosal artery (PA) aneurysms represent 2 to 9% of all intracranial aneurysms, and their management remains difficult.

Objective The aim of the present study is to describe the case of an adult woman with subarachnoid hemorrhage and bilateral PA aneurysm in mirror position.

Case Report A 46-year-old woman was referred to our institution 20 days after a sudden severe headache. She informed that she was treating her arterial hypertension irregularly, and consumed ∼ 20 cigarettes/day. The patient was neurologically intact at admission. A non-contrast computed tomography (CT) on the first day of the onset of the symptoms revealed hydrocephaly and subarachnoid hemorrhage (Fisher III). An angio-CT/digital subtraction arteriography showed bilateral PA aneurysms in mirror position. The patient was successfully treated with surgery via the right interhemispheric approach (because the surgeon is right-handed); the surgeon performed the proximal control with temporary clipping, and introduced an external ventricular drain at the end of the surgery. The patient was discharged on the fourth postoperative day without any additional neurological deficits or ventricular shunts.

Conclusion Ruptured PA aneurysm is a surgically challenging aneurysm due to the many anatomical nuances and risk of rebleeding. However, the operative management of ruptured bilateral PA aneurysms is feasible and effective.


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Resumo

Introdução Os aneurismas de artéria pericalosa (AP) representam 2 a 9% de todos os aneurismas e seu manejo permanece difícil.

Objetivo O objetivo do presente estudo é descrever o caso de uma mulher adulta com hemorragia subaracnóidea e aneurisma bilateral de AP em posição de espelho.

Relato do Caso Uma mulher de 46 anos foi encaminhada para nossa instituição 20 dias após dor de cabeça severa repentina. Ela informou que estava tratando sua hipertensão arterial de forma irregular e consumia 20 cigarros / dia. A paciente estava neurologicamente intacta na admissão. A tomografia computadorizada (TC) sem contraste no primeiro dia do início dos sintomas revelaram hidrocefalia e hemorragia subaracnóidea (Fisher III). Uma Angiotomografia de crânio e arteriografia por subtração digital mostraram aneurismas bilaterais de AP em espelho. O paciente foi tratado com sucesso por meio de cirurgia através de acesso inter-hemisférico pela direita (pois o cirurgião é destro); o cirurgião realizou o controle proximal com clipagem temporária e introduziu dreno ventricular externo no final da cirurgia. A paciente recebeu alta no quarto dia de pós-operatório sem déficits neurológicos adicionais ou shunts ventriculares.

Conclusão O aneurisma de AP roto é um aneurisma cirurgicamente desafiador devido às muitas nuances anatômicas e risco de ressangramento. No entanto, o manejo cirúrgico de aneurismas de AP bilateral roto é viável e eficaz.


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Introduction

Distal anterior cerebral artery aneurysms, also known as pericallosal artery (PA) aneurysms, are located on the anterior cerebral artery distal to the anterior communicating artery.[1] These aneurysms represent ∼ 6% of all intracranial aneurysms and 4% of those that rupture.[2] [3] [4] [5] [6] Mirror aneurysms are paired aneurysms found with similar distributions on bilateral intracranial arteries. The frequency of mirror aneurysms is unknown. Estimates range from less than 5% of all patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms to as many as 40% of patients with multiple unruptured intracranial aneurysms.[7] [8] The most common distribution for mirror aneurysms is the middle cerebral artery (34%) followed by the non-cavernous internal carotid artery (32%), the posterior communicating artery (16%), the cavernous internal carotid artery (13%), the anterior cerebral artery/anterior communicating artery (3%), and the vertebrobasilar circulation (2%).[9] Bilateral PA aneurysm in mirror position is an extremely rare condition.

The aim of the present study is to describe the case of an adult woman with subarachnoid hemorrhage and bilateral PA aneurysm in mirror position.


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Case Report

A 46-year-old woman was referred to our institution 20 days after a sudden severe headache. She informed that she was treating her arterial hypertension irregularly, and consumed ∼ 20 cigarettes/day. The patient was neurologically intact at admission. A non-contrast computed tomography (CT) on the first day of the onset of the symptoms revealed hydrocephaly and subarachnoid hemorrhage (Fisher III) ([Fig. 1]). An angio-CT/digital subtraction arteriography showed bilateral PA aneurysms in mirror position ([Fig. 2], [Fig. 3]). The patient was successfully treated with surgery via the right interhemispheric approach (because the surgeon is right-handed); the surgeon performed the proximal control with temporary clipping, and introduced an external ventricular drain at the end of the surgery ([Fig. 4]). The patient was discharged on the fourth postoperative day without any additional neurological deficits or ventricular shunts.

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Fig. 1 Non-contrast computed tomography with hydrocephaly and subarachnoid hemorrhage (Fisher III).
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Fig. 2 Angio-computed tomography showing bilateral pericallosal artery aneurysms in mirror position.
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Fig. 3 Arteriography showing bilateral pericallosal artery aneurysms in mirror position.
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Fig. 4 Intraoperative bilateral pericallosal artery aneurysms in mirror position.

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Discussion

Pericallosal artery aneurysms represent ∼ 6% of all intracranial aneurysms and 4% of those that rupture.[2] [3] [4] [5] [6] When associated with subarachnoid hemorrhage, PA aneurysms may be technically difficult to clip because of the narrow exposure afforded by an interhemispheric approach, and because of the difficulty to control the parent artery, as well as the fact that a bridging vein must be sacrificed in order for the adequate surgical exposure to be achieved. Furthermore, many patients suffer intraoperative hemorrhage. As a consequence, the surgical morbidity has been reported to be relatively high, with incidences ranging from 0 to 25%.[10] [11] [12] [13]

According to Lee and colleagues,[14] the successful surgical treatment of PA aneurysms depends on the precise understanding of their unique microsurgical anatomy, on the avoidance of pitfalls, and on the surgeon's experience. The performance of an atraumatic opening of the interhemispheric fissure, the preservation of major draining veins, the accurate localization of the aneurysm, and the early exposure of the proximal segment A2 of the anterior cerebral artery are all unavoidable and necessary steps for a safe and adequate clip placement. Additionally, Lehecka and colleagues[6] discussed the importance of meticulous dissection toward the aneurysm and of projecting the dome as relevant points for a successful operation.

Bilateral PA aneurysm in mirror position is an extremely uncommon situation. Niijima and colleagues,[15] in 1989, described the case of a 47-year-old woman who presented a ruptured bilateral PA aneurysm in mirror position that was successfully treated using the interhemispheric approach. The authors discussed that cigarette smoking and chronic uncontrolled arterial hypertension may be possible predisposing factors for bilateral intracranial aneurysm and rupture.

In the present investigation, we described the case of a 46-year-old woman who presented acute severe headache associated with subarachnoid hemorrhage and bilateral PA aneurysm in mirror position. She mentioned she was a heavy smoker (around 20 cigarettes/day) and treated her arterial hypertension irregularly. The patient was surgically treated via a right interhemispheric approach, and was discharged without any additional neurological deficits.

In conclusion, the authors highlight that ruptured bilateral PA aneurysm in mirror position is an extremely rare condition, and the success of the treatment depends on a meticulous microsurgical technique, on the surgeon's experience, and on the avoidance of unnecessary maneuvers.


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Conflict of Interests

The authors have none to disclose.

  • References

  • 1 Perlmutter D, Rhoton Jr AL. Microsurgical anatomy of the distal anterior cerebral artery. J Neurosurg 1978; 49 (02) 204-228
  • 2 Sekerci Z, Sanlı M, Ergün R, Oral N. Aneurysms of the distal anterior cerebral artery: a clinical series. Neurol Neurochir Pol 2011; 45 (02) 115-120
  • 3 Sun GQ, Jin SG, Fu TK, Chen XT, Xu Z. Diagnosis and treatment of pericallosal artery aneurysms. Neurol Neurochir Pol 2018; 52 (01) 25-28
  • 4 Keston P, White PM, Horribine L, Sellar R. The endovascular management of pericallosal artery aneurysms. J Neuroradiol 2004; 31 (05) 384-390
  • 5 Mazurowski W, Krajewski R. [Aneurysms of the pericallosal artery and its branches]. Neurol Neurochir Pol 1985; 19 (06) 490-494
  • 6 Lehecka M, Dashti R, Lehto H, Kivisaari R, Niemelä M, Hernesniemi J. Distal anterior cerebral artery aneurysms. Acta Neurochir Suppl (Wien) 2010; 107: 15-26
  • 7 Baccin CET, Krings T, Alvarez H, Ozanne A, Lasjaunias P. Multiple mirror-like intracranial aneurysms. Report of a case and review of the literature. Acta Neurochir (Wien) 2006; 148 (10) 1091-1095 , discussion 1095
  • 8 Rinne J, Hernesniemi J, Niskanen M, Vapalahti M. Analysis of 561 patients with 690 middle cerebral artery aneurysms: anatomic and clinical features as correlated to management outcome. Neurosurgery 1996; 38 (01) 2-11
  • 9 Meissner I, Torner J, Huston III J. , et al; International Study of Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms Investigators. Mirror aneurysms: a reflection on natural history. J Neurosurg 2012; 116 (06) 1238-1241
  • 10 Chalif DJ, Weinberg JS. Surgical treatment of aneurysms of the anterior cerebral artery. Neurosurg Clin N Am 1998; 9 (04) 797-821
  • 11 Hernesniemi J, Tapaninaho A, Vapalahti M, Niskanen M, Kari A, Luukkonen M. Saccular aneurysms of the distal anterior cerebral artery and its branches. Neurosurgery 1992; 31 (06) 994-998 , discussion 998–999
  • 12 Martines F, Blundo C, Chiappetta F. Surgical treatment of the distal anterior cerebral artery aneurysms. J Neurosurg Sci 1996; 40 (3-4): 189-194
  • 13 Proust F, Toussaint P, Hannequin D, Rabenenoïna C, Le Gars D, Fréger P. Outcome in 43 patients with distal anterior cerebral artery aneurysms. Stroke 1997; 28 (12) 2405-2409
  • 14 Lee JW, Lee KC, Kim YB, Huh SK. Surgery for distal anterior cerebral artery aneurysms. Surg Neurol 2008; 70 (02) 153-159 , discussion 159
  • 15 Niijima KH, Yonekawa Y, Kawano T. [Bilateral pericallosal artery aneurysms in a mirror position]. No Shinkei Geka 1989; 17 (08) 779-781

Address for correspondence

Linoel Curado Valsechi, MD
Divisão de Neurocirurgia, Departamento de Ciências Neurológicas, Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto, Avenida Brigadeiro Faria Lima 5.416
Vila São Pedro15090-000, São José do Rio Preto, SP
Brazil   

  • References

  • 1 Perlmutter D, Rhoton Jr AL. Microsurgical anatomy of the distal anterior cerebral artery. J Neurosurg 1978; 49 (02) 204-228
  • 2 Sekerci Z, Sanlı M, Ergün R, Oral N. Aneurysms of the distal anterior cerebral artery: a clinical series. Neurol Neurochir Pol 2011; 45 (02) 115-120
  • 3 Sun GQ, Jin SG, Fu TK, Chen XT, Xu Z. Diagnosis and treatment of pericallosal artery aneurysms. Neurol Neurochir Pol 2018; 52 (01) 25-28
  • 4 Keston P, White PM, Horribine L, Sellar R. The endovascular management of pericallosal artery aneurysms. J Neuroradiol 2004; 31 (05) 384-390
  • 5 Mazurowski W, Krajewski R. [Aneurysms of the pericallosal artery and its branches]. Neurol Neurochir Pol 1985; 19 (06) 490-494
  • 6 Lehecka M, Dashti R, Lehto H, Kivisaari R, Niemelä M, Hernesniemi J. Distal anterior cerebral artery aneurysms. Acta Neurochir Suppl (Wien) 2010; 107: 15-26
  • 7 Baccin CET, Krings T, Alvarez H, Ozanne A, Lasjaunias P. Multiple mirror-like intracranial aneurysms. Report of a case and review of the literature. Acta Neurochir (Wien) 2006; 148 (10) 1091-1095 , discussion 1095
  • 8 Rinne J, Hernesniemi J, Niskanen M, Vapalahti M. Analysis of 561 patients with 690 middle cerebral artery aneurysms: anatomic and clinical features as correlated to management outcome. Neurosurgery 1996; 38 (01) 2-11
  • 9 Meissner I, Torner J, Huston III J. , et al; International Study of Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms Investigators. Mirror aneurysms: a reflection on natural history. J Neurosurg 2012; 116 (06) 1238-1241
  • 10 Chalif DJ, Weinberg JS. Surgical treatment of aneurysms of the anterior cerebral artery. Neurosurg Clin N Am 1998; 9 (04) 797-821
  • 11 Hernesniemi J, Tapaninaho A, Vapalahti M, Niskanen M, Kari A, Luukkonen M. Saccular aneurysms of the distal anterior cerebral artery and its branches. Neurosurgery 1992; 31 (06) 994-998 , discussion 998–999
  • 12 Martines F, Blundo C, Chiappetta F. Surgical treatment of the distal anterior cerebral artery aneurysms. J Neurosurg Sci 1996; 40 (3-4): 189-194
  • 13 Proust F, Toussaint P, Hannequin D, Rabenenoïna C, Le Gars D, Fréger P. Outcome in 43 patients with distal anterior cerebral artery aneurysms. Stroke 1997; 28 (12) 2405-2409
  • 14 Lee JW, Lee KC, Kim YB, Huh SK. Surgery for distal anterior cerebral artery aneurysms. Surg Neurol 2008; 70 (02) 153-159 , discussion 159
  • 15 Niijima KH, Yonekawa Y, Kawano T. [Bilateral pericallosal artery aneurysms in a mirror position]. No Shinkei Geka 1989; 17 (08) 779-781

Zoom Image
Fig. 1 Non-contrast computed tomography with hydrocephaly and subarachnoid hemorrhage (Fisher III).
Zoom Image
Fig. 2 Angio-computed tomography showing bilateral pericallosal artery aneurysms in mirror position.
Zoom Image
Fig. 3 Arteriography showing bilateral pericallosal artery aneurysms in mirror position.
Zoom Image
Fig. 4 Intraoperative bilateral pericallosal artery aneurysms in mirror position.