Intracranial aneurysms presenting as mass lesions

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Vascular Surgery
• Radiology

Background:

• Giant aneurysms in the carotico-basilar system exhibit distinct clinical presentations compared to smaller intracranial aneurysms.
• Their significant size can lead to mass effect, compressing adjacent neural structures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the unique symptomatology of giant carotico-basilar aneurysms.
• To emphasize the limitations of clinical examination in diagnosing these lesions.
• To underscore the essential role of radiology in diagnosis and characterization.

Main Methods:

• Review of clinical presentations and diagnostic approaches for giant carotico-basilar aneurysms.
• Emphasis on the necessity of advanced radiological imaging.

Main Results:

• Giant aneurysms present as space-occupying lesions, causing mass effects.
• Clinical examination alone is insufficient for accurate diagnosis, localization, and size determination.

Conclusions:

• Giant aneurysms of the carotico-basilar system require specialized diagnostic evaluation.
• Radiological procedures are indispensable for confirming the diagnosis and defining the anatomical details of these aneurysms.