Related Experiment Videos
[Giant atherosclerotic aneurysm. A case report].
O López-Bernal1, F L Moreno-Martínez, H Salazar-Ferrer
1Hospital General Provincial Docente Roberto Rodríguez de Morón, Ciego de Avila, Cuba. moreno@cardiovc.vcl.sld.cu
Revista De Neurologia
|March 18, 2003
Summary
A rare, large atherosclerotic intracranial aneurysm on the basilar artery caused severe neurological symptoms and death in a 75-year-old woman. This case highlights the importance of considering rare aneurysm types in patients with complex symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Vascular Neurology
- Pathology
Background:
- Intracranial aneurysms are common but often asymptomatic, sometimes diagnosed post-mortem.
- Saccular aneurysms are most frequent; atherosclerotic aneurysms are rare.
- Atherosclerotic aneurysms can grow large and present with significant complications.
Observation:
- A 75-year-old female with hypertension and coronary artery disease presented with dysphagia and dysarthria.
- Acute onset of headache, vertigo, nausea, and vomiting preceded neurological decline.
- Neurological examination revealed somnolence, dysarthria, and progressive hemiparesis, followed by respiratory sepsis.
Findings:
- Necropsy identified a large (31 mm) atherosclerotic intracranial aneurysm on the basilar artery.
- The aneurysm's size and location likely contributed to the patient's severe symptoms and fatal outcome.
- This case underscores the diagnostic challenges posed by rare intracranial pathologies.
Implications:
- Highlights the critical need for timely diagnosis and management of rare intracranial aneurysms.
- Emphasizes the potential for atherosclerotic aneurysms to cause devastating neurological deficits.
- Suggests further research into the pathogenesis and clinical presentation of atherosclerotic intracranial aneurysms.