[Memory disorders following rupture of anterior communicating artery aneurysm. 22 cases]

Twenty-two patients who underwent surgery for ruptured aneurysm of the anterior communicating artery were investigated by a battery of neuropsychological tests, including memory evaluation tests. According to the results obtained at these tests the patients were divided into three groups: 1) 7 patients had no memory disorders; 2) 10 patients presented with memory disorders affecting memory; their complaints concerned behavior, and the memory deficit was discovered at neuropsychological examination; 3) 5 patients presented with an obvious amnesic syndrome, and the tests confirmed a severe learning deficit and a severe forgetting while recognition remained normal in 4 patients. Age, residual lesions at CT and electrophysiological signs of focalization correlated well with the residual neuropsychological disorders. Leaving aside quantitative aspects, the memory deficits observed in the second and third groups seemed to be qualitatively different and might correspond to different anatomical and functional sequelae.