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Updated: May 12, 2026
14:58
Comprehensive Endovascular and Open Surgical Management of Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations
Published on: October 20, 2017
Primary extracranial vertebral artery aneurysms.
Mark D Morasch1, Sachin V Phade, Peter Naughton
1Department of Vascular Surgery, St. Vincent Healthcare, Billings, MT 59101, USA. mark.morasch@svh-mt.org
Annals of Vascular Surgery
|April 2, 2013
Summary
Primary extracranial vertebral artery aneurysms are rare, often linked to hereditary disorders. Surgical intervention for symptomatic cases is recommended, with open and hybrid techniques showing low risks.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Neurosurgery
- Genetics
Background:
- Primary extracranial vertebral artery aneurysms are rare and poorly described.
- Often associated with trauma or dissection, but primary forms are even rarer.
- Management is challenging due to location and potential connective tissue abnormalities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the presentation of primary extracranial vertebral artery aneurysms.
- To detail the surgical management of these rare aneurysms.
- To evaluate outcomes of operative interventions.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective, multi-institutional review.
- Analysis of patients with primary aneurysms within the extracranial vertebral artery.
- Review of surgical techniques and outcomes.
Main Results:
- Seven patients (aged 12-56) presented with nine aneurysms between 2000-2011.
- All patients had underlying hereditary disorders (Ehler-Danlos, Marfan's, neurofibromatosis).
- Eight aneurysms were managed operatively using open or hybrid techniques, with no perioperative stroke or death.
Conclusions:
- Primary extracranial vertebral artery aneurysms are rare and associated with hereditary disorders.
- Operative intervention is indicated for symptomatic patients.
- Open and hybrid techniques offer safe and effective exclusion and reconstruction with low morbidity and mortality.
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