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Updated: May 7, 2026

Microsurgical Clip Obliteration of Middle Cerebral Aneurysm Using Intraoperative Flow Assessment
Published on: September 25, 2009
Moyamoya disease with posterior communicating artery aneurysm: a case report
Abstract:
In moyamoya disease (MMD), subsequent aneurysm in the proximal part of the posterior communicating artery (PcomA) is extremely rare. We report the case of a middle-aged female patient with MMD, who presented with a ruptured wide-necked aneurysm at the proximal part of the developed PcomA that converged with the posterior cerebral artery (PCA) and supplied the distal area. Endovascular treatment was performed, but the stent-assisted coil embolization resulted in occlusion of the internal carotid artery (ICA) above the ophthalmic artery and PcomA. Due to good compensatory collateral circulation, the patient was improved after surgery and had no complications. One-year followup DSA did not show recurrence of the aneurysm. The right ICA was still embolized, but with good compensatory collateral circulation. We conclude that, for an MMD patient with an aneurysm at the proximal part of the developed PcomA, if the ICA and PcomA are accidentally occluded, then the patient may still have a good prognosis due to sufficient collateral blood circulation.
Insights
Moyamoya disease patients with rare posterior communicating artery aneurysms can have good outcomes even if the internal carotid artery is occluded post-treatment, thanks to strong collateral circulation.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Vascular Surgery
- Radiology
Background:
- Moyamoya disease (MMD) is a rare cerebrovascular disorder characterized by progressive stenosis of the internal carotid arteries.
- Aneurysms in the proximal posterior communicating artery (PcomA) are an uncommon complication in MMD patients.
Observation:
- A middle-aged female MMD patient presented with a ruptured wide-necked aneurysm at the proximal PcomA, supplying the posterior cerebral artery (PCA).
- Endovascular treatment involving stent-assisted coil embolization led to unintended occlusion of the internal carotid artery (ICA) and PcomA.
Findings:
- Despite ICA and PcomA occlusion, the patient demonstrated significant improvement and no complications due to robust collateral circulation.
- One-year follow-up digital subtraction angiography (DSA) confirmed no aneurysm recurrence and persistent adequate collateral blood flow.
Implications:
- This case highlights that accidental ICA and PcomA occlusion during endovascular treatment for MMD-associated PcomA aneurysms may not lead to poor prognosis.
- Sufficient collateral circulation is a critical factor for favorable outcomes in MMD patients undergoing complex endovascular procedures.
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