Ophthalmic Artery Aneurysm in a Cadaver: Case Report

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Vascular Surgery
• Neuroradiology

Background:

• The ophthalmic artery, originating from the internal carotid artery (ICA), supplies the orbit.
• Ophthalmic artery aneurysms (OAA) represent a small percentage of all intracranial aneurysms.
• Ruptured OAAs can lead to severe visual impairment, including blindness and ophthalmoplegia.

Observation:

• OAA diagnosis is typically achieved through CT angiography, MRI, or digital subtraction angiography.
• Patients with OAA are often asymptomatic until rupture.
• Rupture presents a significant risk of vision loss and neurological deficits.

Findings:

• Surgical treatment for OAA carries a high mortality rate, up to 25%.
• Endovascular approaches, particularly balloon-assisted embolization, demonstrate improved safety with lower mortality rates around 9%.
• Recent advancements in embolization coiling techniques have yielded even more favorable results.

Implications:

• Endovascular therapy is emerging as a preferred, safer treatment modality for OAA.
• Minimally invasive techniques are crucial for managing complex vascular pathologies in the orbit.
• Further research into advanced endovascular coiling may improve patient outcomes and reduce morbidity associated with OAA.