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Basilar artery fenestration in association with aneurysms of the posterior cerebral circulation
1Department of Radiology, Radcliffe Infirmary NHS Trust, Oxford, UK.
Insights
Basilar artery fenestrations are linked to aneurysms. These vascular abnormalities may predispose individuals to aneurysm formation due to altered blood flow and vessel wall defects.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Vascular Surgery
- Radiology
Background:
- Aneurysms of the posterior cerebral circulation are a significant clinical concern.
- Understanding the etiology of these aneurysms is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between fenestrations of the basilar artery and the occurrence of basilar artery aneurysms.
- To explore the potential role of basilar artery fenestrations in aneurysm formation.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of patients with posterior cerebral circulation aneurysms over a 3-year period.
- Re-examination of angiograms from 103 patients to identify basilar artery fenestrations and associated aneurysms.
Main Results:
- Nine cases of basilar artery fenestration were identified, all associated with basilar artery aneurysms.
- In six of these cases, the aneurysm originated at the site of the fenestration.
Conclusions:
- Basilar artery fenestrations appear to predispose to aneurysm formation.
- Altered blood flow dynamics and defects in the vessel media at the fenestration site likely contribute to aneurysm development.
Abstract:
We reviewed all patients over a 3-year period with documented aneurysms of the posterior cerebral circulation, and re-examined the angiograms of 103 patients. There were 9 cases of fenestration of the basilar artery, all associated with aneurysms of the basilar artery. In 6, the aneurysm arose at the site of the fenestration. We believe that the presence of a fenestration predisposes to aneurysm formation, due to the combination of the resulting alteration in flow characteristics and the presence of a defect in the media of the vessel.