Cerebrovascular bypass and aneurysm trapping for the treatment of an A2-segment anterior cerebral artery pseudoaneurysm and herniation through a skull base defect following trauma

Abstract

Fractures of the anterior skull base can lead to pseudoaneurysm formation as a result of direct injury to a vessel wall. Pseudoaneurysms in this location are challenging to treat, as both perforator and distal blood supply must be maintained. Additionally, traumatic skull base fractures can lead to a rare condition of cerebral blood vessel herniation through the bony defect, further complicating treatment planning. Treatment of these lesions is essential to (1) prevent the occurrence of potentially fatal subarachnoid hemorrhage and (2) prevent dissection from propagating and compromising blood flow to distal vessels, perforators, and even parent vessels. We present a unique case of a traumatic proximal anterior cerebral artery pseudoaneurysm, herniating through a skull base defect. Treatment consisted of aneurysm trapping and bypass with skull base reconstruction.