Giant basilar artery aneurysm with intramural hemorrhage and then disastrous hemorrhage: case report.

Abstract

Intracranial giant aneurysms have been considered to grow by recurrence of intramural hemorrhage of the aneurysmal wall. However, it remains uncertain whether rupture of giant aneurysms is brought about by the same mechanism that causes the rupture of smaller saccular aneurysms. It is also unclear whether intramural hemorrhage is correlated with the rupture of giant aneurysms. A 67-year-old woman was admitted with symptoms of gait disturbance and dementia. Computed tomographic scans revealed a large mass located in the prepontine region and extending into the third ventricle as well as moderate dilatation of the lateral ventricles. Angiography demonstrated a giant basilar tip aneurysm and multiple aneurysms located in the bilateral anterior and middle cerebral arteries. Ventriculoperitoneal shunting was scheduled, but subarachnoid and intraventricular hemorrhage occurred and the patient died. Computed tomographic scans, performed immediately before the disastrous hemorrhage, displayed intramural hemorrhage in the wall of the giant basilar tip aneurysm. Ventricular drainage was performed, but the patient died. It seems probable that intramural hemorrhage of the aneurysmal wall may cause both the growth and rupture of intracranial giant aneurysms.