Treatment of vertebral aueurysms distal to the origin of posterior inferior cerebellar artery by occluding the parent artery: a report of 2 cases and literature review

Abstract

Objective To summarize the clinical characteristics, therapeutic strategy and outcome of the vertebral aneurysms distal to the origin of posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA).Methods Two patients with vertebral posterior aneurysms distal to the origin of PICA, admitted to our hospital from January 2006 to January 2007 and received endovascular treatment of Gugliemi detachable coils (GDC), were submitted to a retrospective analysis of clinical features, radiological characteristics and therapeutic effects. Results Total occlusion was achieved in these 2 patients and no immediate complication occurred after the treatment. They were followed up for 3 months to 4 years; the postoperative digital subtraction angiography (DSA) revealed that the PICA was unobstructed and no rehaemorrhagia was noted. Conclusion Endovascular therapy with microcoil placement may be a safe and available alternative for the treatment of some complicated aneurysms of vertebral artery aneurysms distal to the origin of PICA, which is difficult to be clipped. Key words: Aneurysm; Vertebral artery; Posterior inferior cerebellar artery; Parent artery; Occlusion