Traumatic false aneurysm of the middle meningeal artery causing an intracerebral hemorrhage: case report and literature review

Surg Neurol. 2002 Mar;57(3):174-8; discussion 178. doi: 10.1016/s0090-3019(01)00668-1.

Abstract

Background: Traumatic false aneurysms of the meningeal arteries are rare. We report an unusual case of an intracerebral hematoma caused by the rupture of a traumatic aneurysm of the middle meningeal artery.

Case description: A 64-year-old woman suffered a massive spontaneous intracerebral fronto-temporal hemorrhage. Cerebral angiogram revealed a pseudoaneurysm of the middle meningeal artery. At operation, a skull fracture was discovered in the vicinity of the aneurysm. The patient died the day after surgery.

Conclusion: Although rare, traumatic meningeal aneurysms should be considered as a possible cause of cerebral hematoma. Because of their potential morbidity and mortality, they must be detected and treated rapidly.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aneurysm, False / complications*
  • Aneurysm, False / diagnostic imaging
  • Aneurysm, False / physiopathology
  • Cerebral Hemorrhage, Traumatic / diagnostic imaging
  • Cerebral Hemorrhage, Traumatic / etiology*
  • Cerebral Hemorrhage, Traumatic / physiopathology
  • Cerebrovascular Circulation / physiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Meningeal Arteries / diagnostic imaging
  • Meningeal Arteries / injuries*
  • Meningeal Arteries / physiopathology
  • Middle Aged
  • Radiography