Intracranial dissecting aneurysms of the posterior circulation. Report of six cases and review of the literature

J Neurosurg. 1984 Nov;61(5):882-94. doi: 10.3171/jns.1984.61.5.0882.

Abstract

Dissecting aneurysms of the intracranial posterior circulation are unusual lesions that affect otherwise healthy young adults, are difficult to diagnose and manage, and carry a high morbidity and mortality rate. Headache in the suboccipital-posterior cervical region is the most common presenting symptom. The dissection usually occurs between the intima or internal elastic lamina and the media; subadventitial dissection does occur and accounts for the infrequent finding of subarachnoid hemorrhage. A deficit in the inner layers of the vessel is the proposed source of dissection. The angiographic features are inconsistent, although an irregularly narrowed arterial segment with proximal and/or distal dilatation are typical findings. Depending on the location of the dissection, the surgical options are: ligation, trapping, or reinforcement of exposed abnormal portions of the vessel. Anticoagulation therapy is not indicated in the management of this lesion.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aortic Dissection / diagnostic imaging*
  • Aortic Dissection / pathology
  • Aortic Dissection / physiopathology
  • Aortic Dissection / surgery
  • Cerebral Angiography
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intracranial Aneurysm / diagnostic imaging*
  • Intracranial Aneurysm / pathology
  • Intracranial Aneurysm / physiopathology
  • Intracranial Aneurysm / surgery
  • Male
  • Middle Aged