An unusual etiology of subarachnoid hemorrhage, basilar artery perforator aneurysms, in Macao: Three case reports and review of literature

World J Clin Cases. 2024 Jul 16;12(20):4337-4347. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v12.i20.4337.

Abstract

Background: Subarachnoid hemorrhage is a severe neurological condition that requires prompt and appropriate treatment to prevent complications. Aneurysms are the most common cause of spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage. Conversely, basilar artery perforator aneurysms (BAPAs) are a rare etiology. There is no consensus on the optimal management of ruptured BAPAs in the acute setting.

Case summary: We present a case series of 3 patients with ruptured BAPAs who were treated at our institution. Two patients had a modified Fisher grade of I, and one had a grade of IV on initial presentation. The aneurysms were detected by computed tomography angiography in two cases and conventional angiography in one case. The 3 patients underwent endovascular treatment with Guglielmi detachable coils. Post-treatment, the patients had good clinical outcomes, and follow-up brain computed tomography scans showed reduced subarachnoid hemorrhage without any new hemorrhage. However, one patient experienced a cerebral infarction 2 months later and eventually succumbed to the condition. The other 2 patients showed progressive recovery, and no aneurysm recurrence was observed at the 2-year follow-up.

Conclusion: Endovascular treatment may be a preferable approach for managing ruptured BAPAs compared with surgical intervention or conservative management. Early detection and prompt treatment is important to achieve favorable patient outcomes.

Keywords: Basilar artery; Case report; Endovascular treatment; Intracranial aneurysm; Subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Publication types

  • Case Reports