Giant posterior communicating artery aneurysm presenting as third ventricle mass with obstructive hydrocephalus. Case report.
The case of a giant posterior communicating artery (PCoA) aneurysm is reported in which the initial presentation was coma secondary to obstructive hydrocephalus. The primary radiological diagnosis was a probable craniopharyngioma. A cerebral angiogram revealed a partially thrombosed giant PCoA aneurysm on the right side. The patient underwent pterional craniotomy with aneurysm clipping and thrombectomy to relieve mass effect, and has made a good recovery. Review of the literature documents that giant PCoA aneurysms are rare. This is believed to be the first reported case of a PCoA aneurysm presenting as a third ventricle mass with obstructive hydrocephalus. The magnetic resonance imaging characteristics of those third ventricle masses that mandate vascular workup are discussed.
Smith
K A
KA
Division of Neurological Surgery, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona.
Kraus
G E
GE
Johnson
B A
BA
Spetzler
R F
RF
D001488:Basilar Artery / Q000473:pathology; D002340:Carotid Artery Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D002343:Carotid Artery, Internal / Q000473:pathology*; D002536:Cerebral Arteries / Q000473:pathology*; D002551:Cerebral Ventricle Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006849:Hydrocephalus / Q000175:diagnosis*; D002532:Intracranial Aneurysm / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008875:Middle Aged