[Giant intracranial aneurysms].
OBJECTIVE
Terminology, concept, pathology and phisiopathology, clinical presentation, imaging diagnosis and treatment of the giant intracranial aneurysms are reviewed.


METHODS
Saccular, fusiform, dissecting and serpentine giant aneurysms are discussed. Giant saccular aneurysms are developed from small regular congenital lesions growing far away of their critical rupture size due to the reinforcement of their wall. Fusiform and dissecting aneurysms are formed after a wide rupture of some of their wall layers and, therefore, both of them are considered to have some similarities. Finally, serpentine aneurysms are rare lesions and their growing mechanism is still under discussion.


CONCLUSIONS
Any type of giant aneurysm represents a great deal for the neurosurgical management.
Gonzalez-Darder
J M
JM
Servicio de Neurocirugía, Hospital General de Castellon, 12004 Castello de la Plana, Espana. gonzalez_jos@gva.es
Pesudo-Martinez
J V
JV
Wiedermann
O
O
D000784:Aortic Dissection / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D017542:Aneurysm, Ruptured / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D002533:Cerebral Angiography / Q000379:methods; D002560:Cerebrovascular Circulation; D006801:Humans; D002532:Intracranial Aneurysm / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy