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Radiographic and microsurgical characteristics of proximal (A1) segment aneurysms of the anterior cerebral artery

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Abstract

Background

Proximal A1 segment aneurysms of the anterior cerebral artery (ACA) radiologically resemble internal carotid artery bifurcation (ICBIF) aneurysms because of their anatomical proximity. However, proximal A1 aneurysms exhibit distinguishing features, relative to ICBIF aneurysms. We report our experience of managing proximal A1 aneurysms, then compare them to ICBIF aneurysms.

Methods

Among 2191 aneurysms treated between 2000 and 2016 in a single institution, we retrospectively reviewed 100 cases categorized as ICBIF or A1 aneurysms. We included aneurysms originating from the ICBIF and ACA, proximal to the anterior communicating artery (A1 segment) and divided them into two groups: proximal A1 (n = 32) and ICBIF (n = 50). If any portion of the aneurysm involved the ICBIF, it was classified as ICBIF. Aneurysms wholly located in the A1 segment were classified as proximal A1. Patient factors and angiographic factors were evaluated and compared.

Results

The proximal A1 group exhibited differences in aneurysm size (p = 0.013), posterior aneurysm direction (p = 0.001), and A1 perforators as incorporating vessels (p = 0.001). The proximal A1 group tended to rupture more frequently when the aneurysm was smaller (p = 0.046). One case of morbidity occurred in the proximal A1 group.

Conclusion

Compared to ICBIF aneurysms, proximal A1 aneurysms were smaller and directed posteriorly, with incorporating perforators. Because of these characteristics, it may be difficult to perform clipping with 360° view in microsurgical field. Therefore, when planning to treat proximal A1 aneurysms, different treatment strategies may be necessary, relative to those used for ICBIF aneurysms.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank to Dong-Su Jang, MFA (Medical Illustrator, Seoul, Republic of Korea), for his help with the illustrations.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurosurgery, Cerebrovascular Center, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 211 Eonju-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, 06273, Republic of Korea

    Chang Ki Jang, Joonho Chung, Yong Bae Kim, Chang-Ki Hong & Jin-Yang Joo

  2. Department of Neurosurgery, Cerebrovascular Center, Cheonan Chungmu Hospital, Cheonan, Chungcheongnam-do, Republic of Korea

    E-Wook Jang

  3. Department of Neurosurgery, Catholic Kwandong University, College of Medicine, International St. Mary’s Hospital, Incheon, Republic of Korea

    Kwang-Chun Cho

  4. Department of Radiology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea

    Sang Hyun Suh

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  1. Chang Ki Jang
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Correspondence to Jin-Yang Joo.

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Jang, C.K., Jang, EW., Cho, KC. et al. Radiographic and microsurgical characteristics of proximal (A1) segment aneurysms of the anterior cerebral artery. Neurol Sci 39, 1735–1740 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-018-3492-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-018-3492-1

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