Abstract
OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE
The goal of this report was to describe aneurysms arising from the lateral spinal artery. The locations of aneurysms contributing to subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) have been well characterized and are primarily in the circle of Willis or at the bifurcation points of the internal carotid artery or the vertebrobasilar system. Although the spinal arteries are also in direct communication with the subarachnoid space, aneurysms of these arteries that lead to SAH are rare. To date, only aneurysms of the anterior and posterior spinal arteries have been described. In this communication, we report two patients with aneurysms of the lateral spinal artery who presented with SAH.
CLINICAL PRESENTATION
Review of our neurointerventional database from 1997 to the present revealed two patients with lateral spinal artery aneurysms. The medical records, as well as the operative and radiological findings, were reviewed for both patients. In both cases, the lateral spinal arteries were involved as collateral pathways for occlusive vertebral lesions, suggesting hemodynamic stress as a cause.
INTERVENTION
Endovascular treatment was attempted in both cases and was successful in one; open surgery, with aneurysm resection, was performed in the other case. We review the vascular anatomic features of the spinal cord as they relate to the lateral spinal artery, as well as treatment options for lateral spinal artery aneurysms.
CONCLUSION
Lateral spinal artery aneurysms are a rare cause of SAH. Both endovascular and surgical treatment options are available.
Clipping of Ruptured Aneurysm of Lateral Spinal Artery Associated with Anastomosis to Distal Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery: A Case Report
