Clinical Localization of Intracranial Aneurysms and Vascular Anomalies

Abstract

On the basis of an analysis of 285 aneurysmal tumors, the syndromes associated with aneurysms of the major intracranial arteries are discussed. Although pathognomonic syndromes are not present, the symptoms associated with aneurysms of the internal carotid artery, either below or above the clinoid process, are often sufficiently characteristic to suggest the diagnosis. Aneurysms of the anterior cereoral and communicating arteries often produce visual disturbances and with rupture, sudden coma. Aneurysms of the middle cerebral artery are commonly associated with hemiparesis. The dilatations of the basilar and vertebral arteries may cause cranial nerve irritation or brainstem involvement. Hemorrhage occurs from a vascular anomaly or angioma in 20% of such cases. The nature of the lesion may be suspected by a long history of previous epileptic phenomena.