Growth of basilar artery aneurysm after ventriculo-peritoneal shunt.

We report upon two cases of obstructive hydrocephalus produced by giant basilar artery aneurysms. They initially presented with symptoms of increased intracranial pressure, and were managed by a ventriculo-peritoneal (VP) shunt with good symptomatic improvement. With time, however, both showed a gradual deterioration of clinical symptoms due to increased aneurysm size. One, with a basilar tip aneurysm was treated by direct neck-clipping of the aneurysm, and was able to return to work. In the other patient, with a basilar trunk aneurysm, endovascular occlusion of one vertebral artery was attempted in an effort to decrease the aneurysm size, but the aneurysm enlarged precipitating brain stem failure. In conclusion, these cases reveal the risk of the VP shunt, which may induce aneurysmal growth, leading to clinical devastation, and emphasize the importance of definitive treatment for giant cerebral aneurysms whenever possible.