Complex Anatomy, Advanced Techniques: Microsurgical Clipping of a Ruptured Hypophyseal Artery Aneurysm.

Background

Ruptured intracranial aneurysms remain the subject of debate in their management, but the management of lesions located at high-risk locations, such as the hypophyseal artery, continue to prove to be a challenge in anatomical orientation and proximity to vascular structures. While endovascular therapies have changed the treatment paradigms, microsurgical clipping is the gold standard for wide-necked aneurysms for which endovascular techniques may be suboptimal. The successful treatment of a ruptured hypophyseal artery aneurysm in an elderly patient is described in this report, which highlights the importance of advanced imaging, careful technique, and new understanding of personalized aneurysm management.

Methods

An 82-year-old woman was admitted with a thunderclap headache, alteration of consciousness and meningeal signs, suggestive of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). A non-contrast computed tomography (CT) and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) confirmed a saccular 12 × 10 mm aneurysm with a broad 3.13 mm neck arising from the hypophyseal artery. The location and morphology of the aneurysm required microsurgical clipping, which was performed through a right pterional craniotomy.

Results

Correct clip placement, complete exclusion of the aneurysm, and resorption of the subarachnoid blood were both observed on postoperative imaging. The neurological examination was completely normal, with no complications. Follow-up imaging at three months demonstrated stable, marked cerebral atrophy with compensatory ventricular enlargement without evidence of recurrence.

Conclusions

This case illustrates the important role of micro-surgical clipping in anatomically complex aneurysms and its sustainable outcome and accuracy in cases where endovascular practices would have limitations. Advanced imaging, like three-dimensional DSA and intraoperative tools, have revolutionized precision surgery, allowing achievement of optimal outcomes, even for more-complicated cases. With an evolving, dynamic field and exciting new technologies coming to the fore-such as artificial intelligence to predict rupture risk and augmented reality navigation-decision-making and treatment of complex aneurysms will be optimized along secure pathways towards tailored, high-resolution treatment in the sense of personalized and yet high-precision care.