Microsurgical clipping of true posterior communicating artery aneurysms.

BACKGROUND

"True" posterior communicating artery (PCOM) aneurysms are rare variants in which the aneurysm arises solely from the PCOM rather than the junction of the internal carotid artery and the PCOM.

METHODS

It is critical to note that for true PCOM aneurysms, the neck arises distal to the origin of the PCOM and therefore lies in what is traditionally an intra-operative blind spot. The PCOM must be followed posteriorly to visualise the aneurysm neck for microsurgical clipping.

CONCLUSIONS

A thorough pre-operative understanding of this unique anatomy is essential in minimising morbidity associated with microsurgical clipping of this aneurysm configuration.