Rupture of intracranial aneurysm during carotid angiography.

The reports of rupture of an aneurysm during carotid angiography are very few but the actual incidence is doubtless higher than recorded. The case presented is documented with the demonstration of a large middle cerebral artery aneurysm with an intratemporal hematoma, and, in sequence, the rupture of the aneurysm during the height of the injection and the subsequent extensive leakage of the contrast medium. The factors which can lead to rupture of an aneurysm during the angiographic procedure are discussed.