Blind Date with an Aneurysm: Acute M1 Middle Cerebral Artery Thrombus with Native Computed Tomography Scan Suggesting Aneurysm Rupture.

BACKGROUND

We present a case of a concurrent rupture of a middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysm and thrombosis of the associated vessel.

CASE DESCRIPTION: A male patient presented with acute onset of hemiparesis and nuchal pain. A computed tomography scan revealed a right sided frontotemporal intracerebral hemorrhage and a basal subarachnoid hemorrhage. Owing to obliteration of the M1 segment of the MCA, no aneurysm was visible on digital subtraction angiography. Because of otherwise typical imaging for a subarachnoid hemorrhage, surgical exploration of the MCA was performed. During surgery, a thrombosed MCA bifurcation aneurysm was identified, clipped, and subsequently, endovascular (partly) recanalization of the MCA was performed.

CONCLUSIONS

In extremely rare cases of aneurysm rupture and subsequent thrombosis of the associated vessel, a 2-stage approach seems to be feasible. In the present case, initial surgical securing of the aneurysm followed by endovascular recanalization of the occluded vessel provided good results.