Aneurysms of the distal anterior cerebral artery and associated vascular anomalies

Between July 1975 and July 1985, 20 patients with 24 congenital distal anterior cerebral artery (DACA) aneurysms were admitted to our institution and underwent microsurgical clipping of their aneurysms. This group composes 4% of the 588 aneurysms managed surgically during this period. The clinical presentations included subarachnoid hemorrhage, transient ischemic attacks, headaches, and seizures. Fourteen patients had additional vascular anomalies documented by angiography: multiple aneurysms, bilateral DACA aneurysms, arteriovenous malformation distal to incidental DACA aneurysms, and azygous DACA. Computed tomography was performed in 19 patients and was valuable in preoperative planning and prognosis: intracerebral hematoma and intraventricular hemorrhage were associated with poor preoperative grade and the development of vasospasm. Operative management, case morbidity/mortality, and the high incidence of multiple aneurysms and other vascular anomalies associated with DACA aneurysms are discussed. Because of the devastating effects of subarachnoid hemorrhage from these aneurysms, they should be carefully searched for and treated before hemorrhage occurs.