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Thrombosed growing giant aneurysms of the vertebral artery: growth mechanism and management

Shinji Nagahiro Department of Neurosurgery, Kumamoto University Medical School, Kumamoto, Japan

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 M.D.
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Akira Takada Department of Neurosurgery, Kumamoto University Medical School, Kumamoto, Japan

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 M.D.
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Satoshi Goto Department of Neurosurgery, Kumamoto University Medical School, Kumamoto, Japan

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Yutaka Kai Department of Neurosurgery, Kumamoto University Medical School, Kumamoto, Japan

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Yukitaka Ushio Department of Neurosurgery, Kumamoto University Medical School, Kumamoto, Japan

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Page Range:
796–801
Volume/Issue:
Volume 82: Issue 5
DOI link:
https://doi.org/10.3171/jns.1995.82.5.0796
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✓ Results in three patients with thrombosed giant aneurysms of the vertebral artery are reported. Each of the aneurysms presented as a mass lesion. On postcontrast computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, each aneurysm demonstrated a patent lumen and intrathrombotic vascular channels. Two patients died and were autopsied, and the other patient was successfully treated. Pathological examination revealed that the aneurysms had staged clots, an open lumen, intrathrombotic channels with endothelial lining, and aneurysmal walls with intimal thickening. The authors suggest that the development of the intrathrombotic capillary channels may be an important factor in the growth of thrombosed giant aneurysm of the vertebral artery. Trapping of the aneurysm followed by aneurysmectomy appears to be the best treatment for this type of aneurysm.

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Volume 82: Issue 5

Contributor Notes

Address reprint requests to: Shinji Nagahiro, M.D., Department of Neurosurgery, Kumamoto University Medical School, 1–1–1 Honjo, Kumamoto 860, Japan.
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