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.
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.
Authors: Breno Nery; Ricardo Araujo; Bruno Burjaili; Timothy R Smith; Jose Carlos Rodrigues; Marcelo Nery Silva Journal: Surg Neurol Int Date: 2016-01-05