Thrombosis and subsequent recanalization of a ruptured intracranial aneurysm in 2 children, demonstrating the value of repeating catheter angiography after an initial negative study

J Neurosurg Pediatr. 2010 Apr;5(4):346-9. doi: 10.3171/2009.10.PEDS0966.

Abstract

The cases of 2 children with true aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhages (SAHs) and initial false-negative angiograms are reported. In both cases, the initial angiogram was of adequate technical quality and included the projections on which aneurysms were later documented. There was no significant vasospasm at the time of initial angiography; therefore, transient aneurysm sac thrombosis was the most likely explanation for the initial false-negative studies. It is particularly interesting to note that 1 of the 2 patients had a pattern of hemorrhage compatible with the most limited definition of a perimesencephalic SAH, that is, a small prepontine cistern hemorrhage. If a second angiogram had been deemed unnecessary based on that criterion alone, a ruptured basilar tip aneurysm would have escaped detection and treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Aneurysm, Ruptured / diagnostic imaging*
  • Aneurysm, Ruptured / therapy
  • Angiography, Digital Subtraction / standards*
  • Cerebral Angiography / standards*
  • Child
  • False Negative Reactions
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intracranial Thrombosis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Subarachnoid Hemorrhage / diagnostic imaging*
  • Tegmentum Mesencephali / blood supply
  • Tegmentum Mesencephali / diagnostic imaging