Anterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysms: six cases and a review of the literature

Aneurysms of the anterior inferior cerebellar artery are rare. Six cases of anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) aneurysms treated at one center are presented. The six cases of AICA aneurysms were surgically treated. The clinical features, surgical process, complications, and follow-up are demonstrated. Six patients with six AICA aneurysms were presented including one AVM accompanied aneurysm and one giant aneurysm. Five aneurysms had ruptured, one was unruptured. Five patients presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) including two with intraventricular hemorrhaging and one with an intraparenchymal hematoma. One aneurysm was proximal, two were distal, and three were meatal. All cases were treated surgically. Retrosigmoid and far-lateral craniectomy were included. Navigation was accomplished through intraoperative ultrasound and fluorescent angiography. Resection of the aneurysm after clipping was significant. The most common postoperative deficit involved the cranial nerves in four patients. Follow-up was available for all patients for a mean of 68 months. SAH is the most common presentation. The relationship between the aneurysms and the meatus is an important factor for neurological dysfunction. 3D-CTA and MRA may be considered as diagnostic adjuncts. Several special surgical techniques used in our cases are worth noting. Endovascular therapy for AICA aneurysms is in the process of development and should be reserved for special cases.