ANEURYSMS OF THE POSTERIOR CEREBRAL-ARTERY - DO THEY PRESENT SPECIFICCHARACTERISTICS

A series of 7 cases of PCA aneurysm treated between 1978 and 1992 were analytically reviewed together with 79 cases culled from the literatu re. In comparison to those localized elsewhere, PCA aneurysms are more frequently large, more frequently present with tumour-like symptoms a nd appear at an earlier age. Surgical outcome was evaluated in relatio n to clinical onset, site and size of the aneurysm, the surgical proce dures adopted for excluding it and pre-operative clinical grading. Con trary to aneurysms in other sites, only pre-operative clinical grading appeared to influence outcome. The fact that site, size and surgical technique do not significantly influence prognosis is probably due to the rich collateral flow present in the areas fed by the posterior cer ebral artery. The authors conclude that, clinically speaking, PCA aneu rysms should be considered as a separate group.