Treatment of a giant carotid ophthalmic artery aneurysm by intravascular balloon embolization therapy.

This report describes the successful treatment by detachable balloon embolization therapy of a giant aneurysm arising at the left carotid-ophthalmic artery junction. Two previous surgical attempts to clip the aneurysm were unsuccessful and the aneurysm continued to enlarge leading to complete loss of light perception. After the placement of two detachable balloons within the aneurysm, there was thrombosis of the aneurysm with diminished mass effect. After 2 months the patient regained light perception and was able to count fingers in the nasal hemifield of her right eye. Detachable balloon embolization therapy may offer a form of alternative treatment for surgically difficult and inaccessible intracranial aneurysms.