Microsurgical clipping of ruptured basilar artery perforator aneurysms in the endovascular era: A single-center experience.

BACKGROUND

Basilar artery perforator aneurysms (BAPAs) are a rare subset of intracranial aneurysms, accounting for <1% of cases. The natural history of BAPAs is unknown, and a standardized management approach is lacking. This report presents the largest cohort of surgically treated BAPAs to date, addressing gaps in the literature and guiding management strategies.

METHODS

A single-center retrospective analysis was conducted utilizing a prospectively maintained, IRB-approved database, which included a series of seven consecutive patients treated for BAPAs. The dataset included patient characteristics, surgical details, postoperative outcomes, complication rates, and imaging and clinical follow-up data. It also featured case illustrations.

RESULTS

A total of seven patients were included, all presenting with subarachnoid hemorrhage. The median age was 60 years (IQR: 56.5, 69), and 57% were female. The most common location of the perforators was mid-basilar (43%). Five cases (71.4%) had aneurysms that went undetected on the initial angiogram. All patients underwent microsurgical clipping as their treatment. Post-surgery, oculomotor nerve palsy was observed in four patients (57.1%), and three (42.8%) experienced hemiparesis, which improved during their hospital stay. Follow-up diagnostic angiograms revealed a complete aneurysm occlusion of all aneurysms with no residual filling.

CONCLUSION

Microsurgical clipping is an effective treatment option for BAPAs when observation and endovascular interventions are not feasible. Treatment decisions should be guided by presentation, aneurysm characteristics, and overall risk profile. A multicenter registry is needed to establish standardized management guidelines. A multidisciplinary, tailored approach is recommended to optimize individual patient outcomes.