ABSTRACT
The accessory middle cerebral artery (MCA) is an anomalous vessel which arises from the anterior cerebral artery (ACA) and runs through the Sylvian fissure along with the normal MCA. Here we present a case of acute cerebral infarction in a patient with stenosis of the accessory MCA. The accessory MCA, which originated from the proximal A1 segment of the ACA, had severe focal stenosis in its proximal part and the ischemic lesions were in the frontal subcortical white matter. This case illustrates the anomalous vessel and its territory, the atheromatous vascular change, and the related ischemic insults.
Subject(s)
Humans , Anterior Cerebral Artery , Cerebral Infarction , Constriction, Pathologic , Glycosaminoglycans , Middle Cerebral ArteryABSTRACT
Accessory middle cerebral artery (MCA) is an infrequent vascular anomaly of the brain. Cerebral aneurysms associated with this anomalous artery are also very rare. To our knowledge, there have only been ten previous reports of an aneurysm associated with accessory MCA. The authors present two patients with accessory MCA-related aneurysms. A 38-year-old male and a 59-year-old female both presented with sudden-onset severe headache. In both patients, computed tomography (CT) scan revealed subarachnoid hemorrhage. A subsequent angiogram demonstrated an accessory MCA arising from the anterior cerebral artery (ACA) and a saccular aneurysm at the anterior communicating artery (ACoA) complex associated with an accessory MCA. Surgical clipping allowed for complete exclusion of the aneurysm from the arterial circulation. Based on our review of the ten cases of aneurysms associated with accessory MCA documented in the literature, we suggest that accessory MCA-related aneurysms can be classified according to whether the accessory MCA originates from the proximal A1 segment or from the ACoA complex. We also emphasize the importance of precise interpretation of preoperative angiograms and intraoperative precaution in determining the presence of this anomalous artery prior to temporary clip placement.
Subject(s)
Adult , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Aneurysm , Anterior Cerebral Artery , Arteries , Brain , Headache , Intracranial Aneurysm , Middle Cerebral Artery , Subarachnoid Hemorrhage , Surgical InstrumentsABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Although there are several descriptions of this vessel, there is no detailed angiographic study of the accessory middle cerebral artery (AMCA) in Korea. We describe the angiographic characteristics of the cortical territory and origin of AMCA and discuss the clinical significance of this anomaly. METHODS: We searched for patients with AMCAs from a retrospective review of 1,250 conventional cerebral angiograms. We determined the origins, diameters and cortical territories of these AMCAs. RESULTS: Fifteen patients (15 of 1250 = 1.2%) had 16 AMCAs (one patient had bilateral AMCAs). AMCAs originated from the distal A1 in eleven cases, middle A1 in two, proximal A1 in two, and proximal A2 in one case. All AMCAs followed a course parallel to the main middle cerebral artery (MCA). All but three of these arteries were smaller than the main MCA. Thirteen of the smaller diameter AMCAs had cortical distribution to the orbito-frontal and prefrontal, and precentral areas. Three AMCAs had diameter as large as the main MCA. These three supplied the orbitofrontal, prefrontal, precentral, central and anterior-parietal arteries. CONCLUSION: The AMCAs originated from A1 or A2. Most had smaller diameter than the main MCA. The AMCAs coursed along the horizontal portion of the MCA, but supplied the orbital surface, the anterior frontal lobe and sometimes wider cortical territory, including the precentral, central, anterior-parietal areas.
Subject(s)
Humans , Arteries , Frontal Lobe , Glycosaminoglycans , Korea , Middle Cerebral Artery , Orbit , Retrospective Studies , Tranexamic AcidABSTRACT
The accessory middle cerebral artery (MCA) is a variation of the MCA branching, which originates from the anterior cerebral artery (ACA). It is deemed as an incidental anatomical finding and the incidence is reported to be 0.3% to 4.0%. Although the accessory MCA is infrequent it nevertheless may have important implications in the interpretation of transcranial Doppler (TCD) findings. We report two patients having an accessory MCA and its clinical significance.
Subject(s)
Humans , Anterior Cerebral Artery , Incidence , Middle Cerebral ArteryABSTRACT
Aneurysmal ruptures associated with middle cerebral artery(MCA) anomalies, such as a duplicated MCA and an accessory MCA, are quite rare. The authors reviewed the clinical relevance and possible etiology of these anomalies.
Subject(s)
Aneurysm , Aneurysm, Ruptured , Intracranial Aneurysm , Middle Cerebral Artery , RuptureABSTRACT
'Duplication of the middle cerebral artery' is a rere vascular anomaly of the brain. The authors experienced a case of duplication of the middle cerebral artery in a patient with a posterior communicating artery aneurysm. It was demonstrated by angiography and confirmed at surgery. The neck of aneurysm was successfully clipped. Postoperative course was uneventful.