Giant pseudoaneurysm of the extracranial vertebral artery: case report

Pseudoaneurysms of the extracranial vertebral artery are extremely rare due to their deep location and the anatomical protection of this artery. They can be caused by cervical traumas (firearm inhuries, sports, hyperextension of the neck and iatrogeny). The authors report the case of a patient who developed a giant pseudoaneurysm of the extracranial vertebral artery after surgery for the removal of a tumor of the cerebellopontine angle in which surgical lesion of the artery occurred. Treatment was performed by endovascular approach. Literature is reviewed and comments are made on the physiopathogeny of the lesion and the different forms of treatment.