Ruptured small cerebral aneurysm occurring at the fenestration of the A1 portion of the anterior cerebral artery, combined with accessory middle cerebral artery branching from the crus: A case report.

Background: Cerebral aneurysms arising from fenestration of the A1 portion of the anterior cerebral artery (ACA) (A1 fenestration) with the accessory middle cerebral artery (MCA) is rare. Herein, we report a ruptured cerebral aneurysm arising from A1 fenestration combined with the accessory MCA that was successfully treated with coil embolization. Case Description: A 51-year-old woman suddenly experienced a severe occipital headache and was admitted to our hospital. Detailed examination revealed subarachnoid hemorrhage due to a cerebral aneurysm arising from A1 fenestration combined with the accessory MCA. Hence, coil embolization was performed, and a favorable outcome was obtained. Conclusion: Coil embolization of the cerebral aneurysm arising from the A1 fenestration of the ACA combined with the accessory MCA is considered to be useful.

Case report: Endovascular coil embolization of an aneurysm at the origin of the accessory middle cerebral artery from the A1 segment as the collateral artery to twigs.

An aneurysm at the origin of the accessory middle cerebral artery (AccMCA) from the A1 segment of the anterior cerebral artery (ACA) as the supplying artery of a twig-like MCA is exceptional. In this study, we reported on such a case and presented a review of the relevant literature. A 56-year-old male suffered a subarachnoid hemorrhage. Digital subtraction angiography confirmed a twig-like MCA and a ruptured aneurysm at the origin of the AccMCA. Endovascular coil embolization of the aneurysm was performed. After the microcatheter was positioned in the aneurysm, soft coils were delivered to complete the embolization. Postoperatively, the patient recovered uneventfully. One month later, the patient returned to his job without any neurological deficits. Postoperative computed tomography at the 3-month follow-up showed that the brain tissue was normal. By reporting our case and reviewing the relevant literature, we found that endovascular coil embolization for such aneurysms at the AccMCA origin is feasible in certain cases.

A1 Segment Unruptured Aneurysm of Persistent Primitive Olfactory Artery Coexisted with Accessory Middle Cerebral Artery.

A persistent primitive olfactory artery (PPOA) is a rare anomaly of anterior cerebral artery (ACA), which generally arises from the internal carotid artery (ICA), runs along the olfactory tract, and makes a hairpin bend to supply the territory of the distal ACA. PPOA is also associated with cerebral aneurysms. An accessory MCA is a variant of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) that arises from either the proximal or distal portion of the A1 segment of the ACA, which runs parallel to the course of the MCA and supplies some of the MCA territory. We experienced a rare case of coexistence of PPOA with an unruptured aneurysm and accessory MCA. Three-dimensional computed tomographic angiography (3D-CTA) has an excellent picture of the spatial relationship of the surrounding bony and vascular structure.

Analysis for Stroke Etiology in Duplicated/Accessory MCA-Related Cerebral Infarction: Two Case Report and Brief Literature Review.

Duplication and accessory of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) constitute a rare congenital variation. MCA anomalies are found at a lesser frequency than the vascular anomalies of the other major intracranial arteries. Duplicated/accessory MCA was usually noted incidentally with subarachnoid hemorrhage, due to resulted aneurysmal formation. However, duplicated/accessory MCA-related cerebral infarction is rarer. We report two cases of cerebral infarction due to dissection at the entry of the duplicate/accessory MCA. Both cases were similar in dissected site and clinical course, without headache or injury. In 20 previously reported cases and our two cases of duplicated/accessory MCA-related infarction, mean age (55.8 ± 21.2 years) was slightly younger for cerebral infarction, and stroke etiology was mainly embolism. The main etiologies of stroke were embolism and dissection. Considering embolism etiology, proximal site of arterial diameter changing lesion was a common site for embolism, as duplicated/accessory MCA was usually smaller than normal M1 segment. In cerebral dissection cases, the dissected site was similar to our cases. Numerous mechanisms of dissection were considered, but they mainly included dysfunction of the media and endothelium or shearing stress at the entry of duplication. As the detailed mechanisms of cerebral dissection remain unknown, clinicians should include a differential diagnosis for MCA dissection.

A Case of Acute Embolism of the Accessory Middle Cerebral Artery Treated Using ADAPT Thrombectomy without Lesion Passing.

An accessory middle cerebral artery (AMCA) is a variant vessel that branches from the anterior cerebral artery (ACA) and runs through the Sylvian fissure along the middle cerebral artery (MCA). We report a case of acute embolic occlusion of the AMCA that was treated with thrombectomy using direct aspiration first pass technique (ADAPT). An 88-year-old woman with a history of atrial fibrillation, loss of consciousness, and right hemiparesis was referred to our hospital. Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed high signal intensity in the left frontal lobe, insular cortex, and deep white matter, and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) demonstrated left internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion. Mechanical thrombectomy using the ADAPT technique was performed with complete recanalization. Final angiography revealed left ACA and AMCA because of the thrombus located at the origin of the left ACA and AMCA. In the case of an acute ischemic stroke associated with AMCA, it is difficult to understand and recognize the anatomy of the vessel before thrombectomy. Therefore, the ADAPT technique, which can treat acute embolic occlusion without lesion passing, is recommended due to its safety. If there is a mismatch between the perfusion area of the occluded artery and the ischemic area or the neurological findings before thrombectomy, it is extremely important to keep in mind the presence of vessel variation in the MCA.

The Clinical Characteristics and Treatment Considerations for Intracranial Aneurysms Associated With Middle Cerebral Artery Anomalies: A Systematic Review.

Background: As a result of their low incidence, most of the studies on intracranial aneurysms associated with middle cerebral artery (MCA) anomalies were presented as case reports or small case series. No systematic review on this specific entity has been conducted. Methods: A PubMed search of the published studies was performed on April 6th, 2019 for patients who had intracranial aneurysms associated with MCA anomalies. The languages included in this study were English, Chinese, and Japanese. Results: Finally, 58 articles reporting of 67 patients including 1 case in our center were included. The identified patients (37 females, 55.2%) aged from 4 to 81 (49.85 ± 15.22) years old. 50 (50/67, 74.6%) patients presented with hemorrhagic stroke either from the MCA anomalies associated aneurysms or other sources. 63 aneurysms (63/67, 94.0%) were saccular, 3 (4.5%) were dissecting or fusiform, and 1 (1.5%) was pseudoaneurysm. 32 (32/65, 49.2%) patients had other concurrent cerebrovascular anomalies. 56 (83.6%) patients underwent open surgeries, 8 (11.9%) patients underwent endovascular treatment, and 3 (4.5%) patients were conservatively managed. 56 (56/61, 91.8%) patients achieved a good recovery. Conclusions: The pathophysiological genesis of intracranial aneurysms associated with MCA anomalies is still obscure. The inflicted patients tend to have other concurrent cerebrovascular anomalies, which denotes that congenital defect in cerebrovascular development might play a role in this process. Most of the affected patients could experience a good recovery after treatment.

A case of acute cerebral infarction associated with an accessory middle cerebral artery in a patient who underwent thrombectomy.

BACKGROUND: The accessory middle cerebral artery (AMCA) is a middle cerebral artery (MCA) anomaly originating from the anterior cerebral artery. We report our experience of a case in which thrombectomy was undertaken for a patient with hemodynamics that were specific to the AMCA. CASE PRESENTATION: An 84-year-old man with a history of atrial fibrillation developed paralysis of the left upper and lower extremities. Imaging examinations suggested tandem occlusion of the right internal carotid artery and the origin (M2 segment) of the right MCA. An extremely narrow MCA was visualized. Because there was concern regarding development of frontal lobe infarction, thrombectomy was carried out to restore anterograde blood flow, but an AMCA was found. Recanalization of the main MCA in the infarction zone resulted in hemorrhagic infarction, and the patient died of cerebral herniation. CONCLUSION: When a vascular variation like AMCA is suspected, a careful evaluation of hemodynamics is necessary before undertaking endovascular intervention.

Hybrid surgery for an arteriovenous malformation fed by an accessory middle cerebral artery and drained by a developmental venous anomaly: A case report and literature review.

An accessory middle cerebral artery (AMCA), which mainly acts in the collateral circulation of the middle cerebral artery (MCA), is a rare anatomic malformation. Similar to other intracranial vessels, cerebrovascular disease can occur in the AMCA. However, the development of an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) in the AMCA is very rare, especially in conjuction with developmental venous anomalies (DVAs). Here, a rare case of an AMCA combined with an AVM and a DVA was reported. The patient was a 47-year-old female with intracranial hemorrhage at symptom onset. CT and MRI showed lesions in the left Sylvian fissure and insula accompanied by hemorrhage. DSA suggested a left AMCA; an AVM of the AMCA was located in the deep Sylvian fissure. The AVM was diffusely developed and drained into the DVA. The operation was performed in a hybrid operating room. The major feeding artery of the AVM, which was derived from the AMCA, was clipped, then the AVM and DVA were subsequently removed. Intraoperative DSA showed that the AVM and DVA were radically removed. A pathological examination confirmed the presence of an AVM. The patient recovered well and was discharged. Therefore, as highlighted in this case report, rare AVMs can be found in AMCAs and can even occur simultaneously with a DVA. Hybrid surgical treatment can be used to remove AVMs and can lead to an improved prognosis.

Anastomosis between accessory middle cerebral artery and middle cerebral artery diagnosed by magnetic resonance angiography.

The accessory middle cerebral artery (MCA) is a common variation of the MCA that arises from the anterior cerebral artery. We report a patient with anastomosis of the accessory MCA with the main MCA, an extremely rare variant that we diagnosed by magnetic resonance (MR) angiography. Both partial maximum-intensity-projection and partial volume-rendering MR angiographic images obtained at 3 T are useful to identify such rare vascular variation.

Endovascular glue embolization of dissecting aneurysm of type-3 accessory middle cerebral artery: A contralateral approach.

Pediatric intracranial aneurysms are rare with a reported prevalence of 0.5-4.6%. Likewise, anomalous arterial patterns are uncommon in the cerebral circulation. Recognition of these variations and knowledge of vascular territory forms the key to managing pathological conditions associated with these anomalous vessels. Ruptured dissecting aneurysm of type-3 accessory middle cerebral artery (aMCA) has not been reported in the pediatric age group. In addition to type-3 aMCA, the child in this case report had an ipsilateral type-1 aMCA with cortical supply. We describe the patterns of accessory MCA and their vascular territory, state the perplexity involved in deciding the best management strategy, and describe the technical approach we undertook to catheterize this small caliber recurrent artery (type-3 aMCA) originating at an acute angle from the anterior cerebral artery.

Sufficient collateral blood supply from accessory middle cerebral artery in a patient with acute ischemic stroke.

We reported a case of acute embolic occlusion of the middle cerebral artery with a patent accessory middle cerebral artery. Because of the presence of sufficient collateral blood supply from the accessory middle cerebral artery, the patient only underwent transient ischemic attack and did not need endovascular treatment. There was mild infarction in the basal ganglia and temporal lobe, NIHSS score of the patient at discharge seven days after stroke onset was 0, and modified Rankin scale score at 90 days was 0.

Unusual hemodynamic stroke related to an accessory middle cerebral artery: The usefulness of fusion images from three-dimensional angiography.

BACKGROUND: Ischemic stroke associated with an anomaly of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) is a rare occurrence. The diagnosis is very difficult when there are steno-occlusive lesions associated with an accessory middle cerebral artery (AMCA). CASE DESCRIPTION: A 77-year-old female with hypertension and hyperlipidemia experienced repeated transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) of motor aphasia and dysarthria. Although angiography showed only left intracranial occlusion, the fusion images of three-dimensional digital subtraction angiography (3-D DSA) showed complex steno-occlusive lesions and an AMCA related with the TIA. The cerebral blood flow (CBF) to the left frontal lobe was supplied by the AMCA, via the anterior communicating artery from the right internal carotid artery. The left temporal and parietal lobes were supplied by the stenotic MCA, via the left posterior communicating artery from the left posterior cerebral artery. Single-photon emission computed tomography showed a marked decrease in CBF to both the left frontal and temporal lobes. A left superficial temporal artery (STA)-to-left MCA double anastomosis was performed, in which each branch of the STA supplied branches of the AMCA and MCA. CONCLUSION: This is the first reported case of ischemic stroke in a patient with an AMCA. The exact diagnosis could be made only by using fusion images of 3-D DSA, which were useful for understanding the complicated CBF pattern and for the choice of recipient artery in bypass surgery.

Acute Cerebral Infarction Related to Stenosis of Accessory Middle Cerebral Artery / 대한뇌졸중학회지

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.

A ruptured internal carotid artery aneurysm located at the origin of the duplicated middle cerebral artery associated with accessory middle cerebral artery and middle cerebral artery aplasia.

BACKGROUND: Intracranial vascular anomalies involving the middle cerebral artery (MCA) are relatively rare, as such knowledge will be helpful for planning the optimal surgical procedures. CASE DESCRIPTION: We herein present the first case of a ruptured internal carotid artery aneurysm arising at the origin of the hypoplastic duplicated MCA associated with accessory MCA and main MCA aplasia, which was revealed by angiograms and intraoperative findings. CONCLUSION: In practice, this case highlights the urgent need to preoperatively recognize such vascular anomalies as well as understand the collateral blood supply in cerebral ischemia associated with these MCA anomalies.

The angiographic feature and clinical implication of accessory middle cerebral artery.

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.

Saccular aneurysm at the anterior communicating artery complex associated with an accessory middle cerebral artery : report of two cases and review of the literature.

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.

The Angiographic Feature and Clinical Implication of Accessory Middle Cerebral Artery

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.

Saccular Aneurysm at the Anterior Communicating Artery Complex Associated with an Accessory Middle Cerebral Artery : Report of Two Cases and Review of the Literature

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.

Implications of a Variation of Middle Cerebral Artery in the Interpretation of Transcranial Doppler

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.

Middle Cerebral Artery Variations Associated with Intracranial Aneurysmal Rupture

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.