Selective clipping of giant anterior communicating artery aneurysms remains a reliable therapeutic option

Background: Giant anterior communicating artery (AcomA) aneurysm represent a significant surgical challenge. Our study aimed to discuss the therapeutic strategy in patients with a giant AcomA aneurysm treated by selective neck clipping through a pterional approach.

Methods: Among all operated patients from an intracranial aneurysm between January 2015 and January 2022 (n = 726) in our institution, three patients with a giant AcomA aneurysm treated by neck clipping were included. Early (<7days) outcome was noted. Early postoperative CT scan was performed in all patients to detect any complications. Early DSA was also performed to confirm giant AcomA aneurysm exclusion. The mRS score was recorded 3 months after treatment. The mRS≤ 2 was considered as a good functional outcome. Control DSA was performed one year after treatment.

Results: In the three patients, after a large frontopterional approach, a selective exclusion of their giant AcomA aneurysm was obtained after a partial pars orbitalis of the inferior frontal gyrus resection. Ischemic lesion was noted in 1 patient and chronic hydrocephalus in 2 patients with ruptured aneurysm. The mRS score after 3 months was good in 2 patients. Long term complete occlusion of the aneurysm were noted in the three patients.

Conclusion: Selective clipping of a giant AcomA aneurysm is a reliable therapeutic option after a careful evaluation of local vascular anatomy. An adequate surgical exposure is frequently obtained through an enlarged pterional approach with an anterior basifrontal lobe resection, especially in an emergency situation and/or in case of high position of anterior communicating artery.