Coarctation of the Aorta Complicated with Intracranial Aneurysm: A Case Report and Literature Review.

BACKGROUND

Coarctation of the aorta (CoA) complicated with rupture and hemorrhage of intracranial aneurysms is not commonly seen in clinical practice. Here we report a middle-aged female patient who presented with acute severe headache.

METHODS

Head computed tomography (CT) demonstrated an extensive subarachnoid hemorrhage. Digital subtraction angiography demonstrated coarctation and occlusion of the proximal thoracic aorta and occlusion of the terminal aortic arch. Aortic-intracranial CT angiography (CTA) confirmed a CoA complicated with an anterior communicating artery aneurysm. Clipping of the anterior communicating artery aneurysm was performed via a left lateral orbital approach. Postoperative intracranial CTA showed complete clipping of the aneurysm. The patient was discharged postoperatively with good recovery.

CONCLUSIONS

The pathophysiological mechanism of CoA complicated with intracranial aneurysm remains unclear, but attention should be given to the relationship between the 2 entities in clinical practice, and effective treatment should be provided according to specific conditions.