Embolization of a ruptured aneurysm of the distal anterior inferior cerebellar artery:: Case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND Aneurysms of the distal anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) are rare and almost all of them have been treated surgically, by wrapping or trapping, in the previous literature. Most cases of aneurysms associated with the auditory artery resulted in a hearing disturbance from the surgical procedure, although aneurysms far from the auditory artery had no deficit from trapping. METHODS An 81-year-old woman presented with a ruptured aneurysm of the distal AICA. We planned a delayed treatment with intravascular embolization because of her advanced age and poor clinical status. Embolization of the distal anterior inferior cerebellar artery using detachable coils remote from the auditory artery was successful. RESULTS Magnetic resonance imaging after embolization demonstrated no remaining lesion. The patient has been through rehabilitation and has gradually improved. CONCLUSION Intravascular treatment of distal AICA aneurysms remote from the auditory artery may be safer and simpler than surgical treatment.