Intracranial dissecting aneurysms of the posterior circulation

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Abstract
✓ Dissecting aneurysms of the intracranial posterior circulation are unusual lesions that affect otherwise healthy young adults, are difficult to diagnose and manage, and carry a high morbidity and mortality rate. Headache in the suboccipital-posterior cervical region is the most common presenting symptom. The dissection usually occurs between the intima or internal elastic lamina and the media; subadventitial dissection does occur and accounts for the infrequent finding of subarachnoid hemorrhage. A deficit in the inner layers of the vessel is the proposed source of dissection. The angiographic features are inconsistent, although an irregularly narrowed arterial segment with proximal and/or distal dilatation are typical findings. Depending on the location of the dissection, the surgical options are: ligation, trapping, or reinforcement of exposed abnormal portions of the vessel. Anticoagulation therapy is not indicated in the management of this lesion.