A completely thrombosed, nongiant middle cerebral artery aneurysm mimicking an intra-axial neoplasm

Abstract

Background:

Few reports exist regarding thrombosed aneurysms where the initial work up was concerning for a neoplasm. To date, no published reports exist regarding a nongiant thrombosed middle cerebral artery aneurysm, where the primary workup and treatment plan was directed toward a preliminary diagnosis of intra-axial neoplasm.

Case Description:

We report a 43-year-old female who presented with a generalized tonic-clonic seizure attributed to a lesion along the right superior temporal gyrus. The lesion enhanced on initial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain, as well as on follow-up MRI. Subsequent vascular studies and metastatic work up were negative. A craniotomy with image guidance was performed and an intraoperative diagnosis was made of a thrombosed aneurysm along a branch of the middle cerebral artery. The aneurysm was trapped and resected as there was no significant flow from the branch as seen on the prior cerebral angiogram. The patient had an uneventful postoperative course.

Conclusion:

Completely thrombosed, nongiant aneurysms can mimic an intra-axial neoplasm. Typical imaging features for thrombosed aneurysms may be missed, especially if the aneurysms are small, where imaging characteristics of the intraluminal contents is more difficult to appreciate. Although imaging may be consistent with a neoplastic lesion, there should be suspicion for a potential underlying aneurysm.

INTRODUCTION

A “thrombosed aneurysm” is an aneurysm that exhibits a dense, structured, intraluminal thrombus, which is diagnosed based on preoperative imaging (computed tomography [CT], magnetic resonance imaging [MRI], and angiography) and perioperative findings. Thrombosed aneurysms have been classified into six types: Concentric, eccentric, lobulated, canalized, coiled, and complete.[10] Thrombosis is commonly associated with giant cerebral aneurysms while the phenomenon is rarely reported in nongiant cerebral aneurysms.[22,23]

There have been rare reports where completely thrombosed aneurysms have imitated neoplasms based on initial presentation and imaging.[9,11,12,17,24] Though up to 40% of cerebral aneurysms involve the middle cerebral artery,[4,16] no cases have been reported along the middle cerebral artery. Here, we describe a patient with seizure activity where serial contrast-enhanced MRI brain studies demonstrated a persistent rim-enhancing lesion with surrounding fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) signal concerning for a neoplastic process. Preoperative CT angiogram and formal diagnostic cerebral angiogram were negative for aneurysm. Subsequent craniotomy for resection of the lesion revealed a completely thrombosed, nongiant aneurysm along a branch off the middle cerebral artery.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 43-year-old female, with history of supraventricular tachycardia status postablation, hypertension, venous insufficiency, and irritable bowel syndrome, presented to the Emergency Department (ED) after a 1-min episode of generalized tonic-clonic seizure. Basic labs were normal. Given a normal neurological exam and lack of further symptoms or complaints during her ED visit, the patient was sent home for outpatient follow-up. At 2 weeks from initial presentation, a routine electroencephalogram demonstrated no findings. At 3 weeks from initial presentation, a MRI brain demonstrated an 11 mm peripherally enhancing intra-axial lesion along the right superior temporal gyrus with blood products and vasogenic edema [Figure 1a and b]. A CT angiogram was negative for vascular pathologies [Figure 2]. A diagnostic angiogram and a metastatic work up were unremarkable. A repeat MRI brain 1-month later demonstrated the persisting 10 mm × 4 mm peripherally enhancing lesion with slightly decreased surrounding edema [Figure 1c and d].

Figure 1.

Magnetic resonance imaging brain with contrast and T2 fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (a) and (b) initial magnetic resonance imaging, (c) and (d) 1-month follow-up magnetic resonance imaging

Figure 2.

Initial negative computed tomography angiogram

Due to persistent enhancement and surrounding FLAIR signal, there was a significant concern for a neoplastic process, although an inflammatory process could not be ruled out. Patient underwent a right temporal craniotomy with plans for mass excision. Dissection was taken through the superior temporal gyrus down to the level of the lesion. Some discolored brain was encountered, which was sent for permanent section. The lesion was hard and associated with sylvian arteries, consistent with a thrombosed aneurysm. There were 2 distal vessels exiting the aneurysm, which were draped over the surface of the aneurysm; these were freed from the aneurysm dome. It was felt that they were not supplying the distal territory, but emanated from the pial collaterals from the posterior circulation. After review of the preoperative cerebral angiogram, it was felt safe that these vessels could be sacrificed as there was no evidence of significant antegrade flow supplying distal territory. Any other vessels underneath were then dissected free. The proximal portion of the aneurysm and inflow vessel were then identified; the aneurysm was fusiform in appearance and was filled with significant, multiple layers of thrombus. There was a small vessel coming off at the origin of the aneurysm. At this time, a 7 mm straight permanent clip was placed across the proximal inflow of the aneurysm, taking care to preserve the small vessel at the origin. A second 7 mm straight clip was then stacked upon the first one to ensure closure of the vessel. Using microscissors and an arachnoid knife, the aneurysm was then resected, cutting the proximal portion away from the permanent aneurysm clips, and then removing the distal portion of the aneurysm. The two remaining temporary clips were then replaced with permanent straight 4 mm clips. The vessel distal to the 2 small feeders that came off the aneurysm remained pink and pulsatile and seemed to have adequate retrograde flow at this point. Subsequently, hemostasis was obtained and the wound was closed accordingly. The patient woke up neurologically intact. Final pathology confirmed a thrombosed aneurysm.

DISCUSSION

The cause of seizure activity in our patient is not entirely clear. The aneurysm may have induced local irritation without hemorrhage; a small mass invaginating the cortex could conceivably do so through minimal swelling and ischemia. On the other hand, the aneurysm may have exhibited a mild subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). MRI brain T2 FLAIR/gradient-recalled echo sequences are usually sufficient to diagnose SAH.[3,21,25] However, there were no signs of SAH on the MRI brain, though the imaging was obtained 3 weeks after initial presentation. At initial presentation, clinical suspicion for aneurysm was low given her history, specifically absence of headaches, nausea, emesis, or other signs and symptoms of SAH.

For patients who demonstrate spontaneous SAH, initial CT angiography and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) may fail to diagnose the source of bleeding for up to 15–30% of cases.[1,7,20] Subsequent DSA may only reveal the cause in 2–21% of cases.[8,15] Completely thrombosed aneurysms are occult on DSA.[10] The pathogenesis has been attributed to vasospasm, systemic hypotension, endothelial injury, and surrounding hematoma. The incidence of complete thrombosis is 1–2% after aneurysm rupture.[19] Spontaneous thrombosis of unruptured aneurysm has also been described, mainly among giant aneurysms, where more than 50% exhibit thrombosis.[23] The literature on completely thrombosed aneurysm is limited; some report persistent occlusion at long-term follow-up without surgical intervention,[5,6,10] while others document growth and/or hemorrhage necessitating surgical procedures.[18,22]

CT features suggestive of aneurysmal thrombosis include varied high density within the lumen, the presence of the “target sign,” peripheral rim enhancement, and curvilinear mural calcification.[23] MRI may demonstrate heterogeneous signals within the aneurysmal wall on T1 and T2 sequences due to the varying ages of thrombosed blood. With thick walls, a typical “onion-skin” quality could be evident on MRI.[14] After gadolinium injection, peripheral enhancement has been reported in thrombosed aneurysm, which can be explained by organized clot or adventitial neovascularization and inflammation.[13,14] When thrombosis is partial, the diagnosis is facilitated given intraluminal filling with contrast, as well as flow voids found on MR imaging.[2,10] When thrombosis is complete, the diagnosis is more difficult. If the size of the aneurysm is gigantic, thrombosis can be inferred based on findings of different ages of blood products. Our patient had a nongiant, completely thrombosed aneurysm. There was no evidence of varying ages of blood products, though the resolution to observe that feature may be inadequate since the aneurysm was nongiant. The aneurysm did have peripheral enhancement as seen in literature for thrombosed aneurysm, though this finding alone has low specificity.[14] The associated white matter, peri-lesional FLAIR signal complicated the clinical scenario as it represented vasogenic edema, which is not a common feature of aneurysms since most aneurysms do not invaginate the brain. This augmented the concern for an intra-axial neoplasm, given the enhancement on MRI. Moreover, a seizure by itself does not cause white matter vasogenic edema. If a seizure had caused any abnormal signal, it would have been cortical rather than white matter and restricted diffusion more than increased signal (and cortical swelling) on FLAIR and T2. Consequently, the lesion likely caused the edema and the seizure.

A literature review concerning completely thrombosed aneurysms that mimicked neoplasms revealed a handful of case reports [Table 1]. All of the cases involved the posterior fossa and posterior circulation, while our case involves the middle cerebral artery. Those patients demonstrated progressive symptoms (headaches and/or focal neurological deficits). The symptoms appear to be related to mass effect from the thrombosed aneurysm, as there were no obvious clinical signs or imaging features concerning for aneurysmal SAH. Moreover, imaging features on CT/MR were inconsistent.

Table 1.

Brief literature review

CONCLUSION

Completely thrombosed, nongiant aneurysms may mimic an intra-axial neoplasm. Typical imaging features for thrombosed aneurysms may be missed, especially if the aneurysms are small, where resolution of intraluminal contents is more difficult to appreciate. Peripheral rim enhancement, which has been attributed to thrombosed aneurysms, could also strengthen concerns for a neoplasm, especially if peri-lesional FLAIR signal is present. Although imaging may be consistent for a neoplasm, there should be suspicion for a potential underlying aneurysm, which would alter surgical management.

Financial support and sponsorship

Nil.

Conflicts of interest

There are no conflicts of interest.