Two patients with giant complex saccular aneurysms of the proximal basilar artery
were managed with flow-reversal using the endovascular route. Complete obliteration
of the aneurysm was successful in one patient resulting in long term survival (8 year
follow-up completed). Incomplete obliteration of the aneurysm persisted in the other
patient, resulting in recurrence and a fatal haemorrhage one year after treatment.
Endovascular flow-reversal is a good treatment option for these lesions with a high
surgical risk. However, persistent incomplete thrombosis of these aneurysms following
flow-reversal should lead to the consideration of alternate treatment strategies.
Subarachnoid haemorrhage - aneurysm - endovascular therapy - basilar artery
