In the series of Elsharkawy et al. the main middle cerebral artery bifurcation was the most common location for Middle cerebral artery aneurysm, harboring 829 aneurysms (63%). The 406 Middle cerebral artery M1 segment aneurysms comprised 242 M1 early cortical branch aneurysms (60%) and 164 M1 lenticulostriate artery aneurysms (40%). We found 106 MCA aneurysms (8%) at the origin of large early frontal branches simulating M2 trunks liable to be misclassified as MCA bifurcation aneurysms. Even though 51% of the 407 ruptured MCA aneurysms were associated with an intracerebral hematoma, this did not affect the classification.
Studying MCA angioarchitecture and applying the 4-group classification of MCA aneurysms is practical and facilitates the accurate classification of MCA aneurysms, helping to improve surgical outcome. 1).
From the analysis of 61 MCA bifurcation aneurysms, 4 shape pattern categories were created that allowed the classification of 56 aneurysms (91.8%). The number of aneurysms allotted to each shape cluster was 10 (16.4%) in category 1, 24 (39.3%) in category 2, 7 (11.5%) in category 3, and 15 (24.6%) in category 4.
Through the use of anatomic visual cues, MCA bifurcation aneurysms can be grouped into a small number of shape patterns with an associated clip solution. Implementing these principles within current neurosurgery training paradigms can provide a tool that allows more efficient transition from novice to cerebrovascular expert 2).
While most aneurysms that originate at the middle cerebral artery (MCA) bifurcation or trifurcation have a saccular geometry, some MCA aneurysms may exhibit a fusiform morphology and incorporate not only the proximal MCA trunk but also major MCA branches. In contrast to saccular aneurysms, fusiform aneurysms represent a distinct subset of intracranial aneurysms with unique underlying pathological features, hemodynamic forces, anatomical distribution, as well as natural history that governs their treatment. 3).