Author:
OVERSTIJNS M.,VAN CALENBERGH F.
Abstract
Intracranial aneurysm: importance of early detection
A 45-year old woman presented at the emergency department with a decreased level of consciousness. She was under treatment for acute myeloid leukemia. An MRI scan of the brain showed diffuse vasoconstriction of the intracranial vasculature, suggestive for vasculitis. Aspergillus fumigatus was discovered in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), for which antimycotic treatment was initiated.
Because of further neurological decline (acute decreased consciousness, unilateral gaze impairment and irregular obstructive respiration pattern) a CT scan was performed which showed diffuse subarachnoid and intraventricular hemorrhaging. CT-angiography showed an aneurysm at the left posterior inferior cerebellar artery. Because of the severe clinical condition of the patient, there was no indication for invasive therapy.