Case Report Fusiform Basilar Aneurysm Simulating Carotid Transient Ischemic Attacks

SUMMARY Fusiform aneurysms of the basilar artery are extremely unusual. Most show signs of a posterior fossa mass. One case is reported which presented with recurrent transient ischemic attacks suggesting carotid vascular disease. Failure of an appropriate endarterectomy to relieve the symptoms, and later brain stem infarction, led to the correct diagnosis. Whenever recurrent or new symptoms appear follow-ing carotid vascular surgery, other diagnoses must be considered. Stroke Vol 10, No 5, 1979 FUSIFORM ANEURYSMS of the basilar artery are rare. They are known to present with sub-arachnoid hemorrhage, with brain stem signs in-dicating compression of the hindbrain by a mass, with transient ischemic attacks, or with dementia and gait disturbance secondary to hydrocephalus. One case of a fusiform aneurysm of the basilar artery is reported which presented with a focal brain stem infarction after recurring carotid territory transient ischemic at