Venous Hypertension may be a Factor in Aneurysmal Rupture

Abstract

This report describes cerebral aneurysmal rupture with asymmetry of ipsilateral dural sinus hypoplasia using quantitative color-coded I-Flow cerebral venography to identify the venous pressure gradient. We suggest the pressure gradient may be a potential factor in cerebral aneurysmal rupture. We used I-Flow quantitative cerebral venography to measure the venous pressure gradient during acute cerebral aneurysmal rupture and post embolization in a 67-year-old woman who presented with clinical symptoms of left third nerve palsy for several days with mild headache initially without subarachnoid hemorrhage. We encountered a high venous pressure gradient of severe ipsilateral dural sinus hypoplasia during acute rupture of a posterior communicating aneurysm. Venous dural sinus asymmetry has been considered a congenital benign and non-pathological condition. However, this case may present severe hypoplasia of the dural sinus with potential pressure gradient in some unusual condition. A high venous pressure gradient may be another factor in cerebral aneurysmal rupture.