Table of Contents

Washington University Experience | VASCULAR | Aneurysm - Saccular | 8A1 Aneurysm, tip basilar & SAH (Case 8) Gross_1

Case 8 History ---- The patient was a 48 year old woman with a history of hypertension, depression, asthma, migraines and prior polysubstance drug abuse, but had reportedly abstained from drugs for the past four years. She suddenly collapsed at a dance club. Despite administration of ACLS protocol, she was still in PEA arrest upon arrival at the ER where resuscitative efforts were continued and circulation was restored. A urine drug screen was negative. Computed tomography (CT) of the head showed diffuse subarachnoid hemorrhage and some involving the left lateral ventricle and the fourth ventricle. A radionuclide imaging scan of the brain showed no cerebral perfusion. The patient's dismal prognosis was discussed with her family who decided to withdraw care. ---- 8A1 The ventral surface of this fresh specimen is overrun with hemorrhage totally obscuring the circle of Willis. Fixing this specimen without prior cleaning may complicate later dissection of vessels and thin walled aneurysms.

---