Aneurysms at a temporopolar artery origin from the internal carotid artery: report of two cases.

Abstract

Origination of the temporopolar artery (TPA) from the supraclinoid internal carotid artery (ICA) represents a rare anatomic variation, and the presence of aneurysms at this uncommon site has never before been reported. Two patients presented with a sudden onset of headaches and meningism. Computed tomography demonstrated diffuse subarachnoid hemorrhage in both cases. Cerebral angiography revealed ruptured aneurysms originating at a TPA origin from the ICA. The patients were surgically treated, and the aneurysms were successfully clipped. For technical reasons, the TPA was sacrificed in both cases. These are the first reported cases of aneurysms originating at the TPA origin from the ICA. Awareness of the existence of this variation is necessary, particularly for the management of superior wall aneurysms of the ICA.