Isolated cerebral varices: clinical observations and literature review

Abstract

The aim of the study is to present rare clinical cases of isolated cerebral varices, summarize scientific literature data on their diagnosis and treatment.The article describes 2 clinical observations of isolated cerebral varix, presents a literature review of this topic, as well as treatment tactics for patients with this pathology.In the first clinical observation, in a male 72‑year-old patient isolated cerebral varix was interpreted as distal saccular aneurysm of the right middle cerebral artery per computed angiography data. Surgical treatment was performed: from subtemporal approach in the area of the floor of the middle cranial fossa, cerebral varix, inflow and outflow veins were visualized. The inflow and outflow veins were clipped, aneurysm was resected and sent to histological examination. The patient was discharged on day 8 after surgery. Histological examination of the cerebral varix wall showed typical components for a venous wall, in particular, individual smooth muscle fibers, absence of elastic membrane.In the second clinical observation, in a female 59‑year-old patient magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, MR angiography and MR venography in the projection of anterior basal parts of the left temporal area showed an aneurysmal malformation transitioning into the superficial middle cerebral vein. Taking into consideration venous pathogenesis of the vascular lesion, dynamic observation of the patient was chosen.Isolated cerebral varix is a rare vascular pathology without a specific clinical and instrumental picture. To avoid erroneous diagnosis and determine further treatment tactics, additional examinations are recommended: MR imaging, MR angiography and MR venography.