Endovascular Management of a Giant Skull Base Cavernous Aneurysm: Parent Artery Occlusion Is Still a Relevant Strategy

Cavernous carotid aneurysms (CCAs) are usually considered benign as the natural history of the condition is often asymptomatic; however, CCAs can reach giant proportions and become symptomatic, thus requiring treatment. The introduction of flow diverters has revolutionized management of this condition. However, the parent artery geometry in giant lesions may prove exceedingly difficult to navigate and deploy stents satisfactorily. In such cases, indirect surgical treatment such as proximal occlusion of internal carotid artery (ICA) should be employed. Preoperative balloon test occlusion is indicated before permanent occlusion to identify patients who demonstrate hemispheric ischemia (for possible bypass), but it requires understanding of important operative complications and technical nuances. Endovascular parent artery sacrifice is an effective modality to achieve proximal occlusion. Here, we describe the step-wise management approach in a 53-year-old female with a giant, left CCA presenting with headache and cavernous sinus syndrome who was ultimately successfully treated with endovascular coiling and ICA occlusion. The management of complex lesions such as giant skull base aneurysms requires a sound understanding of vascular anatomy, tools available for evaluation, and physiological interpretation of diagnostic and therapeutic modalities to obtain excellent clinical results and patient satisfaction.