Background: Aneurysms of the cerebral vessels are relatively common and aneurysms of the ophthalmic segment of the internal carotid artery (ICA) represent approximately 10% of intradural aneurysms.
Anatomical aspects: The ophthalmic segment of the ICA extends from the origin of the ophthalmic artery to the origin of the posterior communicating artery. Aneurysms can originate from the ophthalmic artery itself or directly from the ICA at a distance from the ophthalmic artery. The various anatomic configurations can alter the risks of treatment.
Surgical treatment: Surgical treatment of aneurysms of the ophthalmic segment poses unique challenges for the neurosurgeon, given the deep location and complex nearby structures and optic nerve. The necessity to remove the clinoid process can make the operation technically challenging.
Endovascular treatment: Endovascular treatment of paraophthalmic aneurysms includes coil occlusion, and also stent- or balloon-assisted coil occlusion. More recently, hemodynamically active flow diverter stents improved the treatment results.
Conclusion: The management of paraophthalmic aneurysms is associated with specific risks. Careful consideration of the available techniques is necessary before each invention. Coil-occlusion remains the first choice for ruptured paraophthalmic aneurysms. For unruptured paraophthalmic aneurysms flow diversion offers improved results. The overall complication rates of these procedures are low; however, cerebral ischemia, intracranial hemorrhage and visual complications must be considered in advance and the patient must be informed of the risks.
Keywords: Coil occlusion; Complications; Flow diverter; Ophthalmic artery; Stents.