Rete middle cerebral artery: a rare association with anterior cerebral artery aneurysm rupture

Abstract

Haemodynamic flow-related stress at the vessel curvatures is an important risk factor for intracranial aneurysmal growth and rupture. The rete middle cerebral artery (MCA) is a rare entity causing hyperdynamic blood flow into the ipsilateral anterior cerebral artery (ACA), especially when the contralateral A1-segment is non-dominant. Ruling out the clinicoradiological mimics like vasculitis, moyamoya and chronic occlusive disease with vessel wall imaging and detailed investigations helps manage the clinical entity effectively. We present a successfully managed case of ruptured ACA aneurysm at the acute curvature of the A1-A2 junction associated with ipsilateral rete MCA. Pre-emptive diagnosis of the rete MCA can aid preventive strategies to manage rupture and regrowth of the aneurysm at the points of flow-related stress.