A 41-year-old female patient who suddenly lost her vision due to a giant brain aneurysm was saved by surgeons at Viet Duc Hospital. Originally from Quang Binh and working as a teacher, the patient initially experienced blurred vision and sought treatment at a local hospital. After being diagnosed with an eye disease and receiving unsuccessful treatment, an MRI scan at Hue Central Hospital revealed a giant aneurysm of the internal carotid artery at the end of last year.
Despite having a stent placed in Hue, the aneurysm continued to grow, leading to a gradual loss of vision in both eyes. After seeking medical treatment for about three months with no progress, the patient was examined at Viet Duc Hospital, where it was discovered that the aneurysm posed a serious threat of bursting and causing complete blindness in the left eye, with only 2/10 vision remaining in the right eye. Dr. Duong Duc Hung, the Director of Viet Duc Hospital, described the case as one of the most challenging cases in treating carotid artery aneurysms.
Consulting with experts from the Department of Neurosurgery 2, it was decided to operate on the patient using artery bypass surgery and internal carotid artery reconstruction. Despite the risks involved in blocking the artery in both directions to cut the aneurysm, the surgery was successful after a six-hour procedure. Two weeks post-surgery, the patient’s condition is stable, and her vision has significantly improved, allowing her to walk on her own.
Brain aneurysms are known as “silent killers” due to their potential to cause severe complications such as numbness, weakness, headaches, dizziness or loss of consciousness if left untreated. Giant aneurysms account for 20% of all brain aneurysms and pose a high risk of rupture if not promptly intervened upon. Treatment options for cerebral carotid artery aneurysms include endovascular intervention or surgical treatment. Prompt intervention and proper treatment are critical in managing cerebral aneurysms to prevent further complications.
The success story of this female patient is proof that with proper diagnosis and timely intervention by skilled surgeons like those at Viet Duc Hospital; even patients with severe cases like giant brain aneurysms can be saved from permanent blindness or other life-threatening conditions caused by these silent killers.
It is crucial for individuals who experience sudden changes in vision or any other symptoms associated with brain
