Analysis of morphological risk factors for posterior communicating artery aneurysm associated with oculomotor nerve palsy

Objective: To analyze the risk factors for unruptured posterior communicating artery (PComA) aneurysms associated with oculomotor nerve palsy (ONP) from the morphological aspect. Methods: The clinical data of a total of 71 patients with single unruptured PComA aneurysm, which was proved by cerebral angiography from January 2010 to October 2018, were retrospectively analyzed. According to the clinical symptoms, the patients were divided into ONP group (n = 31) and non-ONP group (n = 40). Based on the morphological features of the aneurysms, the univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were conducted to determine the morphological risk factors of ONP caused by PComA aneurysms. Results: Univariate analysis indicated that there were statistically significant differences in the neck width of aneurysm (P = 0.046), in the direction of different aneurysm top (P = 0.005) and in the presence or absence of ascus (P = 0.002) between the two groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the aneurysm neck width ≤ 3.8 mm (OR = 5.437, P = 0.008), posterior-lateral-inferior direction of aneurysm top (OR: 5.953, P = 0.003) and presence of ascus (OR = 5.356, P = 0.014) were independent risk factors. Conclusion: The aneurysm neck width ≤ 3.8 mm, posterior-inferior-lateral direction of aneurysm top and presence of ascus may be the morphological risk factors for ONP caused by PComA aneurysms. (authors)