J Korean Soc Radiol.  2014 Oct;71(4):164-168. 10.3348/jksr.2014.71.4.164.

Aneurysm and Infundibular Dilatation at an Unusual Origin of the Ophthalmic Artery

• Kim HS
• Kim EJ
• Lee KM
• Choi WS

• KMID: 2097999
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3348/jksr.2014.71.4.164

Abstract

The ophthalmic artery usually arises from the anteromedial or superomedial aspect of the internal carotid artery. Rarely does it arise from the medial or posteromedial aspect of the internal carotid artery. In this paper, the authors report two cases of aneurysm and infundibular dilatation found at unusual sites of origin in the ophthalmic artery and review the literature about possible etiologies contributing to the anatomic variations.

MeSH Terms

Aneurysm*
Carotid Artery, Internal
Dilatation*
Ophthalmic Artery*

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Unusual origin of ophthalmic artery in a 55-year-old woman. A. Magnetic resonance angiography shows an bulging lesion (arrow) suspected to be an aneurysm at the medial aspect of the ophthalmic segment of the right internal carotid artery (ICA). B. Anteroposterior view of the right carotid angiography shows the bulging lesion (arrow) from the medial aspect of ophthalmic segment of the right ICA. C, D. Lateral view (C) and posterior view (D) of three-dimensional rotational angiography shows a vessel (arrow) arising from the posteromedial aspect of ophthalmic segment of the right ICA and running forward.

• 

  Fig. 2 Unusual origin of ophthalmic artery in a 58-year-old woman. A. Magnetic resonance angiography shows a bulging lesion suspected to be an aneurysm (arrow) at the medial aspect of the ophthalmic segment of the right internal carotid artery (ICA). B, C. Anteroposterior view (B) and lateral view (C) of the right carotid angiography shows an aneurysm (arrow) from the medial aspect of ophthalmic segment of the right ICA. D. Posterior view of three-dimensional rotational angiography shows a small saccular aneurysm (arrow) with an aneurismal neck at carotid-ophthalmic junction.

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  Fig. 3 Embryology of the ophthalmic artery proposed by Lasjaunias et al. A. The VOA originates from the ACA and the DOA originates from the ICA. B, C. Two anastomoses formed. D. The proximal parts of the VOA and DOA regress. Note.-ACA = anterior cerebral artery, DOA = dorsal ophthalmic artery, ICA = internal carotid artery, OA = ophthalmic artery, VOA = ventral ophthalmic artery

• 

  Fig. 4 Embryology of the ophthalmic artery proposed by Padget. A. The DOA appears at the opposite site of the ICA bifurcation. B. The DOA moves proximally. C. The anastomosis between VOA and DOA is formed. D. The dorsal portion of VOA regress. Note.-DOA = dorsal ophthalmic artery, ICA = internal carotid artery, OA = ophthalmic artery, VOA = ventral ophthalmic artery

Reference

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