Posterior Communicating Artery (PCOM) Aneurysm

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Background

  • Acute CN III palsy with ipsilateral pupil dilation is PCOM aneurysm until proven otherwise
    • Aneurysm compresses the outer fibers (pupillomotor) of CN III → dilation
    • In contrast to CN III palsy due to diabetes mellitus or hypertension in which pupil is spared

Clinical Features

  • Inhibition of ipsilateral medial gaze, upward gaze, downward gaze, ptosis
    • Lateral gaze (abduction) is preserved
  • Ipsilateral dilated pupil

Differential Diagnosis

Evaluation

Management

  • Emergent BP reduction if hypertensive
  • Neuroimaging
  • Neurosurgical consult

Disposition

References