scholarly journals Unruptured intracranial aneurysms and the assessment of rupture risk based on anatomical and morphological factors: sifting through the sands of data

2009 ◽  
Vol 26 (5) ◽  
pp. E2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rohan R. Lall ◽  
Christopher S. Eddleman ◽  
Bernard R. Bendok ◽  
H. Hunt Batjer

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage continues to have high rates of morbidity and mortality for patients despite optimal medical and surgical management. Due to the fact that aneurysmal rupture can be such a catastrophic event, preventive treatment is desirable for high-risk lesions. Given the variability of the literature evaluating unruptured aneurysms regarding basic patient population, clinical practice, and aneurysm characteristics studied, such as size, location, aspect ratio, relationship to the surrounding vasculature, and the aneurysm hemodynamics, a metaanalysis is nearly impossible to perform. This review will instead focus on the various anatomical and morphological characteristics of aneurysms reported in the literature with an attempt to draw broad inferences and serve to highlight pressing questions for the future in our continued effort to improve clinical management of unruptured intracranial aneurysms.

2021 ◽  
pp. 174749302110245
Author(s):  
Gabriel Rinkel ◽  
Ynte Ruigrok

Background: Subarachnoid hemorrhage from rupture of an intracranial aneurysm (aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, ASAH) is a devastating subset of stroke. Since brain damage from the initial hemorrhage is a major cause for the poor outcome after ASAH, prevention of ASAH has the highest potential to prevent poor outcome from ASAH. Aim: In this review, we describe the groups at high risk of ASAH who may benefit from preventive screening for unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIA) followed by preventive treatment of UIAs found. Furthermore, we describe the advantages and disadvantages of screening and advise how to perform counseling on screening. Summary of review: Modelling studies show that persons with two or more affected first-degree relatives with ASAH and patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) are candidates for screening for UIAs. One modelling study also suggest that persons with only one affected first-degree relative with ASAH are also likely candidates for screening. Another group who may benefit from screening are persons ≥35 years who smoke(d) and are hypertensive, given their high lifetime risk of ASAH of up to 7%, but the prevalence of UIAs in such persons, and thus the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of screening in this group are not yet known. The ultimate goal of screening is to increase the number of quality years of life of the screening candidates, and therefore the benefits but also many downsides of screening –such as risk of incidental findings, very small UIAs that require regular follow-up, preventive treatment with inherent risk of complications and anxiety- should be discussed with the candidate so that an informed decision can be made before intracranial vessels are imaged. Conclusions: Several groups of persons who may benefit from screening have been identified, but since these constitute only a minority of all ASAH patients, additional high-risk groups still need to be identified. Further research is also needed to identify persons at low or high risk of aneurysmal development and rupture within the groups identified thus far to improve the efficiency of screening. Moreover, if new medical treatment strategies that can reduce the risk of rupture of UIA become available, the groups of persons who may benefit from screening could increase considerably.


2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 2808
Author(s):  
Wojciech Poncyljusz ◽  
Kinga Kubiak ◽  
Leszek Sagan ◽  
Bartosz Limanówka ◽  
Katarzyna Kołaczyk

Background: Stent-assisted coiling is an effective method of treating intracranial aneurysms. The aim of the study was to assess the safety and efficacy of the new Accero stent for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms. Materials and Methods: It was a retrospective, single-center study. Eighteen unruptured intracranial aneurysms were treated using the stent-assisted coiling method with the Accero stent. Patient demographics, aneurysm characteristics, procedural parameters, grade of occlusion, complications, and clinical results were analyzed. Follow-up magnetic resonance (MR) was performed 6 months after intervention. Results: Seventeen patients with 18 incidental unruptured aneurysms were electively treated with coiling and the Accero stent. The aneurysms were located on internal carotid artery (ICA), middle cerebral artery (MCA) and basilar artery (BA). All stents were deployed successfully. Immediate complete occlusion rate Raymond-Roy occlusion classification (RROC) class I was achieved in 13 cases and class II in 4 cases. Complications occurred in 2/17 treatments and included guidewire stent perforation with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and stent deformation. Vascular spasm in the subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) patient subsided before discharge. Ninety days after intervention, the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) value was 0. RROC class I was observed in 88.23% of cases in follow-up. Conclusion: The Accero stent provides excellent support for coil mass. It constitutes an efficacious device with good initial occlusion rate for treating wide-necked unruptured intracranial aneurysms.


2020 ◽  
pp. 159101992095953
Author(s):  
Dylan Noblett ◽  
Lotfi Hacein-Bey ◽  
Ben Waldau ◽  
Jordan Ziegler ◽  
Brian Dahlin ◽  
...  

Background Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is the most common cause of nontraumatic SAH. Current guidelines generally recommend observation for unruptured intracranial aneurysms smaller than 7 mm, for those are considered at low risk for spontaneous rupture according to available scoring systems. Objective We observed a tendency for SAH in small intracranial aneurysms in patients who are methamphetamine users. A retrospective, single center study to characterize the size and location of ruptured and unruptured intracranial aneurysms in methamphetamine users was performed. Materials and methods Clinical characteristics and patient data were collected via retrospective chart review of patients with intracranial aneurysms and a history of methamphetamine use with a specific focus on aneurysm size and location. Results A total of 62 patients were identified with at least one intracranial aneurysm and a history of methamphetamine use, yielding 73 intracranial aneurysms (n = 73). The mean largest diameter of unruptured aneurysms (n = 44) was 5.1 mm (median 4.5, SD 2.5 mm), smaller than for ruptured aneurysms (n = 29) with a mean diameter of 6.3 mm (median 5.5, SD 2.5 mm). Aneurysms measuring less than 7 mm presented with SAH in 36.5%. With regard to location, 28% (n = 42) of anterior circulation aneurysms less than 7 mm presented with rupture, in contrast to 70% (n = 10) of posterior circulation aneurysms which were found to be ruptured. Conclusions Methamphetamine use may be considered a significant risk factor for aneurysmal SAH at a smaller aneurysm size than for other patients. These patients may benefit from a lower threshold for intervention and/or aggressive imaging and clinical follow-up.


2004 ◽  
Vol 17 (5) ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leodante B. da Costa ◽  
Thorsteinn Gunnarsson ◽  
M. Christopher Wallace

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) carries a grim prognosis, with high mortality and morbidity rates. The mortality rate in the first 30 days postrupture is estimated to be in the range of 40 to 50%, and almost half of the survivors will be left with a neurological deficit. Unlike patients with aneurysmal SAH, those with unruptured intracranial aneurysms usually experience no neurological deficit, and their treatment is prophylactic, aiming to reduce the risk of future bleeding and its consequences. The risk of rupture therefore assumes special importance when making decisions regarding which patient or aneurysm to treat. In previous reports the risk of bleeding for unruptured aneurysms has been stated as approximately 2% per year. The retrospective part of the International Study of Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms (ISUIA) reported very low annual bleeding rates (0.05–1%) and high surgical morbidity and mortality rates (8–18%), prompting discussion in which the benefits of prophylactic treatment in the majority of these lesions were questioned. Prospective data from the second part of the ISUIA recently included rupture rates ranging from 0 to 10% per year. The aim of this paper was to review the evidence that is currently available for neurosurgeons to use when making decisions regarding patients who would benefit from treatment of an unruptured intracranial aneurysm.


1991 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 665-674
Author(s):  
Helen A. Cook

Despite increases in survival beyond the initial hemorrhage, the devastating consequences of subarachnoid hemorrhage persist. Ruptured intracranial aneurysms are the most likely cause of subarachnoid hemorrhage, with morbidity and mortality rates approaching 75%. Complications arising from aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage include rebleeding, delayed cerebral ischemia, hydrocephalus, hypothalamic dysfunction, and seizure activity. In order to positively influence outcome after subarachnoid hemorrhage, preservation of an adequate cerebral blood flow and prevention of secondary aneurysmal rupture is essential. This article reviews aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, relating the management of complications to currently accepted treatment strategies


2007 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 225-237 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Raymond ◽  
T. Nguyen ◽  
M. Chagnon ◽  
G. Gevry ◽  

In the absence of level one evidence, the treatment of unruptured intracranial aneurysms is grounded on opinions. Results of the largest registry available, ISUIA (the International Study on Unruptured Intraacranial Aneurysms) suggest that surgical or endovascular treatments are rarely justified. Yet the unruptured aneurysm is the most frequent indication for treatment in many endovascular centres. In preparation for the initiation of a randomized trial, we aimed at a better knowledge of endovascular expert opinions on unruptured aneurysms. We administered a standard questionnaire to 175 endovascular experts gathered at the WFITN meeting in Val d'Isère in 2007. Four paradigm unruptured aneurysms were used to poll opinions on risks of treatment or observation, as well as on their willingness to treat, observe or propose to the patient participation in a randomized trial, using six questions for each aneurysm. Opinions varied widely among lesions and among participants. Most participants (92.5%) were consistent, as they would offer treatment only if their estimate of the ten-year risk of spontaneous hemorrhage would exceed risks of treatment. Estimates of the natural history were consistently higher than that reported by ISUIA. Conversely, treatment risks were underestimated compared to those reported in ISUIA, but within the range reported in a recent French registry (ATENA). Participants were more confident in their evaluation of treatment risks and in their skills at treating aneurysms than in their estimates of risks of rupture entailed by the presence of the lesion, the latter being anchored at or close to 1% /year. The gulf between expert opinions, clinical practices and available data from registries persist. Expert opinions are compatible with the primary hypothesis of a recently initiated randomized trial on unruptured aneurysms (TEAM), which is a benefit of endovascular treatment of 4% compared to observation over ten years. Only data from a randomized trial could provide convincing objective evidence in favour or against preventive treatment of unruptured intracranial aneurysms.


2015 ◽  
Vol 123 (4) ◽  
pp. 862-871 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew R. Reynolds ◽  
Robert T. Buckley ◽  
Santoshi S. Indrakanti ◽  
Ali H. Turkmani ◽  
Gerald Oh ◽  
...  

OBJECT Vasopressor-induced hypertension (VIH) is an established treatment for patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) who develop vasospasm and delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI). However, the safety of VIH in patients with coincident, unruptured, unprotected intracranial aneurysms is uncertain. METHODS This retrospective multiinstitutional study identified 1) patients with aneurysmal SAH and 1 or more unruptured, unprotected aneurysms who required VIH therapy (VIH group), and 2) patients with aneurysmal SAH and 1 or more unruptured, unprotected aneurysms who did not require VIH therapy (non-VIH group). All patients had previously undergone surgical or endovascular treatment for the presumed ruptured aneurysm. Comparisons between the VIH and non-VIH patients were made in terms of the patient characteristics, clinical and radiographic severity of SAH, total number of aneurysms, number of ruptured/unruptured aneurysms, aneurysm location/size, number of unruptured and unprotected aneurysms during VIH, severity of vasospasm, degree of hypervolemia, and degree and duration of VIH therapy. RESULTS For the VIH group (n = 176), 484 aneurysms were diagnosed, 231 aneurysms were treated, and 253 unruptured aneurysms were left unprotected during 1293 total days of VIH therapy (5.12 total years of VIH therapy for unruptured, unprotected aneurysms). For the non-VIH group (n = 73), 207 aneurysms were diagnosed, 93 aneurysms were treated, and 114 unruptured aneurysms were left unprotected. For the VIH and non-VIH groups, the mean sizes of the ruptured (7.2 ± 0.3 vs 7.8 ± 0.6 mm, respectively; p = 0.27) and unruptured (3.4 ± 0.2 vs 3.2 ± 0.2 mm, respectively; p = 0.40) aneurysms did not differ. The authors observed 1 new SAH from a previously unruptured, unprotected aneurysm in each group (1 of 176 vs 1 of 73 patients; p = 0.50). Baseline patient characteristics and comorbidities were similar between groups. While the degree of hypervolemia was similar between the VIH and non-VIH patients (fluid balance over the first 10 days of therapy: 3146.2 ± 296.4 vs 2910.5 ± 450.7 ml, respectively; p = 0.67), VIH resulted in a significant increase in mean arterial pressure (mean increase over the first 10 days of therapy relative to baseline: 125.1% ± 1.0% vs 98.2% ± 1.2%, respectively; p < 0.01) and systolic blood pressure (125.6% ± 1.1% vs. 104.1% ± 5.2%, respectively; p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS For small, unruptured, unprotected intracranial aneurysms in SAH patients, the frequency of aneurysm rupture during VIH therapy is rare. The authors do not recommend withholding VIH therapy from these patients.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
pp. 566
Author(s):  
Waneerat Galassi ◽  
Warin Yuyangkate ◽  
Paweena Paholthep ◽  
Thipsumon Tangsriwong ◽  
Ponnarong Jaikon ◽  
...  

Background: The prevalence of familial unruptured intracranial aneurysm (UIA) in Thai population was unknown. Methods: Our study population comprised first-degree relatives of patients who were diagnosed with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) in two cerebrovascular neurosurgical centers from January 2018 to December 2018. The volunteers underwent three-dimensional time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography for screening intracranial aneurysms (IA). Those who were reported positive or suspected of IA then underwent computed tomography angiography for confirmation. Results: We identified 12 patients who had 12 unruptured IAs (UIAs) from among 93 first-degree relatives. The prevalence of UIA among our study population was 12.9%. An estimated prevalence of UIA among Thai population was 9.05% (95% confidence interval [CI] 7.32–10.78). Of the 93 relatives, 84 had only one first-degree relative who suffered aSAH. Siblings posed a higher risk for UIA than offspring (16% vs. 9.5%), but the difference was not statistically significant (odds ratio 1.810, 95% CI 0.50–6.50, P = 0.274). The most common aneurysm location was the anterior cerebral artery territory (50%). Conclusion: The prevalence of familial UIA in a Thai population was relatively high. There was no significant between-group difference in the occurrence of UIA between the siblings and offspring of the aSAH patients.


2015 ◽  
Vol 35 (7) ◽  
pp. 1163-1168 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenji Shimada ◽  
Hajime Furukawa ◽  
Kosuke Wada ◽  
Yuan Wei ◽  
Yoshiteru Tada ◽  
...  

Angiotensin-(1-7) (Ang-(1-7)) can regulate vascular inflammation and remodeling, which are processes that have important roles in the pathophysiology of intracranial aneurysms. In this study, we assessed the effects of Ang-(1-7) in the development of intracranial aneurysm rupture using a mouse model of intracranial aneurysms in which aneurysmal rupture (i.e., aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage) occurs spontaneously and causes neurologic symptoms. Treatment with Ang-(1-7) (0.5 mg/kg/day), Mas receptor antagonist (A779 0.5 mg/kg/day or 2.5 mg/kg/day), or angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT2R) antagonist (PD 123319, 10 mg/kg/day) was started 6 days after aneurysm induction and continued for 2 weeks. Angiotensin-(1-7) significantly reduced the rupture rate of intracranial aneurysms without affecting the overall incidence of aneurysms. The protective effect of Ang-(1-7) was blocked by the AT2R antagonist, but not by the Mas receptor antagonist. In AT2R knockout mice, the protective effect of Ang-(1-7) was absent. While AT2R mRNA was abundantly expressed in the cerebral arteries and aneurysms, Mas receptor mRNA expression was very scarce in these tissues. Angiotensin-(1-7) reduced the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β in cerebral arteries. These findings indicate that Ang-(1-7) can protect against the development of aneurysmal rupture in an AT2R-dependent manner.


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