scholarly journals Screening of unruptured intracranial aneurysms in 50 to 60-year-old female smokers: a pilot study

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Justiina Huhtakangas ◽  
Jussi Numminen ◽  
Johanna Pekkola ◽  
Mika Niemelä ◽  
Miikka Korja

AbstractThe prevalence of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) is around 2–3% in the general population. We hypothesized that the prevalence of small UIAs is higher among 50 to 60-year-old female smokers, since the incidence of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is exceptionally high in 60 to 70-year-old female smokers. Ethics approval for this pilot study of 50 women was obtained from the hospital ethics committee. In order to minimize recruitment bias, preliminary invitation letters were sent to 50 to 60-year-old women who were known to be active smokers. Those interested in participating were further informed about the study rationale and protocol. Following written consent, participants filled a detailed questionnaire and underwent computed tomography angiography (CTA) analysis. All abnormalities were recorded. Of the 158 preliminary invitation letters, 70 potential participants initially replied. Of these, 50 returned questionnaires and written consents, 43 of which underwent CTA analysis. Most (39; 91%) were postmenopausal, and 9 (21%) were hypertensive. Two reported a family history (≥ 1 first-degree members) of intracranial aneurysms. UIAs (maximum sizes of 2, 2, 3, 3 and 7 mm) were found in five (12%) female smokers. One woman was operated on, and the remaining four were treated with non-invasive preventive actions (smoking cessation and follow-ups). Small UIAs, which may be best suited for non-invasive preventive actions, may be relatively common in 50 to 60-year-old female smokers. Whether this kind of targeted screening leads to improved health in female smokers requires further investigation.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Justiina Huhtakangas ◽  
Jussi Numminen ◽  
Johanna Pekkola ◽  
Mika Niemelä ◽  
Miikka Korja

Abstract Background: The prevalence of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) is around 2 to 3% in the general population. We hypothesized that the prevalence of small UIAs is higher among 50 to 60-year-old female smokers, since the incidence of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is exceptionally high in 60 to 70-year-old female smokers. Methods: Ethics approval for this pilot study of 50 women was obtained from the hospital ethics committee. In order to minimize recruitment bias, preliminary invitation letters were sent to 50 to 60-year-old women who were known to be active smokers. Those interested in participating were further informed about the study rationale and protocol. Following written consent, participants filled a detailed questionnaire and underwent computed tomography angiography (CTA) analysis. All abnormalities were recorded. Results: Of the 158 preliminary invitation letters, 70 potential participants initially replied. Of these, 50 returned questionnaires and written consents, 43 of which underwent CTA analysis. Most (39; 91%) were postmenopausal, and 9 (21%) were hypertensive. Two reported a family history (≥ 1 first-degree members) of intracranial aneurysms. UIAs (maximum sizes of 2, 2, 3, 3 and 7 mm) were found in five (12%) female smokers. One woman was operated on, and the remaining four were treated with non-invasive preventive actions (smoking cessation and follow-ups). Conclusion: Small UIAs, which may be best suited for non-invasive preventive actions, may be relatively common in 50 to 60-year-old female smokers. Whether this kind of targeted screening leads to improved health in female smokers requires further investigation.


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.


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.


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.


2019 ◽  
Vol 63 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabio Ferrari ◽  
Luigi Cirillo ◽  
Fabio Calbucci ◽  
Fiorina Bartiromo ◽  
Paolo Ambrosetto ◽  
...  

2004 ◽  
Vol 17 (5) ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
J Mocco ◽  
Ricardo J. Komotar ◽  
Sean D. Lavine ◽  
Philip M. Meyers ◽  
E. Sander Connolly ◽  
...  

Since the publication of preliminary results from the International Study of Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms in 1998 there has been a great deal of debate concerning the natural history of these lesions and their attendant risk of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. Therefore, the authors reviewed a selected number of crucial studies concerning this topic to determine the best evidence-based estimate of a rupture rate for these lesions. Based on this analysis, the yearly risk of bleeding for an unruptured intracranial aneurysm is estimated to be approximately 1% for aneurysms 7 to 10 mm in diameter. This risk of rupture increases with aneurysm size and it likewise diminishes as the size of the lesion decreases. This general rule serves as a reasonable interpretation of the results reported in the current body of literature.


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