Enlargement of small, asymptomatic, unruptured intracranial aneurysms in patients with no history of subarachnoid hemorrhage: the different factors related to the growth of single and multiple aneurysms

2013 ◽  
Vol 119 (1) ◽  
pp. 190-197 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aichi Chien ◽  
Feng Liang ◽  
James Sayre ◽  
Noriko Salamon ◽  
Pablo Villablanca ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Intracranial Aneurysms ◽  
Posterior Circulation ◽  
Unruptured Aneurysms ◽  
Multiple Aneurysms ◽  
Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms ◽  
History Of ◽  
Aneurysm Growth ◽  
Small Aneurysms

Object This study was performed to investigate the risk factors related to the growth of small, asymptomatic, unruptured aneurysms in patients with no history of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Methods Between January 2005 and December 2010, a total of 508 patients in whom unruptured intracranial aneurysms were diagnosed at the University of California, Los Angeles medical center did not receive treatment to prevent rupture. Of these, 235 patients with no history of SAH who had asymptomatic, small, unruptured aneurysms (< 7 mm) were monitored with 3D CT angiography images. Follow-up images of the lesions were used to measure aneurysm size changes. Patient medical history, family history of SAH, aneurysm size, and location were studied to find the risk factors associated with small aneurysm growth. Results A total of 319 small aneurysms were included, with follow-up durations of 29.2 ± 20.6 months. Forty-two aneurysms increased in size during the follow-up; 5 aneurysms grew to become ≥ 7 mm within 38.2 ± 18.3 months. A trend of higher growth rates was found in single aneurysms than in multiple aneurysms (p = 0.07). A history of stroke was the only factor associated with single aneurysm growth (p = 0.03). The number of aneurysms (p = 0.011), number of aneurysms located within the posterior circulation (p = 0.030), and patient history of transient ischemic attack (p = 0.044) were related to multiple aneurysm growth. Conclusions Multiple small aneurysms are more likely to grow, and multiple aneurysms located in the posterior circulation may require additional attention. Although single aneurysms have a lower risk of growth, a trend of higher growth rates in single aneurysms was found.

Abstract TP82: The Growth of Small, Asymptomatic, Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms with no History of SAH -Different Risk Factors Associated with Single and Multiple Aneurysms

Stroke ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 44 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aichi Chien ◽  
Feng Liang ◽  
James Sayre ◽  
Noriko Salamon ◽  
Pablo Villablanca ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rates ◽  
Intracranial Aneurysms ◽  
Posterior Circulation ◽  
Rupture Risk ◽  
Multiple Aneurysms ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms ◽  
History Of ◽  
Aneurysm Growth

Introduction: The International Study on Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms suggests that small (<7mm), asymptomatic, unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIA) in patients with no history of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) should be managed conservatively. Recent research has independently shown considerable variation in the rupture risk of small UIA. As enlargement may indicate increased risk of rupture, the factors related to UIA growth may also influence rupture risk. Information about small UIA growth is limited and heterogeneous due to limited follow-up data. Hypothesis: Growth factors for small UIA vary between subset groups. Methods: A retrospective study was performed based on a total of 508 patients diagnosed with UIA from 2005-2010 in our center. 235 patients with asymptomatic, small UIA and no history of SAH were monitored with high resolution 3D CTA. Patient medical history and aneurysm characteristics (size, growth, location and multiplicity) were analyzed. Multiple logistic regression analysis and the Hosmer-Lemeshow statistic were used to identify the factors associated with growth. The Student’s t-test was applied to compare the aneurysm growth rate between subset groups. Results: A total of 319 UIA were included with follow-up durations of 29.2 20.0 months. 42 UIA increased in size during the follow-up. 5 UIA grew to become ≥ 7 mm (within 38.2±18.3 months). A trend of higher growth rates was found in single aneurysms than in multiple aneurysms (P=0.07). History of stroke was the only factor associated with single aneurysm growth (P=0.03). The number of aneurysms (P=0.014), aneurysms located within the posterior circulation (P=0.023), and patient history of transient ischemic attack (P=0.032) were related to multiple aneurysm growth. Conclusion: We found that multiple small aneurysms were more likely to grow, especially those at posterior circulation. Although single aneurysms have a lower risk of growth, a trend of higher growth rates was found.

Natural history of unruptured intracranial aneurysms: probability of and risk factors for aneurysm rupture

2008 ◽  
Vol 108 (5) ◽  
pp. 1052-1060 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seppo Juvela ◽  
Matti Porras ◽  
Kristiina Poussa
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Intracranial Aneurysms ◽  
Smoking Status ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Significant Risk Factor ◽  
Aneurysm Rupture ◽  
Unruptured Aneurysms ◽  
Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms ◽  
History Of

Object The authors conducted a study to investigate the long-term natural history of unruptured intracranial aneurysms and the predictive risk factors determining subsequent rupture in a patient population in which surgical selection of cases was not performed. Methods One hundred forty-two patients with 181 unruptured aneurysms were followed from the 1950s until death or the occurrence of subarachnoid hemorrhage or until the years 1997 to 1998. The annual and cumulative incidence of aneurysm rupture as well as several potential risk factors predictive of rupture were studied using life-table analyses and Cox's proportional hazards regression models including time-dependent covariates. The median follow-up time was 19.7 years (range 0.8–38.9 years). During 2575 person-years of follow up, there were 33 first-time episodes of hemorrhage from previously unruptured aneurysms, for an average annual incidence of 1.3%. In 17 patients, hemorrhage led to death. The cumulative rate of bleeding was 10.5% at 10 years, 23% at 20 years, and 30.3% at 30 years after diagnosis. The diameter of the unruptured aneurysm (relative risk [RR] 1.11 per mm in diameter, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1–1.23, p = 0.05) and patient age at diagnosis inversely (RR 0.97 per year, 95% CI 0.93–1, p = 0.05) were significant independent predictors for a subsequent aneurysm rupture after adjustment for sex, hypertension, and aneurysm group. Active smoking status at the time of diagnosis was a significant risk factor for aneurysm rupture (RR 1.46, 95% CI 1.04–2.06, p = 0.033) after adjustment for size of the aneurysm, patient age, sex, presence of hypertension, and aneurysm group. Active smoking status as a time-dependent covariate was an even more significant risk factor for aneurysm rupture (adjusted RR 3.04, 95% CI 1.21–7.66, p = 0.02). Conclusions Cigarette smoking, size of the unruptured intracranial aneurysm, and age, inversely, are important factors determining risk for subsequent aneurysm rupture. The authors conclude that such unruptured aneurysms should be surgically treated regardless of their size and of a patient's smoking status, especially in young and middle-aged adults, if this is technically possible and if the patient's concurrent diseases are not contraindications. Cessation of smoking may also be a good alternative to surgery in older patients with small-sized aneurysms.

Risk Factors for Growth of Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms: Follow-up Study by Serial 0.5–T Magnetic Resonance Angiography

Neurosurgery ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 58 (6) ◽  
pp. 1047-1053 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nobuhiko Miyazawa ◽  
Iwao Akiyama ◽  
Zentaro Yamagata
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽  
Family History ◽  
Unruptured Aneurysms ◽  
Logistic Analysis ◽  
Aneurysm Size ◽  
History Of ◽  
Aneurysm Growth ◽  
Independent Risk Factors

Abstract OBJECTIVE: The independent risk factors for aneurysm growth were retrospectively investigated in 130 patients with unruptured aneurysms who were followed up by 0.5–T serial magnetic resonance angiography with stereoscopic images. METHODS: Age, sex, site of aneurysm, size of aneurysm, multiplicity of aneurysms, type of circle of Willis, length of follow-up period, cerebrovascular event, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, smoking habit, and family history of subarachnoid hemorrhage were investigated using multiple logistic analysis. RESULTS: Fourteen patients (16 aneurysms) among the 130 patients (159 aneurysms) showed aneurysm growth (10.8%) during follow-up of 10 to 69 months (mean 29.3 ± 10.5 mo). Multiple logistic analysis disclosed that location on the middle cerebral artery (odds ratio [OR] 0.08, P &lt; 0.01), multiplicity of aneurysms (OR 68.5, P &lt; 0.01), aneurysm size of 5 mm or larger (OR 1.17, P = 0.05), and family history of subarachnoid hemorrhage (OR 10.9, P &lt; 0.01) were independent risk factors. CONCLUSION: Location on the middle cerebral artery, multiplicity, aneurysm size of 5 mm or larger, and family history of subarachnoid hemorrhage are independent risk factors for aneurysm growth. These results may help to determine the treatment choice for unruptured aneurysms.

ELAPSS score for prediction of risk of growth of unruptured intracranial aneurysms

Neurology ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 88 (17) ◽  
pp. 1600-1606 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daan Backes ◽  
Gabriel J.E. Rinkel ◽  
Jacoba P. Greving ◽  
Birgitta K. Velthuis ◽  
Yuichi Murayama ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factor ◽  
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽  
Risk Score ◽  
Intracranial Aneurysms ◽  
Cox Regression Analysis ◽  
Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms ◽  
History Of ◽  
Aneurysm Growth ◽  
Risk Factor Status

Objective:To develop a risk score that estimates 3-year and 5-year absolute risks for aneurysm growth.Methods:From 10 cohorts of patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms and follow-up imaging, we pooled individual data on sex, population, age, hypertension, history of subarachnoid hemorrhage, and aneurysm location, size, aspect ratio, and shape but not on smoking during follow-up and family history of intracranial aneurysms in 1,507 patients with 1,909 unruptured intracranial aneurysms and used aneurysm growth as outcome. With aneurysm-based multivariable Cox regression analysis, we determined predictors for aneurysm growth, which were presented as a risk score to calculate 3-year and 5-year risks for aneurysm growth by risk factor status.Results:Aneurysm growth occurred in 257 patients (17%) and 267 aneurysms (14%) during 5,782 patient-years of follow-up. Predictors for aneurysm growth were earlier subarachnoid hemorrhage, location of the aneurysm, age >60 years, population, size of the aneurysm, and shape of the aneurysm (ELAPSS). The 3-year growth risk ranged from <5% to >42% and the 5-year growth risk from <9% to >60%, depending on the risk factor status.Conclusions:The ELAPSS score consists of 6 easily retrievable predictors and can help physicians in decision making on the need for and timing of follow-up imaging in patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms.

Predicting outcome following surgical treatment of unruptured intracranial aneurysms: a proposed grading system

1996 ◽  
Vol 84 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-54 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rohit K. Khanna ◽  
Ghaus M. Malik ◽  
Nuzhat Qureshi
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Surgical Treatment ◽  
Intracranial Aneurysms ◽  
Posterior Circulation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Unruptured Aneurysms ◽  
Poor Outcome ◽  
Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms ◽  
Predicting Outcome ◽  
Fine Print

✓ Surgical treatment of unruptured aneurysms is gaining increased support owing to the recently defined poor long-term natural history of these aneurysms. The benefit of treatment ultimately depends on the relative risk of subsequent aneurysm rupture in untreated patients versus the risk of surgery. To identify those patients at a higher risk from surgery, the authors reviewed the management of 172 patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms treated at their institution. The size of the aneurysms ranged from 3 to 45 mm (mean 13.7 mm). Twenty-two patients (12.8%) had aneurysms in the posterior circulation, and 32 (18.6%) of these were giant aneurysms. Major morbidity occurred in 12 patients (6.9%) and five patients (2.9%) died. Multivariate logistic analysis of several risk factors revealed that aneurysm size and location had an independent correlation with surgical outcome and that patient age approached statistical significance. Patients presenting with ischemic cerebrovascular disease, in particular, did not have a higher risk of a poor outcome. A simple classification for predicting patients at high risk from surgical morbidity and mortality is proposed. Preoperative grading is based on the size and location of the aneurysm and patient's age. The lowest grade is given to young patients with small anterior circulation aneurysms, and the highest grade includes elderly patients with complex giant posterior circulation aneurysms. A retrospective analysis of this classification demonstrated a strong correlation with postoperative outcome. The incidence of poor outcome progressively increased with a higher grade, ranging from 0% in Grade 0 to 66.6% in Grade VI. An analysis of this classification on 50 consecutive surgically treated patients with unruptured aneurysms not included in the analysis also validated the predictive value of this system. Along with predicting outcome, this classification should provide a standardized format for comparison of results from different clinical centers as well as different therapeutic techniques (surgical vs. endovascular) without omission of significant risk factors found to influence outcome.

scholarly journals Growth and rupture of unruptured intracranial aneurysms

2019 ◽  
Vol 131 (3) ◽  
pp. 843-851 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seppo Juvela
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Cigarette Smoking ◽  
Intracranial Aneurysms ◽  
Aneurysm Rupture ◽  
Ruptured Aneurysms ◽  
Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms ◽  
Aneurysm Growth ◽  
Independent Risk Factors

OBJECTIVERisk factors for growth of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) during a lifelong follow-up in relation to subsequent rupture are unknown. The author’s aim in this study was to investigate whether risk factors for UIA growth are different for those that lead to rupture than for those that do not.METHODSThe series consists of 87 patients with 111 UIAs diagnosed before 1979, when UIAs were not treated. A total follow-up time of the patients was 2648 person-years for all-cause death and 2182 years when patients were monitored until the first rupture, death due to unrelated causes, or the last contact (annual incidence of aneurysm rupture, 1.2%). The follow-up time between aneurysm measurements was 1669 person-years. Risk factors for UIA growth were analyzed in relation to subsequent rupture.RESULTSThe median follow-up time between aneurysm measurements was 21.7 years (range 1.2–51.0 years). In 40 of the 87 patients (46%), the UIAs increased in size ≥ 1 mm, and in 31 patients (36%) ≥ 3 mm. All ruptured aneurysms in 27 patients grew during the follow-up of 324 person-years (mean growth rates 6.1 mm, 0.92 mm/year, and 37%/year), while growth without rupture occurred in 13 patients during 302 follow-up years (3.9 mm, 0.18 mm/year, and 4%/year) and no growth occurred in 47 patients during 1043 follow-up years. None of the 60 patients without aneurysm rupture experienced one during the subsequent 639 follow-up years after the last aneurysm measurement. Independent risk factors for UIA growth (≥ 1 mm) in all patients were female sex (adjusted OR 3.08, 95% CI 1.04–9.13) and smoking throughout the follow-up time (adjusted OR 3.16, 95% CI 1.10–9.10), while only smoking (adjusted OR 4.36, 95% CI 1.27–14.99) was associated with growth resulting in aneurysm rupture. Smoking was the only independent risk factor for UIA growth ≥ 3 mm resulting in aneurysm rupture (adjusted OR 4.03, 95% CI 1.08–15.07). Cigarette smoking at baseline predicted subsequent UIA growth, while smoking at the end of the follow-up was associated with growth resulting in aneurysm rupture.CONCLUSIONSCigarette smoking is an important risk factor for UIA growth, particularly for growth resulting in rupture. Cessation of smoking may reduce the risk of devastating aneurysm growth.

Unruptured intracranial aneurysms in children: 18 years’ experience in a tertiary care pediatric institution

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 184-189 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel-Alexandre Bisson ◽  
Peter Dirks ◽  
Afsaneh Amirabadi ◽  
Manohar M. Shroff ◽  
Timo Krings ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Carotid Artery ◽  
Natural History ◽  
Internal Carotid Artery ◽  
Intracranial Aneurysms ◽  
Internal Carotid ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms ◽  
History Of ◽  
Mean Size

OBJECTIVEThere are little data in the literature on the characteristics and natural history of unruptured intracranial aneurysms in children. The authors analyzed their experience with unruptured intracranial aneurysms in the pediatric population at their tertiary care pediatric institution over the last 18 years. The first objective was to assess the imaging characteristics and natural history of these aneurysms in order to help guide management strategies in the future. A second objective was to evaluate the frequency of an underlying condition when an incidental intracranial aneurysm was detected in a child.METHODSThe authors conducted a Research Ethics Board–approved retrospective review of incidental intracranial aneurysms in patients younger than 18 years of age who had been treated at their institution in the period from 1998 to 2016. Clinical (age, sex, syndrome) and radiological (aneurysm location, type, size, thrombus, mass effect) data were recorded. Follow-up imaging was assessed for temporal changes.RESULTSSixty intracranial aneurysms occurred in 51 patients (36 males, 15 females) with a mean age of 10.5 ± 0.5 years (range 9 months–17 years). Forty-five patients (88.2%) had a single aneurysm, while 2 and 3 aneurysms were found in 3 patients each (5.8%). Syndromic association was found in 22 patients (43.1%), most frequently sickle cell disease (10/22 [45.5%]). Aneurysms were saccular in 43 cases (71.7%; mean size 5.0 ± 5.7 mm) and fusiform in the remaining 17 (28.3%; mean size 6.5 ± 2.7 mm). Thirty-one aneurysms (51.7%) arose from the internal carotid artery (right/left 1.4), most commonly in the cavernous segment (10/31 [32.3%]). Mean size change over the entire follow-up of 109 patient-years was a decrease of 0.6 ± 4.2 mm (range −30.0 to +4.0 mm, rate −0.12 ± 9.9 mm/yr). Interval growth (2.0 ± 1.0 mm) was seen in 8 aneurysms (13.3%; 4 saccular, 4 fusiform). An interval decrease in size (8.3 ± 10.7 mm) was seen in 6 aneurysms (10%). There was an inverse relationship between aneurysm size and growth rate (r = −0.82, p < 0.00001). One aneurysm was treated endovascularly with internal carotid artery sacrifice.CONCLUSIONSUnruptured pediatric intracranial aneurysms are most frequently single but can occur in multiples in a syndromic setting. None of the cases from the study period showed clinical or imaging signs of rupture. Growth over time, although unusual and slow, can occur in a proportion of these patients, who should be identified for short-term imaging surveillance.

scholarly journals Evaluation of the Accero Stent for Stent-Assisted Coiling of Unruptured Wide-Necked Intracranial Aneurysm Treatment with Short-Term Follow-Up

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 2808
Author(s):  
Wojciech Poncyljusz ◽  
Kinga Kubiak ◽  
Leszek Sagan ◽  
Bartosz Limanówka ◽  
Katarzyna Kołaczyk
Keyword(s):  
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽  
Intracranial Aneurysms ◽  
Clinical Results ◽  
Class I ◽  
Unruptured Aneurysms ◽  
Patient Demographics ◽  
Stent Deformation ◽  
Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms ◽  
Occlusion Rate

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.

Demographic and clinical predictors of multiple intracranial aneurysms in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage

2018 ◽  
Vol 128 (4) ◽  
pp. 961-968 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael M. McDowell ◽  
Yin Zhao ◽  
Christopher P. Kellner ◽  
Sunjay M. Barton ◽  
Eric Sussman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽  
Intracranial Aneurysms ◽  
Posterior Circulation ◽  
Smoking History ◽  
Relative Risk Ratio ◽  
Base Case ◽  
Black Race ◽  
Multiple Aneurysms ◽  
Female Sex

OBJECTIVEPathophysiological differences that underlie the development and subsequent growth of multiple aneurysms may exist. In this study, the authors assessed the factors associated with the occurrence of multiple aneurysms in patients presenting with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).METHODSConsecutive patients presenting with aneurysmal SAH between 1996 and 2012 were prospectively enrolled in the Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Outcome Project. Patients harboring 1, 2, or 3 or more aneurysms were stratified into groups, and the clinical and radiological characteristics of each group were compared using multivariate logistic regression.RESULTSOf 1277 patients with ruptured intracranial aneurysms, 890 had 1 aneurysm, 267 had 2 aneurysms, and 120 had 3 or more aneurysms. On multinomial regression using the single-aneurysm cohort as base case, risk factors for patients presenting with 2 aneurysms were female sex (relative risk ratio [RRR] 1.80, p < 0.001), higher body mass index (BMI) (RRR 1.02, p = 0.003), more years of smoking (RRR = 1.01, p = 0.004), and black race (RRR 1.83, p = 0.001). The risk factors for patients presenting with 3 or more aneurysms were female sex (RRR 3.10, p < 0.001), higher BMI (RRR 1.03, p < 0.001), aneurysm in the posterior circulation (RRR 2.59, p < 0.001), and black race (RRR 2.15, p = 0.001). Female sex, longer smoking history, aneurysms in the posterior circulation, BMI, and black race were independently associated with the development of multiple aneurysms in our adjusted multivariate multinomial model.CONCLUSIONSSignificant demographic and clinical differences are found between patients presenting with single and multiple aneurysms in the setting of aneurysmal SAH. These predictors of multiple aneurysms likely reflect a predisposition toward inflammation and endothelial injury.

scholarly journals Increased rupture risk in small intracranial aneurysms associated with methamphetamine use

2020 ◽  
pp. 159101992095953
Author(s):  
Dylan Noblett ◽  
Lotfi Hacein-Bey ◽  
Ben Waldau ◽  
Jordan Ziegler ◽  
Brian Dahlin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intracranial Aneurysms ◽  
Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Retrospective Chart Review ◽  
Anterior Circulation ◽  
Unruptured Aneurysms ◽  
Methamphetamine Use ◽  
Aneurysm Size ◽  
Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms ◽  
History Of

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.

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