Unruptured intracranial aneurysms: a review

2002 ◽  
Vol 96 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-42 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bryce Weir
Keyword(s):  
Intracranial Aneurysms ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Clinical Information ◽  
Treatment Decisions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Unruptured Aneurysms ◽  
Track Record ◽  
Asymptomatic Patients ◽  
Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms ◽  
Fine Print

Object. In this article, pathological, radiological, and clinical information regarding unruptured intracranial aneurysms is reviewed. Methods. Treatment decisions require that surgeons and interventionists take into account information obtained in pathological, radiological, and clinical studies of unruptured aneurysms. The author has performed a detailed review of the literature and has compared, contrasted, and summarized his findings. Unruptured aneurysms may be classified as truly incidental, part of a multiple aneurysm constellation, or symptomatic by virtue of their mass, irritative, or embolic effects. Unruptured aneurysms with clinical pathological profiles resembling those of ruptured lesions should be considered for treatment at a smaller size than unruptured lesions with profiles typical of intact aneurysms, as has been determined at autopsy in patients who have died of other causes. The track record of the surgeon or interventionist and the institution in which treatment is to be performed should be considered while debating treatment options. In cases in which treatment is not performed immediately, ongoing periodic radiological assessment may be wise. Radiological investigations to detect unruptured aneurysms in asymptomatic patients should be restricted to high-prevalence groups such as adults with a strong family history of aneurysms or patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. All patients with intact lesions should be strongly advised to discontinue cigarette smoking if they are addicted. Conclusions. The current state of knowledge about unruptured aneurysms does not support the use of the largest diameter of the lesion as the sole criterion on which to base treatment decisions, although it is of undoubted importance.

Surgical management of unruptured intracranial aneurysms

1994 ◽  
Vol 80 (3) ◽  
pp. 440-446 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert A. Solomon ◽  
Matthew E. Fink ◽  
John Pile-Spellman
Keyword(s):  
Surgical Management ◽  
Intracranial Aneurysms ◽  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Mass Effect ◽  
Endovascular Embolization ◽  
Surgical Morbidity ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Unruptured Aneurysms ◽  
Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms ◽  
Fine Print

✓ The surgical management of patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms continues to be controversial. The criteria for withholding treatment or choosing between endovascular embolization and conventional microsurgery are not well delineated. The present study analyzes the morbidity and mortality that can be expected with modern surgical management of unruptured aneurysms, and therefore serves as a point of reference for clinical decision-making in this group of patients. A total of 202 consecutive operations for attempted clipping of unruptured intracranial aneurysms are reported. Subarachnoid hemorrhage from another aneurysm was the most common presentation (55 cases). Thirty-seven patients presented with headache, 36 with mass effect from the aneurysm, and 19 with embolic events; 11 aneurysms were associated with an arteriovenous malformation, 10 caused seizures, and 34 were incidental findings. Excellent or good outcome was achieved in 100% of patients with aneurysms less than 10 mm in diameter, 95% with aneurysms 11 to 25 mm, and 79% with aneurysms greater than 25 mm. Except for giant basilar aneurysms, size (and not location) of the aneurysm was the key predictor of risk for surgical morbidity. These data may be useful when discussing with patients the risk:benefit ratio of choosing between conservative management, endovascular embolization, and microsurgical clipping.

Role of apoptosis in intracranial aneurysm rupture

2004 ◽  
Vol 101 (6) ◽  
pp. 1018-1025 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luigi Pentimalli ◽  
Andrea Modesti ◽  
Andrea Vignati ◽  
Enrico Marchese ◽  
Alessio Albanese ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intracranial Aneurysms ◽  
Superficial Temporal Artery ◽  
Aneurysm Rupture ◽  
Terminal Deoxynucleotidyl Transferase ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Unruptured Aneurysms ◽  
Ruptured Aneurysms ◽  
Aneurysm Wall ◽  
Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms ◽  
Fine Print

Object. Mechanisms involved in the rupture of intracranial aneurysms remain unclear, and the literature on apoptosis in these lesions is extremely limited. The hypothesis that apoptosis may reduce aneurysm wall resistance, thus contributing to its rupture, warrants investigation. The authors in this study focused on the comparative evaluation of apoptosis in ruptured and unruptured intracranial aneurysms. Peripheral arteries in patients harboring the aneurysms and in a group of controls were also analyzed. Methods. Between September 1999 and February 2002, specimens from 27 intracranial aneurysms were studied. In 13 of these patients apoptosis was also evaluated in specimens of the middle meningeal artery (MMA) and the superficial temporal artery (STA). The terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase—mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labeling technique was used to study apoptosis via optical microscopy; electron microscopy evaluation was performed as well. Apoptotic cell levels were related to patient age and sex, aneurysm volume and shape, and surgical timing. Significant differences in apoptosis were observed when comparing ruptured and unruptured aneurysms. High levels of apoptosis were found in 88% of ruptured aneurysms and in only 10% of unruptured lesions (p < 0.001). Elevated apoptosis levels were also detected in all MMA and STA specimens obtained in patients harboring ruptured aneurysms, whereas absent or very low apoptosis levels were observed in MMA and STA specimens from patients with unruptured aneurysms. A significant correlation between aneurysm shape and apoptosis was found. Conclusions. In this series, aneurysm rupture appeared to be more related to elevated apoptosis levels than to the volume of the aneurysm sac. Data in this study could open the field to investigations clarifying the causes of aneurysm enlargement and rupture.

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.

Functional outcome after repair of unruptured intracranial aneurysms

2001 ◽  
Vol 94 (3) ◽  
pp. 417-421 ◽  
Author(s):  
Douglas Chyatte ◽  
Rebecca Porterfield
Keyword(s):  
Functional Outcome ◽  
Intracranial Aneurysms ◽  
Patient Age ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Unruptured Aneurysms ◽  
Aneurysm Size ◽  
Patient Âgé ◽  
Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Fine Print

Object. Repair of unruptured aneurysms is a reasonable course of action if their expected natural history is worse than the predicted risks of treatment. The purpose of this study was to examine the presenting symptoms of unruptured aneurysms and to test the hypothesis that unruptured intracranial aneurysms can be repaired without significant functional worsening. A second hypothesis was also examined—that is, that the experience of the surgeon, the aneurysm size, and the patient age can be used to predict functional outcome. Methods. Consecutive patients who underwent repair of an unruptured intracranial aneurysm at a single institution between 1980 and 1998 were studied. Clinical and radiographic data were collected in all patients. Their modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score was determined before treatment (baseline), at 6 weeks, and at 6 months. The primary endpoint for analysis was the mRS score. Four hundred forty-nine aneurysms were repaired in 366 patients by 10 surgeons. The mean size of the primary lesion repaired was 14.6 + 10.4 mm and 27% were judged to be symptomatic. Aneurysm treatment involved either microsurgical clipping (78%), wrapping (4%), trapping with or without bypass (5%), hunterian ligation with or without bypass (9%), or other methods (4%). The mRS scores at 6 weeks were worse than at baseline (p < 0.0001), but there was no significant difference between the baseline and 6-month mRS score. At 6 months, 94% of patients showed no significant functional worsening as a result of treatment. The number of aneurysms treated by a specific surgeon was a strong predictor of better functional outcome (r = 0.99, p = 0.05). Increasing patient age (r = 0.16, p = 0.003) and increasing aneurysm size (r = 0.15, p = 0.004) were predictors of worsened functional outcome. Conclusions. Many unruptured aneurysms produce symptoms. Unruptured intracranial aneurysms can be treated without significant permanent functional worsening. The surgeon's experience, aneurysm size, and patient age are predictors of functional outcome.

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

2000 ◽  
Vol 93 (3) ◽  
pp. 379-387 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seppo Juvela ◽  
Matti Porras ◽  
Kristiina Poussa
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Smoking Status ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Significant Risk Factor ◽  
Aneurysm Rupture ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Unruptured Aneurysms ◽  
Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms ◽  
History Of ◽  
Fine Print

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.

The size of intracranial saccular aneurysms

1970 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 422-427 ◽  
Author(s):  
William F. McCormick ◽  
Gaston J. Acosta-Rua
Keyword(s):  
Intracranial Aneurysms ◽  
Autopsy Material ◽  
Autopsy Study ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Unruptured Aneurysms ◽  
Age And Sex ◽  
Fine Print ◽  
Saccular Aneurysms

✓ An autopsy study was made of the size of 191 saccular intracranial aneurysms (54 ruptured, 137 unruptured). Variations with age and sex, and ruptured and unruptured state were recorded and analyzed. Measurements on unfixed, unruptured aneurysms inflated by perfusion under 70 mm Hg pressure indicated that the size of aneurysms as generally determined in autopsy material is deceptively low.

Intracranial aneurysms associated with unsuspected aortic coarctation

2002 ◽  
Vol 97 (5) ◽  
pp. 1221-1225 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rodrigo Mercado ◽  
Susana López ◽  
Carlos Cantú ◽  
Angel Sanchez ◽  
Rogelio Revuelta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Aortic Coarctation ◽  
Intracranial Aneurysms ◽  
Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽  
Young Patients ◽  
Clinical Information ◽  
Aneurysm Rupture ◽  
Adolescent And Young Adult ◽  
Imaging Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fine Print

✓ Intracranial aneurysms (IAs) are found more often in patients with aortic coarctation (AC) than in the general population and aneurysm rupture occurs much earlier in the lives of these patients when there is coexistent AC. The diagnosis of AC is frequently made only after a serious cerebrovascular complication has developed. The aim of this paper is to call attention to AC in patients presenting with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. The literature is reviewed, the key clinical features are highlighted, and the proposed pathogenesis of this association is discussed. The authors present clinical information and imaging data obtained in three young patients with ruptured IAs that were associated with initially unnoticed AC. Abnormal results of cardiovascular examinations led the authors to consider an underlying AC, which was later confirmed by aortography. These aneurysms were successfully treated prior to correction of the ACs. The diagnosis of AC should be considered in adolescent and young adult patients presenting with IAs.

Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms and Multiple Aneurysms

2002 ◽  
Vol 15 (5) ◽  
pp. 589-596
Author(s):  
M. Fontanella ◽  
D. Garbossa ◽  
V. Luparello
Keyword(s):  
Natural History ◽  
Intracranial Aneurysms ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Clinical Status ◽  
International Study ◽  
Unruptured Aneurysms ◽  
Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms ◽  
History Of ◽  
Risk Of Treatment

Surgery on unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) could be a good strategy for prevention of haemorrhage, but management decisions require an accurate assessment of the risks of various treatment options, compared with the natural history of subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). The International Study for Unruptured Aneurysms (ISUIA) showed that the natural history is different for patients with UIAs who have not experienced SAH, than it is for patients with a history of prior SAH due to a separate aneurysm, in whom the risk is increased. The size of the UIAs is the best predictor of future rupture and the site can also be. The role of elective neuroradiological screening is the subject of discussion. In fact, the possibility of treatment should be considered on the basis of the patient's age and clinical status. Factors that favour surgery include a young patient with a long life expectancy, previously ruptured aneurysms, a familiarity, large and symptomatic aneurysms and low risk of treatment. The role of endovascular treatment is also discussed.

Unruptured intracranial aneurysms: seizures and antiepileptic drug treatment following surgery

1991 ◽  
Vol 75 (3) ◽  
pp. 371-373 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adrian L. Rabinowicz ◽  
David L. Ginsburg ◽  
Christopher M. DeGiorgio ◽  
Peggy S. Gott ◽  
Steven L. Giannotta
Keyword(s):  
Drug Treatment ◽  
Antiepileptic Drug ◽  
Antiepileptic Drugs ◽  
Intracranial Aneurysms ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms ◽  
Antiepileptic Drug Treatment ◽  
Fine Print ◽  
Overall Risk

✓ Twenty-one patients operated on for unruptured intracranial aneurysms were studied retrospectively in order to identify the incidence of postoperative seizures, factors predictive of seizures, and the response to discontinuation of antiepileptic drugs. The overall risk of postoperative seizures in initially seizure-free patients was 15.7%. Although seizures were not uncommon, antiepileptic drugs were successfully tapered in most of the patients before 12 months.

Elective surgery for asymptomatic, unruptured, intracranial aneurysms: a cost-effectiveness analysis

1995 ◽  
Vol 83 (3) ◽  
pp. 403-412 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph T. King ◽  
Henry A. Glick ◽  
Thomas J. Mason ◽  
Eugene S. Flamm
Keyword(s):  
Cost Effectiveness ◽  
Intracranial Aneurysms ◽  
Elective Surgery ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Cost Effectiveness Analysis ◽  
Aneurysm Surgery ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Effectiveness Analysis ◽  
Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms ◽  
Fine Print

✓ Cost-effectiveness analysis uses both economic and clinical outcomes data to evaluate treatment options. In this era of economic constraints on health care, treatments that are not cost-effective will increasingly be denied public and private insurance reimbursement. The authors used mathematical modeling techniques to assess the cost-effectiveness of elective surgery for the treatment of asymptomatic, unruptured, intracranial aneurysms. Input values for the Markov model used in this study were determined from both the literature and clinical judgment. Direct medical costs for hospitalization and physician fees were derived from Medicare cost reports and resource-based relative-value units, expressed in 1992 U.S. dollars. Costs and benefits were discounted at an annual rate of 5%. Using baseline model assumptions for a 50-year-old patient, elective aneurysm surgery provides an average of 0.88 additional quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) compared with nonsurgical treatment. However, prompt elective surgery ($23,300) costs more than expectant management ($2100), in which only patients whose aneurysms rupture incur treatment costs. Combining the outcomes and cost data, the incremental cost-effectiveness of elective aneurysm surgery is $24,200 per QALY, which is comparable to other accepted medical or surgical interventions, such as total knee arthroplasty ($15,200/QALY) or antihypertensive therapy in a 50-year-old patient ($29,800/QALY). Prompt elective surgery for asymptomatic, unruptured, intracranial aneurysms is recommended as a cost-effective use of medical resources provided: 1) surgical morbidity and mortality remain at reported levels; 2) the patient has a life expectancy of at least 13 additional years; and 3) the patient experiences a decrease in quality of life from knowingly living with an unruptured aneurysm.

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