Piepgras, D. G.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The familial occurrence of intracranial aneurysms and cervical artery dissections has been described in different families and supports the hypothesis that a primary arteriopathy may play a role in the pathogenesis of these disorders. Although the basis for this arteriopathy is generally not believed to be similar among cases of intracranial aneurysms and cervical artery dissections, several similarities exist in the epidemiology of these disorders and a common underlying arterial abnormality may be suspected. SUMMARY OF REPORTS: The medical records of all 175 patients with spontaneous dissections of the cervical arteries who were seen at the Mayo Clinic between 1970 and 1989 were reviewed to identify families in which intracranial aneurysms and cervical dissections coexisted. Three families were identified in which intracranial aneurysms and cervical artery dissections were observed among siblings. These families are described in detail. CONCLUSIONS: The familial occurrence of intracranial aneurysms and cervical artery dissections within the same families provides support to the importance of a common underlying arteriopathy in the pathogenesis of both these disorders. The underlying vascular defect may, at least in some cases, be inherited.

Abstract A 6-year retrospective analysis of incidental intracranial aneurysm surgery was conducted at 12 medical centers (1975-1981). The surgical facilities and techniques were comparable at the institutions surveyed. From a total of 1671 aneurysms operated upon, 119 in 107 patients were unruptured and were discovered incidentally. Among these 107 patients, there was no operative mortality. Operative morbidity occurred in 7 cases (6.5%). Surgical treatment of large aneurysms in less accessible locations incurred the greatest operative morbidity. Presenting symptoms of cerebral ischemia seemed to be associated with increased operative morbidity, whereas repair of aneurysms incidental to other ruptured aneurysms had a uniformly low morbidity. These surgical results compare favorably with the risks of hemorrhage from unruptured intracranial aneurysms as defined by recent reports. The low morbidity without mortality supports a recommendation for surgical management of incidental aneurysms in the anterior circulation at centers equipped for modern aneurysm surgery.