An overview of cerebral aneurysms. Which factors affect the outcome of microsurgical treatment

There is a higher incidence of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) with advancing age. Considerable controversy exists as to whether aggressive therapy is indicated in the elderly. With increased life expectancy, a greater number of elderly patients with SAH will require treatment in the future. This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of age, aneurysm characteristics, Hunt-Hess grade on admission, race, and smoking status to the eventual outcome. The results of 76 consecutive aneurysms clipped in 67 patients by a single surgeon (B.B.) were analyzed. Among the variables, Hunt-Hess grade at admission seemed to be the only significant factor influencing the outcome in this series (X2MH = 17.136, p < 0.001). Advancing age did not worsen the prognosis after SAH and therefore age should not be a contraindication for aggressive management.