Related Experiment Videos
Cerebral microaneurysms found incidentally during aneurysm surgery
J Inamasu1, S Suga, T Horiguchi
1Department of Neurosurgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan. georges@med.keio.ac.jp
Abstract:
Not uncommonly, cerebral microaneurysms are found incidentally during surgery for another previously diagnosed cerebral aneurysm(s). The frequency and angiographic characteristics of such incidental microaneurysms are retrospectively summarized. Seventeen patients were identified as harboring incidental microaneurysms, comprising 4.9% of the whole series. The middle cerebral artery (MCA) was the most frequent location (seven cases, 41%) of these microaneurysms. There was a tendency for MCA microaneurysms to be contiguous to a previously known, larger aneurysm at the same location. Neurosurgeons as well as interventional neuroradiologists should be aware of the possible presence of these incidental microaneurysms while treating patients with a cerebral aneurysm(s). Although the actual clinical implications of these incidental microaneurysms have not been elucidated, the few additional risks to patients already surgically exposed for the treatment of another aneurysm, along with the possible benefit of preventing their rupture and growth, would justify the surgical treatment of these microaneurysms.
Insights
Incidental cerebral microaneurysms are found in nearly 5% of patients undergoing surgery for known cerebral aneurysms. Awareness is crucial for neurosurgeons and neuroradiologists to consider treating these small, often contiguous, lesions.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Neuroradiology
- Vascular Neurology
Background:
- Cerebral microaneurysms are often discovered incidentally during surgical procedures for other diagnosed cerebral aneurysms.
- The frequency and characteristics of these incidental findings require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To retrospectively summarize the frequency and angiographic features of incidental cerebral microaneurysms.
- To inform neurosurgeons and interventional neuroradiologists about these incidental findings.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of patients undergoing surgery for cerebral aneurysms.
- Identification and analysis of incidentally discovered microaneurysms.
Main Results:
- Seventeen patients (4.9%) had incidental microaneurysms.
- The middle cerebral artery (MCA) was the most common location (41%).
- MCA microaneurysms were often adjacent to larger, known aneurysms.
Conclusions:
- Neurosurgeons and interventional neuroradiologists must be vigilant for incidental microaneurysms during aneurysm surgery.
- Surgical treatment may be justified due to minimal additional risk and potential benefit of preventing rupture or growth.