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[Cerebral aneurysms in identical twins]
Shingo Ohno1, Yukio Ikeda, Toshiaki Onitsuka
1Department of Neurosurgery, Tokyo Medical University Hachioji Medical Center, 1163 Tate-machi, Hachioji, Tokyo 193-0998, Japan. shin5-oh@tokyo-med.ac.jp
No Shinkei Geka. Neurological Surgery
|October 14, 2004
Summary
Genetic factors contribute to cerebral aneurysms, as seen in identical twins. Early screening is crucial for asymptomatic twins when a sibling has a ruptured aneurysm.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Cerebral aneurysms are a significant cause of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).
- The role of genetic predisposition in aneurysm development is under investigation.
- Identical twin studies offer unique insights into genetic influences on diseases.
Observation:
- A case of identical twins with ruptured middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms is presented.
- One twin experienced SAH at age 42, and his identical brother at age 39.
- Family history revealed SAH deaths in the brother and paternal aunts.
Findings:
- Genetic analysis implicated apolipoprotein E epsilon4 in aneurysm pathogenesis.
- Review of 13 twin cases showed 37 aneurysms, with 6 twins having aneurysms at the same sites.
- Aneurysms in identical twins tend to be small, rupture at similar ages, and occur frequently in young adults.
Implications:
- Findings support a strong genetic component in cerebral aneurysm development.
- Recommend early screening for asymptomatic twins of affected individuals.
- Suggests the need for preventive treatments and genome-wide linkage studies in familial cases.