On the rupture of an aneurysm

The intracranial aneurysm, with an estimated occurrence of up to 4% in the general population, belongs among the most dangerous of cerebrovascular diseases. Although less than one-fifth of these cases results in a subarachnoid haemorrhage, the resulting disability and mortality rate is too high. More understanding is needed regarding aneurysm rupture and its deleterious effects. This study presents a physiologically-feasible explanation for the development of an enormous haemodynamic stress in the vicinity of the aneurysm in the cerebrovascular bed. Using a computer circulation model, this build-up of pressure was developed by sequentially imposing a series of interventions on the normal system.