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Familial association of intracranial aneurysms and cervical artery dissections
W I Schievink1, B Mokri, V V Michels
1Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.
Insights
Familial clustering of intracranial aneurysms and cervical artery dissections suggests a shared genetic basis for these vascular disorders. This inherited arteriopathy may underlie the development of both conditions.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Genetics
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Familial occurrence of intracranial aneurysms (IAs) and cervical artery dissections (CADs) suggests a potential shared genetic etiology.
- While often considered distinct, epidemiological similarities between IAs and CADs hint at a common underlying arteriopathy.
Observation:
- A review of 175 patients with spontaneous CADs identified three families with coexisting IAs and CADs among siblings.
- Detailed case descriptions of these families highlight the familial aggregation of these cerebrovascular conditions.
Findings:
- The co-occurrence of IAs and CADs within families supports the hypothesis of a common underlying arteriopathy.
- These findings suggest that an inherited vascular defect may contribute to the pathogenesis of both IAs and CADs in certain individuals.
Implications:
- Understanding the genetic basis of this arteriopathy could lead to improved risk stratification and targeted therapies for affected families.
- Further research into shared genetic factors may elucidate the pathogenesis of both intracranial aneurysms and cervical artery dissections.
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.