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Updated: Jun 19, 2026
11:58
Minimally Invasive Thumb-sized Pterional Craniotomy for Surgical Clip Ligation of Unruptured Anterior Circulation Aneurysms
Published on: August 11, 2015
Intracranial infectious aneurysms: a comprehensive review
Andrew F Ducruet1, Zachary L Hickman, Brad E Zacharia
1Department of Neurological Surgery, Columbia University, 630 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, USA. afd12@columbia.edu
Neurosurgical Review
|October 20, 2009
Summary
Mycotic aneurysms, rare infections of brain arteries, lack standard treatment. Combining data from 287 patients suggests antibiotics plus surgery or endovascular methods offer a viable management approach.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- Intracranial infectious aneurysms (mycotic aneurysms) are rare cerebrovascular lesions.
- Microbial infection of the cerebral arterial wall causes these aneurysms.
- Lack of epidemiological data and varied presentations hinder standardized management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize existing literature on mycotic aneurysms.
- To estimate demographic and clinical characteristics.
- To review current treatment paradigms.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search of MEDLINE database (1950-2009).
- Keywords: "infectious," "mycotic," "cerebral aneurysm," "intracranial aneurysm."
- Analysis of 27 clinical series comprising 287 patients.
Main Results:
- Synthesized data from 287 patients to characterize mycotic aneurysms.
- Identified treatment approaches involving antibiotics and interventions.
- Highlighted the need for further prospective studies.
Conclusions:
- Antibiotic administration is supported alongside surgical or endovascular intervention.
- Treatment choice depends on aneurysm characteristics, location, and patient status.
- Mycotic aneurysms are life-threatening; further research is needed to define optimal outcomes.
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