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Systemic connective tissue abnormalities in patients with saccular intracranial aneurysms
1Department of Urgent Neurology, The Urals State Medical Academy, Yekaterinburg, Russia. cosmos@k66.ru
Acta Neurologica Scandinavica
|February 13, 2013
Summary
Patients with saccular intracranial aneurysms (SIAs) often exhibit multiple signs of systemic connective tissue abnormalities (CTAs). Identifying these markers can help detect individuals at higher risk for developing SIAs.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Genetics
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- Saccular intracranial aneurysms (SIAs) are a significant cause of cerebrovascular disease.
- The underlying pathophysiology of SIA development is not fully understood.
- Connective tissue abnormalities (CTAs) may play a role in aneurysm formation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and clinical significance of systemic connective tissue abnormalities (CTAs) in patients diagnosed with saccular intracranial aneurysms (SIAs).
- To investigate whether CTAs are associated with an increased risk of developing SIAs.
Main Methods:
- A prospective case-control study involving 199 patients with confirmed SIAs and 194 healthy blood donor controls.
- Standardized physical examinations and questionnaires were used to assess 12 specific markers of systemic CTAs.
- Aneurysm verification was performed using conventional cerebral angiography.
Main Results:
- Patients with SIAs presented with a significantly higher incidence of multiple CTA markers compared to controls (62.8% vs. 11.8%).
- Common markers in SIA patients included visible facial/chest vessels, scoliosis, varicose veins, and flatfoot.
- The mean number of CTA markers was substantially greater in SIA patients (3.07) than in controls (1.17).
Conclusions:
- Saccular intracranial aneurysms are associated with numerous systemic connective tissue abnormalities.
- Systemic connective tissue weakness appears to be a significant risk factor for SIA development.
- Screening for these CTA markers may aid in identifying high-risk individuals for SIA.
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