[Surgical treatment of ruptured anterior circulation aneurysms in elders]

To explore some related problems in surgical treatment of ruptured anterior circulation intracranial aneurysms in elders.

The clinical data of 38 elderly patients with ruptured anterior circulation intracranial aneurysms were analyzed retrospectively.Such related problems as indication, timing and complications of operation were discussed through their Modified Rankin scales at discharge and half a year later.

Their Hunt-Hess grades were I (n = 6), II (n = 17), III (n = 5), IV (n = 6) and V (n = 4) respectively. Among them, 33 cases were complicated preoperatively with other vital diseases while another 5 previously healthy (III, n = 3; II, n = 1; IV, n = 1). And their modified Rankin scales of discharge and half-a-year follow-up were 0 (n = 12 vs 12), 1 (n = 10 vs 10), 2 (n = 4 vs 4), 3 (n = 3 vs 1), 4 (n = 3 vs 3), 5 (n = 4 vs 3) and 6 (n = 2 vs 3) respectively. All scales of 5 cases of previously healthy patients were 0-2.

Operation is vital for rescuing patient life and achieving excellent outcomes. Age is not a risk factor for intracranial aneurysms of elders.Early and aggressive operation is recommended for those without contraindications. Physical status is more important than age in decision-making.