The Frequency of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage from Very Small Cerebral Aneurysms (< 5 mm): A Population-Based Study

The prevailing view amongst neurosurgeons is that the larger the aneurysm, the higher the chance of rupture. This implies that very small aneurysms rarely rupture. To investigate this theory, we conducted a cross-sectional hospital-based study of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, with an emphasis on aneurysm size at the time of rupture.

We retrospectively reviewed hospital records and radiological tests of all patients admitted to Foothills Medical Center, Calgary, Alberta, with a ruptured saccular aneurysm from January 2008 to January 2012. The size of the dome and neck (in millimeters), the aspect ratio (aneurysm depth to aneurysm neck), and location of the aneurysms were determined using preoperative computed tomography angiography and digital subtraction angiography.

One hundred and twenty-three patients with a ruptured saccular aneurysm were identified. The average size of the dome, neck, and the aspect ratio was 6.6±4.4 mm (range: 1.5-26 mm), 3.1 mm, and 2.6±0.9, respectively. Forty-six patients (37%) had a ruptured aneurysm with dome size < 5 mm (range: 1.5-4.9 mm). For these small aneurysms, the average size of the dome, neck, and the aspect ratio was 3.9+1.1 mm, 1.6 mm, and 2.1+0.6, respectively. The anterior communicating artery was the most common location regardless of size.

Small aneurysms (< 5 mm) are a common cause of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. When unruptured, looking for other risk factors for rupture is highly recommended before simply leaving them alone.