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Heroin Use Is Associated with Ruptured Saccular Aneurysms
Anil Can1, Victor M Castro2, Yildirim H Ozdemir1
1Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
Translational Stroke Research
|November 6, 2017
Summary
Current heroin use significantly increases the risk of intracranial aneurysm rupture. Cocaine use was not associated with rupture, highlighting the importance of heroin cessation for patients with unruptured cerebral aneurysms.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Vascular Surgery
- Addiction Medicine
Background:
- Cocaine use is linked to aneurysmal rupture, but the association with heroin use in non-mycotic saccular aneurysms is unclear.
- Understanding substance use risks is crucial for managing intracranial aneurysms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between heroin and cocaine use and the rupture of saccular non-mycotic aneurysms.
- To identify specific drug use patterns that elevate the risk of cerebral aneurysm rupture.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 4701 patients with 6411 intracranial aneurysms (1990-2016).
- Comparison of ruptured versus non-ruptured aneurysm groups using univariable and multivariable logistic regression.
- Assessment of current and former heroin, cocaine, and methadone use.
Main Results:
- Current heroin use showed a significant association with intracranial aneurysm rupture (OR 3.23).
- Former heroin use (with or without methadone) and current/former cocaine use were not significantly associated with rupture.
- Heroin use, not cocaine, was identified as a significant risk factor for aneurysm rupture.
Conclusions:
- Heroin use, particularly current use, is significantly associated with the rupture of non-mycotic saccular cerebral aneurysms.
- Findings suggest a potential role for heroin in aneurysm pathophysiology and underscore the need for cessation interventions.
- This study emphasizes the importance of screening for and addressing heroin use in patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms.