THE RISK OF MULTIPLE INTRACRANIAL ANEURYSM FORMATION IN PATIENTS WITH MALIGNANT DISEASE UNDERGOING RADIATION THERAPY:...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Oncology
• Radiology

Background:

• Intracranial cerebral aneurysms are rarely caused by tumors, but radiation therapy for malignant conditions may increase their risk.
• The impact of radiation on intracranial vessel walls and subsequent aneurysm formation, particularly in breast cancer patients, remains debated.

Observation:

• A case report details a 77-year-old female with breast cancer who developed six unruptured intracranial aneurysms after radiation therapy.
• The patient had comorbidities including hypertension and type 2 diabetes, and was managed with surveillance due to aneurysm multiplicity and other factors.

Findings:

• The study suggests a low, yet present, risk of multiple intracranial aneurysm development in patients undergoing radiation therapy for malignancies like breast cancer.
• Incidental diagnosis via CT angiography and digital subtraction angiography highlighted the bilateral and multifocal nature of the aneurysms.

Implications:

• Long-term surveillance and regular cerebral angiographic studies are crucial for managing selected cancer patients at risk of intracranial aneurysms.
• Early detection and monitoring are essential to mitigate the severe outcomes associated with aneurysm rupture in this patient population.