Intracranial aneurysm calcification - A narrative review

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Vascular Biology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Calcification is a common finding in intracranial aneurysms.
• Aneurysm calcification can complicate both microsurgical and endovascular treatments.
• The biological and stability implications of aneurysm calcification remain poorly understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review methods for detecting aneurysmal calcification.
• To discuss the pathophysiology of aneurysm calcification, including the roles of inflammation and smooth muscle cells.
• To explore the clinical implications of calcification, such as rupture risk and treatment strategies.

Main Methods:

• Review of investigational and clinical detection methods for aneurysmal calcification.
• Discussion of pathophysiological mechanisms.
• Analysis of clinical implications based on existing literature.

Main Results:

• Established and emerging techniques for detecting intracranial aneurysm calcification are presented.
• The pathophysiology involves inflammation and smooth muscle cell changes.
• Calcification influences aneurysm rupture risk and treatment decisions.

Conclusions:

• Aneurysm calcification is a significant factor in aneurysm lifecycle, impacting stability and treatment.
• Improved imaging may identify calcification as a clinical biomarker.
• Further investigation into calcification's role is warranted.