Intracranial Aneurysm in Pediatric Population: A Single-Center Experience

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Pediatric Neurosurgery
• Vascular Neurology

Background:

• Pediatric intracranial aneurysms (PIAs) are uncommon and present unique challenges compared to adult cases.
• Clinical manifestations in children often stem from mass effect, ischemia, or subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).

Purpose of the Study:

• To report on the clinical and angiographic characteristics of pediatric brain aneurysms.
• To share single-center experience in managing these rare conditions in children.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database from July 2015 to February 2021.
• Inclusion of all patients under 18 years undergoing diagnostic or therapeutic procedures for intracranial aneurysms.

Main Results:

• Seventeen intracranial aneurysms in 12 pediatric patients were analyzed.
• The middle cerebral artery was the most frequent location (41%).
• Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) occurred in 42% of patients, and 25% experienced mass effect symptoms. Aneurysm sizes varied, with several being giant or fusiform. Endovascular treatment was performed on 12 aneurysms, with one complication and death.

Conclusions:

• Pediatric intracranial aneurysms (PIAs) are rare, diverse in etiology, and necessitate a multidisciplinary management approach.
• Parent vessel occlusion remains a viable treatment strategy for pediatric aneurysms, even with advanced technologies.