Ruptured Peripheral Cerebral Aneurysms Associated With Moyamoya Disease: A Systematic Review

A ruptured peripheral cerebral aneurysm (PPCA) associated with moyamoya disease (MMD) is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition with controversial management strategies. We aim to summarize the clinical characteristics, treatment strategies, and prognostic factors of PPCAs in MMD.

We reviewed studies published in PubMed between 1980 and 2023 and used logistic regression analysis to identify the risk factors for adverse outcomes.

Of 425 identified studies, 48 eligible studies involving 121 participants were included in the current study. The mean age at diagnosis was 40.8±15.1 years, with a peak age of onset between 41 and 50 years. Among the identified participants, 59.6% were female, and 55.9% presented with impaired consciousness. Aneurysms were present in the posterior (35.5%) or anterior (30.6%) choroidal arteries in 66.1% of the cases, and 71.1% of the patients presented with intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) with or without intracerebral hematoma (ICH). The treatment strategies were embolization (28.9%), direct surgery (21.5%), revascularization (22.3%), and conservation (27.3%). Favorable outcomes were achieved in 86.8% of all cases, with 97.1% for embolization, 65.4% for direct surgery, 96.3% for revascularization, and 84.8% for conservative treatment. Aneurysm rebleeding occurred in 11 (26.8%) of 41 patients managed conservatively, leading to worse outcomes in 7 patients (63.6%). Impaired consciousness (odds ratio [OR], 8.61; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.06-36.00) and aneurysm rebleeding (OR, 16.54; 95% CI, 3.08-88.90) independently predicted poor outcomes.

PPCA should be considered in patients with hemorrhagic MMD, particularly those with IVH with or without ICH. Endovascular and bypass treatments are recommended as first-line options, with direct open surgery as an alternative in urgent hematoma evacuation cases. Detailed preoperative planning and intraoperative technical assistance are necessary to reduce procedure-related complications. Conservative management should be selected with caution because of the high risk of rebleeding and poor outcomes. Impaired consciousness and aneurysm rebleeding appeared to be independent risk factors for adverse prognoses. We emphasize that treatment selection should be personalized, and the potential benefits should be weighed against the associated risks.