Association between Size and Location with Cerebral Aneurysms Rupture

Abstract

Introduction: Aneurysm rupture is the most dangerous complication with high morbidity and mortality rate, greater than 40%. Identifying risk factors for aneurysm rupture is extremely important for selecting patients who may truly benefit from preventive treatment. Objective: The aim of this study was to review our patients with ruptured and unruptured intracranial aneurysms and determine if there was an association between the size and location of aneurysms and their rupture. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in adult patients with cerebral aneurysm diagnosed from March 2015 to February 2017. Patients were divided into two groups, one with ruptured aneurysms and the other with unruptured aneurysms. Location according to anterior and posterior circulation was recorded. Size was stratified in three categories: (1) less than 7 mm; (2) between 7-12 mm; and (3) bigger than 13 mm in diameters. Results: During this period 80 patients were diagnosed with cerebral aneurysms. A total of 106 aneurysms were identified, 33 aneurysms were ruptured and 73 were unruptured. The mean sizes were 7.88 ± 6.23 mm and 5.35 ± 3.24 mm, respectively. There was statistically significant differences in aneurysm size (p<0.03) between the ruptured and unruptured group. Logistic regression revealed a higher association of rupture of anterior circulation aneurysm when size was ≥ 4mm (p<0.02). Conclusions: There was a significant difference between the size of ruptured and unruptured aneurysm groups. Anterior circulation aneurysms≥4mm revealed a higher association with rupture. This suggest this location should be evaluated more carefully for preventive treatment.