Intracerebral Aneurysms in the Young: Institutional Series and Review of Literature

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction: Intracranial (IC) aneurysms in the paediatric population are uncommon. The natural history, clinical presentation and clinical outcome of children with IC aneurysms are different from their adult counterparts. We analyse our hospital database for IC aneurysms in children <20 years and present our findings. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of case records of patients less than 20 years admitted with IC aneurysm was conducted at our institute. Details of clinical presentation, treatment provided and outcome were obtained from the case records. Results: Ten children were admitted with IC aneurysms. The mean age of presentation was 16.5 ± 3.43 years (9–20 years). While 90% were spontaneous in presentation, one case was post-traumatic. Nine patients underwent treatment for their aneurysm in the form of microsurgical clipping. Subarachnoid haemorrhage with intracerebral haemorrhage was the most common mode of presentation. Outcome was good in 80% and poor in 20% of patients. One patient succumbed to the illness before treatment. Conclusion: IC aneurysms in the young are represent a small subset of patients with aneurysms. IC aneurysms in the young represent a small subset of patients with aneurysms predominantly located in the anterior circulation. Micro-surgical treatment provides excellent outcomes in these patients.