Screening for intracranial aneurysms in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease.

Abstract

Screening patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) for asymptomatic intracranial aneurysms has been proposed as a method of reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with aneurysm rupture. However, recent studies have shown lower spontaneous rupture rates of small aneurysms and higher risks of significant complications with interventions than previously reported. Risk-benefit analysis has not demonstrated any benefit of screening ADPKD patients without a history of subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) for intracranial aneurysms, and has suggested that screening might cause harm.