Multiple intracranial aneurysms: determining the site of rupture

Abstract

A retrospective hospital chart and radiograph review was performed of all patients with multiple intracranial aneurysms seen over a 52-month period. Sixty-nine patients with a total of 205 aneurysms were studied. Among the patients with aneurysms, the incidence of multiple aneurysms was 33.5%. Multiple aneurysms were much more common in women, with a female to male ratio of 5:1 for all patients and 11:1 for patients with three or more aneurysms. Common locations for multiple aneurysms were the posterior communicating artery (22%), middle cerebral artery (21.5%), anterior communicating artery (12%), and ophthalmic artery (11%). However, locations with the highest probability of rupture were the anterior communicating artery (62%), posterior inferior cerebellar artery (50%), and basilar artery summit (50%). The middle cerebral artery was the least likely site for rupture. In contrast to previous studies, in this series irregularity of contour was more important than size in identifying the site of rupture. Using a simple algorithm outlined in the text, it was possible to identify the site of aneurysm rupture in 97.5% of cases.