Prognostic factors in ruptured aneurysms of the circle of Willis: the significance of systemic hypertension

Abstract

The incidence of essential hypertension has been retrospectively studied in a group of sixty-four fatal cases of ruptured berry aneurysm, and compared with a non-fatal group. Hypertension is more frequent in the fatal group, and is associated with a higher incidence of multiple aneurysms, a smaller size of aneurysm at rupture and a poorer survival after two haemorrhages when comparison is made with normotensive patients. The possible role of hypertension in the development and rupture of aneurysms is discussed, and it is concluded that it may contribute to both. Following rupture it carries a poor prognosis with a resulting over emphasis of its significance in autopsy series. Possible mechanisms for this effect include diffuse vascular disease, and an increased liability to oedema or spasm following rupture of an aneurysm.