Prevalence of asymptomatic incidental aneurysms: a review of 2,685 computed tomographic angiograms

World Neurosurg. 2014 Dec;82(6):1086-90. doi: 10.1016/j.wneu.2013.01.082. Epub 2013 Jan 19.

Abstract

Objective: Intracranial aneurysms are a public health issue with a potential for rupturing, causing significant morbidity/mortality. The prevalence of unruptured intracranial aneurysms, including those that are asymptomatic, varies widely, as it has been determined through autopsy studies as well as conventional angiography. However, computed tomography angiography, a less invasive procedure, has replaced the use of conventional angiography in the recent decades. The objective of the present study is to determine the prevalence of incidental aneurysms.

Methods: The present study reviews all computed tomography angiography cases within the past decade at a single institution.

Results: Of 2195 cases included in the study, 39 (1.8%) were found to have asymptomatic unruptured aneurysms.

Conclusions: The numbers of asymptomatic incidental aneurysms have increased.

Keywords: Aneurysms; Asymptomatic incidental aneurysms; CTA; Computed tomography angiography; Intracranial aneurysms; Prevalence; Unruptured aneurysms.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aneurysm, Ruptured / diagnostic imaging
  • Angiography, Digital Subtraction
  • Cerebral Angiography*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Incidental Findings*
  • Intracranial Aneurysm / epidemiology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prevalence