Optimal Management of Tiny Brain Aneurysms

A modelling study supports no surveillance or treatment for most aneurysms that are 3 mm or smaller.

The management of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) is controversial. Do they represent a “ticking time bomb” that should be treated or are they mostly benign? Previous studies have shown that larger aneurysms are more prone to rupture. The smallest UIA, (≤3 mm in diameter), can grow in size or remain stable. Optimal timing for surveillance remains to be defined.

These authors constructed a decision model from a societal perspective comparing five strategies. The outcome of interest was quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). The five strategies were: (1) annual surveillance using magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), (2) biennial surveillance, (3) surveillance every 5 years, (4) coiling with MRA follow-up, or (5) no treatment or prevent…

Reviewing Author

Seemant Chaturvedi, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardBayer Pharmaceuticals; Novartis

Grant/Research SupportNational Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Editorial BoardsNeurology; Stroke

Seemant Chaturvedi, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardBayer Pharmaceuticals; Novartis

Grant/Research SupportNational Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Editorial BoardsNeurology; Stroke

Optimal Management of Tiny Brain Aneurysms

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Reviewing Author