Intracranial aneurysms in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease

Abstract

Background The incidence of intracranial aneurysms (ICA) is high in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). However, little is known regarding the optimal screening and treatment methods for ICA. Methods This study investigated the characteristics of ADPKD patients with ICA, analyzing each variable according to whether the ICA ruptured, and examined the outcomes according to the treatment method. Specifically, a retrospective study was conducted on the treatment of ICA patients with ADPKD at a single institution for 10 years, from 2013 to 2022. Results The mean age of the 17 enrolled ADPKD patients with ICA was 57.4 years. Surgical and endovascular treatment methods were used in four and 13 patients. Eleven patients had unruptured ICAs, and the remaining six patients had suffered subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Two patients experienced neurological deficits after discharge. All patients with unruptured ICAs were discharged without any complications, although one of them underwent additional treatment 5 years later. Four patients with SAH had known ADPKD at the time of diagnosis (67%). As for the treatment method, 13 patients were treated with coiling. In a comparison of variables between unruptured ICA and SAH patients, the location of the ICA showed a statistically significant difference (p<0.05). Conclusions In ADPKD patients, diagnostic screening for the detection of ICA is essential, and with appropriate management, interventional endovascular treatment may be a good treatment option.

Keywords

• autosomal dominant polycystic kidney
• intracranial aneurysm
• subarachnoid hemorrhage