Abstract 179: Tackling Intracranial Aneurysm in Africa: Bridging the Gap in Medical Infrastructure

Abstract

Introduction Intracranial Aneurysm results from enlargement in the wall of a blood vessel in the brain, especially in the circle of Willis. It represents a high mortality and morbidity rate due to its risk of rupture causing Sub Arachnoid Hemorrhage which is a dangerous and life‐threatening condition. Therefore, early treatment before rupture prevents major neurological debilitating and fatal effects. The aim of this study is to assess the burden of Intracranial Aneurysm in Africa regarding its epidemiology, risk factors, and clinical outcomes. Methods A review of the literature was done for studies published between 2019 and 2023 to obtain a better and updated review of Intracranial Aneurysm and its clinical presentations and outcomes in Africa. Results Variations of Sub Arachnoid Hemorrhage have been reported across different countries. Africa presents a fatality rate higher than developed countries. Based on limited reports, the 30‐day mortality rate from aneurysmal Sub Arachnoid Hemorrhage was 26.6% in Kenya and 44.4% in Nigeria. Additionally, a Sudanese in‐hospital cohort reported 40% mortality within 3 weeks and 87.5% in the first week. The bad clinical outcomes of Intracranial Aneurysm in Africa are due to a lack of detection tools, misdiagnosis, delayed management, and sub‐optimal treatment. Conclusion African countries present a lack of proper medical interventions rendering Intracranial Aneurysm a life‐threatening condition. Further investigations are needed to improve the medical infrastructure and knowledge in order to have better clinical outcomes and reduce the mortality rates of Intracranial Aneurysm in Africa.