Intracranial Aneurysms in Children Homepage

Author

Thomas Beez, M.D.

Section Editors

Edward Smith, M.D.

Gianpiero Tamburrini, M.D.

Alfred Pokmeng See, M.D.

Editor in Chief

Rick Abbott, M.D.

Introduction

Intracranial aneurysms in children are rare and account for less than 5% of cases treated in neurovascular centers (51, 56). While the prevalence of intracranial aneurysms in adults without specific risk factors is estimated to be 2%, even large MRI or autopsy studies in children did not detect any incidental aneurysms (27, 34, 57, 59). Pediatric aneurysms differ from their adult counterparts with regard to location, type, presentation, and outcome.

Key Points

• Aneurysms rare in children: On average an academic neurosurgical center treats one pediatric aneurysm per year (58).
• Distinct features compared to adults: There is a higher incidence of posterior circulation aneurysms in children as well as a higher incidence of giant, dissecting, and fusiform aneurysms (7).
• Consider multidisciplinary treatment: Surgical and endovascular obliteration as well as combined procedures including clipping, wrapping, coiling, stents, flow diverters, and bypass surgery are all options for treatment (3, 6, 7).
• Better outcome: In children there is a lower incidence of vasospasm, and a better outcome is observed across treatment modalities (39).