Cerebral Aneurysm

Research

A major focus of Mayo research is trying to help understand which brain aneuryms should be treated.

Genetic marker

Mayo researchers have discovered evidence of a genetic marker that might help identify brain aneurysms prone to rupture. They identified three polymorphisms (variations) in the gene that produces endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), a protein involved in the formation of aneurysms. They then looked at the presence of these variations in more than 100 patients, about half of whom had ruptured aneurysm and half who had unruptured aneurysms. They found a strong association between the presence of all three variations and a ruptured aneurysm. The neurosciences team currently has a clinical trial in phase 1 and open enrollment, to study these genetic markers in patients with a family history of intracranial aneurysms. If the genetic marker proves valid, then a simple blood test could be developed to determine which patients have a higher chance of a ruptured aneurysm and should have treatment to reduce the risk of hemorrhage.

ISUIA Study

Research led by Mayo Clinic and sponsored by the National Institutes of Health is helping physicians determine, with greater reliability, which cerebral aneurysms require immediate intervention and which do not require treatment.

According to the prospective study of more than 4,000 patients at 61 medical centers (the International Study of Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms-ISUIA), aneurysm size and location corresponded to the risk of rupture and subarachnoid hemorrhage. In general, smaller aneurysms under ¼ inch in diameter located in the front part of the brain were less risky than larger aneurysms, and those located in the back of the brain. A history of rupture due to another aneurysm also increased the risk of rupture.

Mayo Clinic researchers are also looking at best practices for managing patients presenting with a subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Mayo Publications

See a list of publications by Mayo Clinic doctors on cerebral aneurysms on PubMed, a service of the National Library of Medicine.