Surgically Managed Pediatric Intracranial Aneurysms: How Different Are They from Adult Intracranial Aneurysms?

Purpose: Intracranial aneurysms in children are rare compared to those in adults, and their causes, presentations, and outcomes also vary. Thus, they need to be studied intricately and as an independent entity.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed intracranial saccular aneurysms in 44 children of <19 years of age who had been surgically treated during the last 30 years at our institute. We analyzed presentation, characteristics, size, multiplicity, cause, and eventual outcome, and compared these to the adult cases of aneurysms operated on during the same period.

Results: The commonest site of aneurysm was the internal carotid artery (ICA), in 47.7%. Follow-up was available for 38 (86.4%) children. The median duration of follow-up was 14 months (range 1-89 months). A favorable outcome was seen in 31 cases (81.6%) and an unfavorable outcome (including 1 death) in 7 (18.4%).

Conclusion: Intracranial aneurysms in children present with subarachnoid hemorrhage in a good grade. ICA bifurcation aneurysms are the commonest sites of occurrence. Surgery is safe and effective, and children seem to have a better outcome.