Dementia resulting from expansion of basilar artery aneurysm: two case reports and a review of the literature

Acta Neurochir (Wien). 2016 Oct;158(10):1901-5. doi: 10.1007/s00701-016-2923-0. Epub 2016 Aug 16.

Abstract

Background: Dementia places a large burden on the economy, with financial and emotional costs incurred by patients, caregivers and the health sector.

Methods and results: We report the first published case series of giant basilar aneurysm leading to progressive cognitive and functional decline. We review the literature regarding giant aneurysms and their association with dementia and the possible underlying pathophysiological mechanism.

Conclusions: This report highlights a number of therapeutic considerations when determining the best management strategy for these difficult lesions.

Keywords: Basilar; Coiling; Dementia; Endovascular; Giant aneurysm; Microsurgical clipping.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Basilar Artery / diagnostic imaging*
  • Basilar Artery / pathology
  • Dementia / diagnosis
  • Dementia / etiology*
  • Embolization, Therapeutic
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intracranial Aneurysm / complications*
  • Intracranial Aneurysm / diagnostic imaging
  • Intracranial Aneurysm / therapy
  • Middle Aged