The Genesis of Intracranial Aneurysms

The pathogenesis of intracranial aneurysms remains unclear in spite of its great importance. Besides the “classical” saccular aneurysms, there are other, such as the traumatic, infectious or fusiform ones. This study aims at reviewing the genesis of intracranial aneurysms. Method: This review was focused on the Medline/Pubmed data, with the keywords “intracranial” and “aneurysms” from 1990 to 2009. Conclusions: The epidemiological studies have identified the endogenous factors such as the elevated arterial blood pressure and the exogenous risk factors (cigarette smoking, heavy alcohol consumption or certain medications) that may lead to the formation, growth and rupture of the intracranial aneurysms. However, its etiology remains unclear and sometimes fatal to those who harbor an intracranial aneurysm. More evidence is needed to establish definitively what factors are responsible for causing intracranial aneurysms.