Author:
Kamphuis Maarten J.,van der Kamp Laura T.,Lette Edwin,Rinkel Gabriel J. E.,Vergouwen Mervyn D. I.,van der Schaaf Irene C.,de Jong Pim A.,Ruigrok Ynte M.
Abstract
Abstract
Objectives
Arterial calcification is thought to protect against rupture of intracranial aneurysms, but studies in a representative population of intracranial aneurysm patients have not yet been performed. The aim was to compare the prevalence of aneurysm wall calcification and intracranial carotid artery calcification (ICAC) between patients with an unruptured intracranial aneurysm (UIA) and a ruptured intracranial aneurysm (RIA).
Materials and methods
We matched 150 consecutive UIA patients to 150 RIA patients on age and sex. Aneurysm wall calcification and ICAC were quantified on non-contrast enhanced computed tomography images with the modified Agatston score. We compared the prevalence of aneurysm wall calcification, ICAC, and severe ICAC (defined as a modified Agatston score in the fourth quartile) between UIA and RIA patients using univariate and multivariate conditional logistic regression models adjusted for aneurysm characteristics and cardiovascular risk factors.
Results
Aneurysm wall calcification was more prevalent in UIA compared to RIA patients (OR 5.2, 95% CI: 2.0–13.8), which persisted after adjustment (OR 5.9, 95% CI: 1.7–20.2). ICAC prevalence did not differ between the two groups (crude OR 0.9, 95% CI: 0.5–1.8). Severe ICAC was more prevalent in UIA patients (OR 2.0, 95% CI: 1.1–3.6), but not after adjustment (OR 1.0, 95% CI: 0.5–2.3).
Conclusions
Aneurysm wall calcification but not ICAC was more prevalent in UIAs than in RIAs, which corresponds to the hypothesis that calcification may protect against aneurysmal rupture. Aneurysm wall calcification should be further assessed as a predictor of aneurysm stability in prospective cohort studies.
Clinical relevance statement
Calcification of the intracranial aneurysm wall was more prevalent in unruptured than ruptured intracranial aneurysms after adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors. Calcification may therefore protect the aneurysm against rupture, and aneurysm wall calcification is a candidate predictor of aneurysm stability.
Key Points
Aneurysm wall calcification was more prevalent in patients with unruptured than ruptured aneurysms, while internal carotid artery calcification was similar.
Aneurysm wall calcification but not internal carotid artery calcification is a candidate predictor of aneurysm stability.
Cohort studies are needed to assess the predictive value of aneurysm wall calcification for aneurysm stability.
Graphical Abstract
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Cited by
1 articles.
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