Abstract
AbstractBackgroundIntracranial aneurysms (IAs) are more common in females than in males, however, there is still very limited knowledge on sex-dependent differences regarding aneurysm location, multiplicity, rupture risk, risk factors and histopathology.MethodsThis prospective, consecutive cohort study examined whether IAs differ in multiplicity, location, geometry, rupture risk, risk factors and histology between sexes.ResultsWe included 982 patients (714 women, 268 men) totaling 1484 IAs (1056 unruptured, 397 ruptured). Three hundred sixty-three patients (36.97%) had multiple IAs, the proportion of which was significantly higher in females. In women, the ICA (40.79%) was the most frequent location for IAs, whereas in men most were found along the ACA territory (32.86%). Men were significantly more often diagnosed with ruptured aneurysms. Aneurysm geometry did not differ between sexes, however, ruptured aneurysms in men presented with a significantly larger neck diameter than unruptured ones. Regarding risk factors for aneurysm rupture, blood pressure control was more effective in women, whereas the effect of smoking status did not show clear sex-dependent differences. Histologically, wall-type classification analysis showed significantly more severe aneurysm wall types in men.ConclusionIA prevalence in women is significantly higher than in men. Women more often present with multiple IAs whereas men were more often diagnosed with ruptured IAs. Sex-specific differences in IA location were identified whereas geometry of IAs did not differ between sexes. IAs in men showed a more severe histological wall type. Further research is needed to unravel the molecular mechanisms underlying these important sex-dependent manifestations in IAs.
Publisher
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory