Pathophysiology and Treatment of Fusiform intracranial Aneurysms

Fusiformic intracranial aneurysms (FIAs) belong to a rare subgroup of intracranial aneurysms (IAs), accounting for 2-6% of all IAs. When FIAs rupture, they present with subarachnoidal haemorrhage which has high morbidity and mortality. Significant amount of FIAs grow to be a giant aneurysm and present with .

Fusiformic intracranial aneurysms (FIAs) belong to a rare subgroup of intracranial aneurysms (IAs), accounting for 2-6% of all IAs. When FIAs rupture, they present with subarachnoidal haemorrhage which has high morbidity and mortality. Significant amount of FIAs grow to be a giant aneurysm and present with Mass Effect, or by sending embolic component distally to the aneurysm. Classic characteristics of FIAs include 1) location in posterior circulation of circulus Willis, and 2) reverse gender distribution compare to saccular IAs, by which women are more affected.

Because of FIAs rarity, single institution experience is limited. Indeed, literature still lacks the natural history and comparison of best treatment modalities. Additionally, their pathophysiology may be related more to aortic abdominal aneurysms (AAAs) than saccular IAs.
Some genetic loci and somatic mutation have been described. There have been epidemiological studies showing the concomitant relation of AAA and FIAs. Recent imaging techniques, combined with computer fluid dynamic, have shown the multilevel pathophysiology of IAs where inflammatory response of arterial wall is affected by blood flow dynamic depending on arterial anatomy.
Overall, because FIAs are a misunderstood and under-researched area of IAs, new approaches to understand them is needed.

We encourage researchers from various field to submit manuscript regarding FIAs with multi-field approach to deepen our understanding on pathophysiology of these rare lesions, while learning how to best treat our patients.
Topic Editors welcome contributions on, but not limited to:

• Treatment and/or pathophysiology of FIAs
• specific anatomical conditions, parent vessels, special circumstances and operative or interventional techniques
• classical or innovative treatment approaches

Keywords: pathophysiology, aneurysm, patient care, treatment, interventional techniques

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