Screening for cerebral aneurysm in patients with polycystic liver disease.
BACKGROUND
Polycystic liver disease (PCLD) is an autosomal dominant disease characterized by multiple macrocystic lesions throughout the liver. The association between PCLD and cerebral aneurysm is well documented, and approximately 20% of patients with PCLD have demonstrable cerebral aneurysms at autopsy. The prevalence reported from autopsy series, however, may not reflect the true prevalence in patients with PCLD. We undertook this study to evaluate the prevalence and diagnosis of cerebral aneurysms in screening cerebral studies in patients with PCLD.


METHODS
Patients were identified by searching the hepatobiliary surgical service data base and hospital medical records. Hospital charts were reviewed to confirm presence of PCLD and to identify screening studies for cerebral aneurysms.


RESULTS
Ten patients with PCLD received screening studies of the cerebral vasculature during a 10 1/2-year period. One patient was found to have an asymptomatic cerebral aneurysm. A 45-year-old woman with no other significant medical history was referred for evaluation of PCLD. Screening magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) revealed a 5 mm aneurysm extending anteriorly near the origin of the right ophthalmic artery, without evidence of rupture. Cerebral angiography confirmed these findings, and the aneurysm was clipped.


CONCLUSIONS
Because cerebral aneurysms can be an important source of morbidity and mortality in PCLD, we recommend screening by MRA or by computed tomographic angiography (CTA) of the cerebral vasculature in all patients who have PCLD.
Geevarghese
S K
SK
Department of Radiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tenn 37232-4753, USA.
Powers
T
T
Marsh
J W
JW
Pinson
C W
CW
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003560:Cysts / Q000150:complications*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D002532:Intracranial Aneurysm / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics / Q000517:prevention & control; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000150:complications*; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening; D008499:Medical Records; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D011379:Prognosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies