Size of ruptured intracranial aneurysms

What is it about?

Many people carry asymptomatic intracranial aneurysms. Doctors worldwide consider aneurysms less than 7 mm in size safe to be left untreated, but in fact these "safe" aneurysms can rupture and cause a life-threatening brain haemorrhage - subarachnoid haemorrhage. This study is one of the largest reporting the size and location of ruptured aneurysms, challenging the previous concept of a "safe" size limit.

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Why is it important?

The study shows that treatment decisions of unruptured intracranial aneurysms should not rely on the "safe" size limit of 7 mm. The study also presents how the size of ruptured aneurysms varies substantially by location, further challenging the use of any generalised but arbitrary size limits in treatment recommendations and decisions.