Intracranial aneurysms and autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease: Followup study by magnetic resonance angiography

Purpose: Intracranial aneurysms are known to complicate autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. We assess the value of magnetic resonance angiog raphy to detect intracranial aneurysms early in patients with autosomal dom inant polycystic kidney disease. Materials and Methods: We evaluated 15 patients with asymptomatic autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease treated at our hospital between 1992 an d 1998. Magnetic resonance angiography was performed at presentation and wa s repeated 18 to 72 months after treatment. Results: On the initial magnetic resonance angiogram 3 intracranial aneurys ms were detected in 3 patients. The intracranial aneurysms ranged from 4 to 8 mm. in diameter, and were in the anterior communicating artery in 1, in the vertebral artery in i, and at the bifurcation of the internal carotid a rtery and ophthalmic artery in 1 case. Repeat magnetic resonance angiograph y 18 to 72 months after treatment revealed new intracranial aneurysms in 2 patients. In 1 case the lesion was 7 mm. in diameter, in the internal carot id artery and posterior communicating artery, and detected 69 months after the initial angiogram. In the other patient the lesion was 4 mm. in diamete r, in the anterior communicating artery and detected 71 months after treatm ent. Conclusions: Since new intracranial aneurysms were demonstrated in patients followed for a long time periodic repeat magnetic resonance angiography is important.