Cerebral aneurysms in childhood

Objects: The aim of this work was to ascertain any clinical and anatomical factors allowing differentiation between aneurysms of childhood and those o ccurring in adults by comparing both groups. Methods: Results obtained in a total of 17 children and adolescents aged up to 18 who had been operated o n for cerebral aneurysm in our department from 1989 to 1997 (3% of all pati ents treated for subarachnoid haemorrhage resulting from ruptured cerebral aneurysm in this period) were compared with those in the adult group operat ed on in our department. In contrast to the situation in adults, there was a male predominance in our population. In children we found only 1 case of middle cerebral aneurysm and 1 case of multiple aneurysms. We also found a high rate of rebleeding in the paediatric group. Conclusions: We suggest th at the very good outcome (100% very good results in patients operated on ea rly) obtained and the high risk of rebleeding in children with cerebral ane urysm allow the recommendation of early surgery in children with ruptured c erebral aneurysms.