Unruptured multiple ICA aneurysms

Since there had been several cases of ruptured aneurysms in my family and my brother had a ruptured brain aneurysm (they actually found he had three, one ruptured) I got checked and they found I also had a small aneurysm. Mine had vascular access so a repair would be simple (or relatively simple), two separate neurosurgeons recommended I had it repaired. They repaired it in 2017 with a stent, after that they monitored the evolution with angiograms and MRIs, in 2020 I had to get a second stent as the first one had proven not sufficient. Both surgeries were embolizations, similar to the angiograms, using catheter through the groin. Recovery is fast as it is minimally invasive. I still get checked every 2 years and it seems to have worked now.

Thank you for sharing. We are hoping to get a second opinion as well.

I had a 5 mm. brain aneurysm coiled 7 months ago. The neurosurgeon wants me to now have another cerebral angiogram to check the coils. Whereby the cerebral angiogram (with multiple x-rays and contrast dye) is necessary to diagnose precisely and plan for the coiling procedure, I have read that an MRA ( no x-rays) can be used afterward to monitor the coils. But my doctor is ignoring my messages on "My Chart" requesting the MRA scan instead of the cerebral angiogram. He did tell me when the coiling procedure was done 7 months ago that he would do another cerebral angiogram to check it and I can only assume he is holding firm to that recommendation. However, as I said, from what I've read the MRA scan has evolved to the point that it can be used to monitor the coiled aneurysm and avoid unnecessary x-rays. Just wondering if anyone else who checks this forum has had an aneurysm coiled and what was your follow up protocol.

Mine was not coil but stent, similar procedure through embolization. My first follow up was an angiogram, and I believe I had another one about a year later, MRAs after that until about 3 years later when the surgeon told me that the stent was not working fully as expected and he recommended a second embolization to place a second stent inside the first one, He did another angiogram prior to the surgery and again I believe one about 6 months after. After that again MRAs.

My brother had a ruptured brain aneurysm that was emergency repaired with a coil. His was in Canada and all his follow ups were MRAs or MRIs . Two years after his first rupture and about 5 months after his MRA/I check up, his aneurysm ruptured again, this time he was lucky to survive (I understand mortality after second rupture is high) but was left with some disability.

When I compare my follow up protocol with his, I can’t stop thinking that if he had been followed up with at least one angiogram this probably would not have happened

Thank you for your reply. Your response makes me feel that I need to rethink my preference for an MRA scan.

If you don’t want to have a stroke have the stents put in. Usually >5 mm in size is when they get concerned but you’ve got many close together and if they rupture as a group it will be worse for the patient. If I was in your position I wouldn’t hesitate.