The Risk of Multiple Intracranial Aneurysm Formation in Patients with Malignant Disease Undergoing Radiation Therapy: a Case Report and Literature Review

• Main Authors: Krešimir Rotim, Bruno Splavski, Zlatko Trkanjec, Vladimir Kalousek, Ante Rotim, Tomislav Sajko
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Sestre Milosrdnice University hospital, Institute of Clinical Medical Research 2020-01-01
• Series: Acta Clinica Croatica
• Subjects: Aneurysms, intracranial, multiple; Breast cancer; Radiation therapy
• Online Access: https://hrcak.srce.hr/file/354171

Neoplastic etiology of intracranial cerebral aneurysm is rare. Yet, the risk of its development is higher in malignant tumor patients receiving radiation therapy. Due to the possible negative effects of irradiation on intracranial vessel walls, the risk of aneurysm formation after radiation therapy, which is crucial for some types of breast cancer patients, continues to be a matter of debate. The aim of this study was to evaluate the hazard of multiple intracranial aneurysm development in patients with malignant disease undergoing radiation therapy. It is based on literature review and case report of a 77-year-old female patient who underwent surgery for multifocal invasive hormone-receptor positive ductal breast carcinoma of no special type, followed by chemotherapy, adjuvant radiation and hormone therapy. Her comorbidity included arterial hypertension and type 2 diabetes. Six unruptured intracranial aneurysms of different bilateral locations were diagnosed incidentally by multi-slice computed tomography angiography and digital subtraction angiography of cerebral vessels. Due to the bilateral aneurysm multiplicity, tumor characteristics and prognosis, comorbidity and relatively advanced age, the patient was not selected for active endovascular or microsurgical aneurysm treatment but only periodical clinical, oncologic and radiological follow-up was advised. In conclusion, the risk of multiple intracranial aneurysm formation in patients with breast cancer undergoing radiation therapy is low, but still possible. Long-term follow-up and regular cerebral angiographic check-up studies are necessary in selected malignant patients to decrease such a risk and to evade the worst outcome associated with aneurysm rupture.