berry aneurysm

Last reviewed 01/2018

Berry aneurysms:

  • are localised, dilatations of an intracranial artery

  • are common, affecting approximately 5% of the population (1)

  • mostly remain asymptomatic throughout life

  • vary in size, most symptomatic aneurysms are >1 cm (1)
  • often occur at vessel bifurcations

  • cause 80% of subarachnoid haemorrhages (2)

  • are multiple in 20-30% of patients (2)

Reference:

  • Venning M, (1981), BMJ, 2, 824.
  • Pope F, (1981), Lancet, 2, 973.