Clinical Journal of American Society of Nephrology
Which kidney disease patients should get screened brain aneurysm? A new Mayo Clinic study sheds light on brain aneurysm risk factors for people living with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD)
Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) involves the progressive growth of fluid-filled cysts in both kidneys, enlarging the kidneys and weakening their function. The condition is often also characterized by non-kidney-related abnormalities, including intracranial (brain) aneurysms.
The rupture of brain aneurysms is one of the most challenging complications of ADPKD.
A recent study by the Mayo Clinic shed light on risk factors for aneurysm development in people with ADPKD, resulting in recommendations for screening and lifestyle changes.*
The screening detected brain aneurysms more frequently in those with:
Overall, the study results found that:
Based on the genetic and demographic makeup of the study participants…
Non-modifiable risk factors included:
However, some modifiable risk factors were:
In response to their findings, the study authors recommended screening for ADPKD patients at highest risk for brain aneurysm growth and rupture, including those:
In a press release, Mayo Clinic nephrologist and study co-author Vincente Torres, MD, PhD said lifestyle changes and treatment for modifiable risk factors can also significantly reduce aneurysm risk.
“We educate our patients on the importance of correcting conditions that have been associated with aneurysmal development and/or rupture, particularly smoking and inadequately controlled hypertension,” stated Torres. “The results of our study do not provide a reason for changing our current approach.”
For more information about these findings, visit the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology.
*Sanchis, I.M.; Shukoor, S.; Irazabal, M.V.; et al. (2019, August). Presymptomatic Screening for Intracranial Aneurysms in Patients with Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease. Clinical Journal of American Society of Nephrology, 14(8), 1151-60.
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