Cause of Death in Ruptured Intracranial Aneurysms

Introduction  The study of intracranial aneurysms has come a long way in the 33 years since Sir Charles Symonds brought together our knowledge of the subject in 1923.^1,2 The relationship between subarachnoid hemorrhage and rupture of aneurysms has been established,^3-6 statistics have been gathered on the frequency of aneurysms on various parts of the circle of Willis and arterial supply of the brain,⁷ diagnostic procedures are well worked out,^8-10 the efficacy of various surgical treatments are being compared,^11-15 and the relative value of surgical versus conservative therapy is being determined, although the latter point is by no means settled.^16-22 Clinical syndromes associated with aneurysms in various locations are being elucidated, as far as this is possible.^23,24,36However, there are relatively few studies on the actual consequences of the rupture of the aneurysm in fatal cases. Recently Robertson²⁶ has reviewed the pathologic findings in 97 ruptured aneurysms,¹² of which