Familial cerebral saccular aneurysm

A rare genetic neurovascular malformation characterized by sac-like bulging of cerebral arteries due to weakening of the endothelial layer. Familial occurrence is suspected when two or more affected first- to third-degree relatives are present in a family. Aneurysms may remain asymptomatic throughout life, or rupture and thereby cause potentially life-threatening subarachnoid hemorrhage. Patients with familial cerebral saccular aneurysm are more likely to develop more than one brain aneurysm, are at greater risk of rupture, and tend to have poorer outcome after rupture than patients with sporadic cerebral aneurysms.