fusiform /dolichoectsaic cerebral aneurysm at basilar tip

[lizard26]

hello, i'm a 36yr old female incidentally dx with a fusiform/dolichectasic cerebral aneurysm. It is tortous -serpentine 1.5cm x 0.5cm and at first Docs. thought there were two fusiform and/or saccular lesions. I had a head  CT after complaints of headaches, foggy brain, decreased concentration and fatigue. I have had an MRIw/wo contrast ,MRA and a CTangiograph. but now the neurosurgeon wants to see an angiograph via catheter through my groin.
My Q. 's: I'm worried about the invasive procedure and its risks, ie., puncturing the artery, dislodging a clot or plaque; is the risk worth it for a lesion so small?
-could this procedure instigate a rupture?
- is my anyeurism difficult/rare by type and location?  
-is it genetic ? I have good eatting habits and low normal BLOOD PRESSURE and cholestrol, whAT CAN I DO TO MINIMIZE MY RISK?
thank you , i don't have health  insurance so your opinion is really appreciated.

[crwstar]

I understand your concerns, it was one of mine as well. At the time of my angiogram, it was thought that I had mitral valve prolapse and my heart hurt alll the time. I asked over and over and over again anyone who would listen about the catheter and my heart. I was assured that it passes by the heart just the same as you.   I would ask them if they are familiar with carotid/vasovagol syncope....What you have sounds a bit more serious than mitral valve prolapse and your concerns are warrented. Make sure you have someone with you at appt if you can. It helps to have a second set of ears which may hear different information.....

Best wishes.

[lizard26]

Hello Crwstar, thanks so much for replying. I feel a little better now.

As I understand,a catheter CT is what the Doc. wants to do nxt. I've already had a regular CT scan, MRI / MRA - all three were done with and w/o contrast.

I guess my fear  is the idea that they'll thread the catheter from my groin to my brain. I asked the doc if the catheter goes through my heart but he said it only passes by the heart. that's worrisome because I also have a murmur from a little hole in my heart. I also have a sensitive carotid/vasovagol syncope. It causes me to faint in certain circumstances and my heart has a hard time kicking up again. It was suggested I consider a pacemaker but I decide not to take it.
...anyhow -
l got your forum suggestion, I'll take a look tomorrow.

Thank you for your help,
Be well!
- Goodnight
lizard26

[crwstar]

To answer some of your questions....Yes, I did have something in my iv that made me quite sleepy without fully putting me to sleep so that I could respond to holding my breathe when they needed me to. They did numb the area before poking me with the cathedar....it still hurt but I was on iv meds by then and it wasn't so painful that I couldn't handle it. And if I needed more meds they gave it but I didn't need too much...can't remember what they gave me. There were no residual cognitive side affects from the procedure. The only real side affect I had was at the puncture site in my leg. It appeared that a clot had formed....my doctors were right on top of it in terms of thier response to my concerns about this and had be come back in days later to check it out. I had sharp shooting pains down my right leg and my right foot hurt......All of these symptoms have subsided with time which is what they said would happen. Oh and the only other thing that was challenging was I had to lay still for up to 5 hours so that the artery would close back up.

A ct angiogram is less invasive than what I had. From what I've read it takes about 30 minutes and you can leave as soon as it is done....no need to lay around. It is completely understandable to be scared. I was scared when I had my first MRI ;-) Its the unknown until you experience it. Check out that website I sent you. There's plenty of people on who have probably had a ct angio.

let me know if you have any other questions.

Crwstar

[crwstar]

Hi there,

Again I'm sorry no one's come along to answer your question. I had a angiogram - not sure if its different from a ct angiogram. I believe the difference is in length of time you must lie still. I had to be still for up to 6 hours. Let me do some checking and I'll get back to you later today. I'll also give you the name of a fabulous forum for people with annie's that can answer your questions more thoroughly from a patient point of view....just to have another option.

Be back later today.

[lizard26]

Hello Crwstar,
Thank you for your comment. I gave up checking the forum , I thought noone read my request.   I hope you're feeling good these days. I decided to go in for the CTangio catheter nxt wk.
Do you mind if I ask about your procedure?
- did you have anesthesia? was it painful inserting the catheter? were there any residual cognitive side effects you noticed?

I have gov.health ins.   which means I don't have the same doc. following my case. every doc I speak to seems to not give much weight to the risks of the procedure (although they recommend I do it). On the other hand, internet searches i've read describe a serious procedure with definate risks. I'm so scared that the catheter could instigate further problems. I'm sure I'm overreacting, but I'm nervous.   I was told I would be given something to be calm , but I don't think there will be local anesthesia. I'll get more details during the workup. I'd just like to get a patients point of view, besides a doc's.

I'm so grateful for your reply.
lizard26

[crwstar]

Hi - sometimes it can take up to 10 days to get a reply. It is definitely scary receiving a diagnosis of an aneurysm. I think I read that its 1.5 cm.....that is actually kind large for an aneurysm. Mine is 3.5 mm. Getting an angiomgram is the Gold standard treatment for getting a good look at the annie. I had an angiogram last year in April...the worst part was lying on my back for 6 hours after the procedure. With a procedure like this there are of course risks but the doctors will go over all that with you. I'm sorry I don't know the answers to your questions.....But best way to find out if its genetic is to find out from family members (aunts, uncles etc). I found out my grandfather had an annie this past November which surprised me cause I didn't know.

Hopefully a doctor will come along soon, Take care.

Crwstar

[lizard26]

I am reposting this inquiry, as I  haven't received any replies yet.


Hello, i'm a 36yr old female incidentally dx with a fusiform/dolichectasic cerebral aneurysm. It is tortous -serpentine 1.5cm x 0.5cm and at first Docs. thought there were two fusiform and/or saccular lesions. I had a head  CT after complaints of headaches, foggy brain, decreased concentration and fatigue. I have had an MRIw/wo contrast ,MRA and a CTangiograph. but now the neurosurgeon wants to see an angiograph via catheter through my groin.
My Q. 's: I'm worried about the invasive procedure and its risks, ie., puncturing the artery, dislodging a clot or plaque; is the risk worth it for a lesion so small? I thought the CTangio was a good substitute for a catheter angio?
-could this procedure instigate a rupture?
- is my anyeurism difficult/rare by type and location?  
-is it genetic ? I have good eatting habits and low normal BLOOD PRESSURE and cholestrol, whAT CAN I DO TO MINIMIZE MY RISK?
thank you , i don't have health  insurance so your opinion is really appreciated.