GI Syndromes May Be Linked to Intracranial Aneurysm Formation and Rupture
Conexiant
July 24, 2024
A nationwide database analysis has revealed significant associations between various gastrointestinal (GI) syndromes and the development and rupture of intracranial aneurysms (IA), according to research presented at the Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery's 21st Annual Meeting. The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania, utilized data from the TriNetX Research Network spanning from October 2015 to October 2023. Researchers employed a case-control and cohort study design.
The case-control analysis compared 72,545 patients with unruptured and 46,748 patients with ruptured IAs with propensity score–matched negative controls; additionally, patients with ruptured IAs were compared with matched unruptured IA cases. The cohort study compared cohorts exposed to various GI syndromes with matched negative controls for the development of unruptured and ruptured IAs within a 5-year timeframe.
The study's objective was to determine the prevalence of GI syndromes and interventions preceding the diagnosis of IA in comparison to negative controls, as it has been hypothesized that IA formation and rupture are affected by the gut microbiome.
All GI syndromes and receipt of appendectomy were found to be significantly associated with both ruptured and unruptured IAs (p<0.001). Ruptured IAs demonstrated significant associations with a history of diseases of the digestive system (ICD-10: K00-K95), dysphagia, diarrhea, and constipation when compared to matched unruptured IA cases. Unruptured IAs were significantly associated with a history of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), functional dyspepsia, and irritable bowel syndrome without diarrhea.
The cohort study revealed that dysphagia, diarrhea, constipation, gastroparesis, and fecal incontinence were significantly associated with both ruptured and unruptured IAs (odds ratio >1; p<0.05). GERD, functional dyspepsia, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) without diarrhea were only associated with unruptured IAs.
The findings suggest that a history of dysphagia, diarrhea, and constipation are associated with both the formation and rupture of IAs, while GERD, functional dyspepsia, and IBS without diarrhea are associated with IA formation only. The researchers concluded that further studies are warranted to elucidate these associations and explore the intricate interplay among GI syndromes, the gut microbiome, and IA pathogenesis.
The authors declared having no competing interests.