Brief report: a familial syndrome of arterial dissections with lentiginosis

Article Abstract:

A condition consisting of spontaneous dissections of arteries and the presence of lentigines may be genetic in origin. Lentigines are flat or slightly raised brown-black spots on the skin, two to four millimeters in diameter. Two individuals who experienced arterial dissections when young adults along with lentiginosis were found to have family histories compatible with the condition. One patient was treated with aspirin which resolved a dissection in the area of the loop of the left internal carotid artery. The other patient required surgery to place a saphenous-vein graft following dissection of the left occipital artery. The syndrome may be caused by an autosomal recessive gene that produces a defect in the neural-crest region during fetal development. Patients reported the presence of multiple lentigines in other family members. The affected family members were generally younger than patients with cervical artery or aorta dissections. Another finding in these patients was cystic medial necrosis, loss of elastic and muscle fibers, in the center of artery segments that were surgically removed or seen at autopsy.

Case studies, Development and progression, Familial diseases

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Intracranial aneurysms

Article Abstract:

Intracranial aneurysms are fairly common and may be lethal if they rupture. An aneurysm occurs when the wall of a blood vessel balloons out. It commonly occurs in the cranial arteries and may affect 1 million to 12 million Americans. If the aneurysm ruptures, it can cause hemorrhaging in the brain. These aneurysms seem to have a hereditary component, but smoking, hypertension and alcohol use may contribute. CT and MRI scans can detect hemorrhage and angiography can detect the aneurysm before it ruptures. The placement of clips and coils can deprive the aneurysm of blood, which is the goal of most treatments.

Intracranial aneurysms, Cerebral aneurysm

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Spontaneous disection of the carotid and vertebral arteries

Article Abstract:

The causes, diagnosis, and treatment of spontaneous dissection of the carotid and vertebral arteries is reviewed. Dissection of an artery occurs when a tear occurs in one of the layers, causing blood to fill the space between the layers. This either causes an aneurysm or partial or complete blockage of the artery.

Carotid artery diseases

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