Has anyone ever been genetically tested to find out if there is an underlying cause to their aneurysms and vascular malformations? I know that in many cases there is no real cause found as to why they are there, which can be very frustrating. However, in some cases there are genetic mutations, diseases/syndromes and other conditions which can put us at a greater risk to develop them.
I am just curious who has undergone testing and who has not.
Dear Kristin,
Good question. My daughter had an MRI, just to make sure, and she came out clean. My grandfather reportedly died of a cerebral hemmorrage and I wonder about that. I’ve also had an aortic aneurysm repaired and asked my GP why so many aneurysms, and he said I’m predisposed to them. Genetically? I wonder.
David Andrus
Yes, it is very interesting and it really makes you think. I am genetically predisposed to develop them in my thoracic/abdominal region. No word on the brain at this point, but going back for more testing. I don't know much about genetic links to brain aneurysms.
I was under the impression that all AVMs were caused by Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia aka. osler-weber-rendu syndrome (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hereditary_hemorrhagic_telangiectasia). When my AVMs were discovered I was tested along with my whole family and it was found that my father had the gene which my younger sister and I both inherited.
Hello!
I was diagnosed with Granulomatous Vasculitis and Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy via Brain Biopsy 10/26/12. I had a coiling procedure done on a Left Ophthalmic aneurysm in */2012 and have a Left Vertebral Artery aneurysm being watched. I am in search for anyone out there that has been diagnosed with Central Nervous System Vasculitis and Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy. For those of you that have the same diagnosis, I would like to know what type of treatment you are on. I am on my second round of Cytoxan infusions once a month to control the Vasculitis. I see a rheumatologist that treats the CNSV and a neurologist that I visit every 3 months for examinations and MRI of the head. Also, I see a neuro-radiologist every year for my aneurysm and have an MRA of my head.
I am in many different support groups and finding out that amyloid can lead to hemorrhagic strokes, seizures and brain aneurysms. My neurologist informed me that this is the type of CAA I have. I had a cousin that had an aneurysm that bled out at the age of 37, an aunt that had vascular dementia and a brain tumor removed that was benign. I am looking for anyone that has been tested for familial amyloid that involves the brain? Amyloid is a protein that builds up within my vessels and I have the vasculitis that is inflammation of my vessels.
Any information is appreciated!
Linda Hicks
I also was diagnosed aortic aneurysm this year 2015, it tried to kill my dad the aortic aneurysm! I had my BA Oct 2005!
David Andrus said:
Dear Kristin,
Good question. My daughter had an MRI, just to make sure, and she came out clean. My grandfather reportedly died of a cerebral hemmorrage and I wonder about that. I've also had an aortic aneurysm repaired and asked my GP why so many aneurysms, and he said I'm predisposed to them. Genetically? I wonder.
David Andrus