Treatment of Giant Intracranial Aneurysms: a Review Based on Experience from 286 Cases

Abstract

Aneurysms are classified as giant when their largest diameter is equal to or greater than 25 mm, which represents approximately 5-7% of intracranial aneurysms. Severe disease with poor natural history presents with 68% mortality in two years and 85% in five years for untreated cases. Thus, in the majority of cases, the patients require treatment, despite the risks of therapeutic options. We discuss the epidemiology, natural history, diagnosis, and treatment of giant aneurysms based on the experience of 286 operations and literature data.