The Occurrence of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms in Patients With Ruptured Intracranial Aneurysms
Objective: To investigate the occurrence of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) in patients who experienced aSAH. Study design: This single cohort prospective study will include patients who experienced aSAH. The study participants will receive an abdominal ultrasound of the aorta to detect an AAA. Study population: aSAH patients from a prospective cohort trial in the Netherlands. Main study parameters/endpoints: The primary outcome, which will be investigated in the here above described study population, is the number of AAA detected on abdominal ultrasound. Nature and extent of the burden and risks associated with participation, benefit and group relatedness: Patients will not receive an intervention, but only a diagnostic imaging without radiation. The burden associated with this study are considered minimal and the risks negligible. An abdominal ultrasound is a non-invasive diagnostic method with no risks for the participant. The only possible existing burden to the participant is travel and appointment time with a risk of detecting an abdominal aortic aneurysm or other (occult) intra-abdominal pathologies. When an aneurysm, sub-aneurysm or other intra-abdominal pathology is detected, surveillance or treatment according to standard of care and guidelines will follow.
⁃ In order to be eligible to participate in this study, a participant must meet all of the following criteria:
• Patient is a study subject of the trial: Study on Prognosis of Acutely RupTured Aneurysms (SPARTA)(12)
• Inclusion at least one year after aSAH
• Written informed consent
⁃ By being a study subject of the SPARTA trial, the following criteria are applicable:
• Confirmed diagnosis of SAH on CT-scan or lumbar puncture (in the presence of a negative CT-scan)
• IA related SAH as confirmed with radiological imaging
• Age 18 years or older at presentation
• Written informed consent for the SPARTA-trial