Cystic Kidneys and Aneurysms: Should You Get a Brain Scan?

2023-06-09 10:21:22

Research shows that people with cystic kidneys are more likely to have an aneurysm. An aneurysm is a bulge of an artery in the brain. If an aneurysm bleeds, a cerebral hemorrhage occurs. With the information in this folder you can decide whether you want to have a scan of your brain. To find out if you have an aneurysm.

Of people without cystic kidneys, about 3% will have an aneurysm when they are 50 years or older. So 3 out of every 100 people. In people with cystic kidneys, this number is 10% if they are 50 years or older. So 10 out of every 100 people. If one of your family members with cystic kidneys also has a brain aneurysm, the risk increases to more than 20% (20 out of 100 people).

Can I tell I have an aneurysm?

People usually do not notice that they have an aneurysm in the brain. It rarely causes complaints. However, an aneurysm can grow in size and eventually bleed. Then a cerebral hemorrhage occurs. A cerebral hemorrhage can be prevented by detecting and treating an aneurysm in time. Therefore, the pros and cons of testing whether you have an aneurysm will be discussed with you.

The main advantage of making a scan is that a brain aneurysm can be detected and treated in time.

But there are also a number of disadvantages to this screening:

• Often it is not possible or not (yet) necessary to treat the aneurysm. The risks of the procedure then outweigh the risk of the aneurysm bursting. You will then know that you have an aneurysm, which we do not have to do anything about yet. This can make you insecure and worry about your health.
• Unfortunately, screening does not offer complete certainty. You can still get a brain hemorrhage, despite screening.
• If we find an aneurysm, it will affect patients who need a large driver’s license for their profession (group 2, category C and D driver’s licenses). These patients may only continue to practice their profession if the aneurysm is smaller than 10 millimeters. If the aneurysm is larger, it must be treated first. If you have a smaller aneurysm, you must be examined by a neurologist every 3 years. This is mandatory to keep your driver’s license.
• During a scan we can also find conditions that we are not looking for. We may then want to do more research to see what’s going on.

How does the screening work?

If you want to be screened, you will be referred to a neurologist. This is a specialist in the field of the brain. He or she will tell you about the pros and cons of the screening. Together you discuss what that means for you and what you want. You and your doctor can then decide whether or not you want a scan.
If you want a scan, it’s usually an MRI scan. This allows us to clearly see the blood vessels in the brain. This examination takes approximately 30 minutes. After the examination, the neurologist will call you for the results. Or you will receive the results during an appointment.

What happens if no aneurysm is found?

If we do not see an aneurysm on the scan, we will make another scan after about 5 years. You can contact us to schedule that appointment.

What happens if an aneurysm is found?

If we do find an aneurysm in you, the neurologist will discuss the next steps with you. Your neurologist will create a treatment plan for you. He or she does this together with other care providers specialized in aneurysms.
Treatment depends on the location and size of the aneurysm. To defuse the aneurysm, there are 2 ways:

1. Clipping
   A clip is placed on the base of the aneurysm. Before placing the clip, the skull must be opened.
2. Coiling
   Via the blood vessel, the aneurysm is plugged using flexible platinum coils.

Both treatments take place under anesthesia. You will stay in the neurology department during the operation.

When is clipping or coiling chosen?

The choice of treatment, clipping or coiling, depends on several factors. Your neurologist will discuss this with you.
It is often not necessary to treat an aneurysm immediately. Sometimes the risks of clipping or coiling are greater than the chance of the aneurysm bursting. Often additional checks are required. Your neurologist will discuss with you how often this is necessary.

What should I do if I want to be screened?

Then you can indicate this at your next appointment. We will then make sure that you get an appointment with one of our neurologists.

Would you like to know more about an aneurysm?

For more information on cerebral artery aneurysms, see:

For more information about cystic kidneys, visit:

If you have any questions, please let us know at your next appointment.
For questions that cannot wait, please call:

Kidney disease polyclinic

088 624 55 44 (available from Monday to Friday from 8.30 am to 5 pm)