Quality of Life, Psychological Stress, and Cognitive Decline Post-Ruptured Anterior Communicating Artery Aneurysm Endovascular Treatment

Abstract

Objective:  The study assessed depression, quality of life, and cognitive function in patients who underwent coiling for anterior communicating artery aneurysm rupture.

Methods:  A retrospective sample of patients with ruptured anterior communicating artery aneurysms treated at our facility were enrolled from the timeframe of August 2018 and October 2021. This research includes 60 individuals who had coil treatment in total. They all finished the QoL and cognitive follow-up surveys. The core aim of the questionnaire was to evaluate each participant's cognitive impairments and depressive symptoms. To determine baseline clinical state, retrospective reviews of patient charts were conducted along with demographics, postoperative course, and specifics of endovascular coiling.

Results:  There were 22 females and 38 males. The presentation lasted anything from six months to three years, with most of it taking place in a single year. Of those who experienced post-coiling neurological impairments, 27% had none, and 73% had none. While 38% had no symptoms, 21% had mild depression, 20% had moderate depression, and 21% had severe depression symptoms. 62% of patients experienced depressive symptoms and a decline in cognition following therapy for ruptured ACoA aneurysms.

Conclusion:  Following therapy for ruptured AComA aneurysms, 62% of patients experienced cognitive deficits and depressive symptoms. The difficulties specific to aneurysms associated with AComA that result from injury to anterior brain areas such as the striatum, ventromedial prefrontal (orbitofrontal) cortex, or frontal cortex may be the source of these symptoms.