Role of oral pathogens in the pathogenesis of intracranial aneurysm: review of existing evidence and potential mechanisms

Neurosurg Rev. 2021 Feb;44(1):239-247. doi: 10.1007/s10143-020-01253-y. Epub 2020 Feb 7.

Abstract

Degeneration of intracranial aneurysm wall is under active research and recent studies indicate an increased risk of rupture of intracranial aneurysm among patients with periodontal diseases. In addition, oral bacterial DNA has been identified from wall samples of ruptured and unruptured aneurysms. These novel findings led us to evaluate if oral diseases could predispose to pathological changes seen on intracranial aneurysm walls eventually leading to subarachnoid hemorrhage. The aim of this review is to consider mechanisms on the relationship between periodontitis and aneurysm rupture, focusing on recent evidence.

Keywords: Intracranial aneurysm; Oral diseases; Pathogens; Periodontitis; Subarachnoidal hemorrhage.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aneurysm, Ruptured / etiology
  • Aneurysm, Ruptured / microbiology
  • Humans
  • Intracranial Aneurysm / etiology*
  • Intracranial Aneurysm / microbiology*
  • Mouth / microbiology*
  • Periodontal Diseases / complications*
  • Periodontal Diseases / microbiology*
  • Subarachnoid Hemorrhage / etiology
  • Subarachnoid Hemorrhage / microbiology