Exploring the Landscape of Intracranial Aneurysms in South America: A Comprehensive Narrative Review Intracranial Aneurysms in South America

World Neurosurg. 2024 May:185:3-25. doi: 10.1016/j.wneu.2024.01.108. Epub 2024 Jan 28.

Abstract

Exploring the landscape of intracranial aneurysms in South America unravels a complex interplay of epidemiological factors, clinical manifestations, and therapeutic challenges. The study methodically conducts a comprehensive literature review spanning the years 2003 to 2023, focusing on English-language articles obtained from diverse databases to elucidate the multifaceted nature of intracranial aneurysms in the region. Results and discussions categorize outcomes into positive domains, emphasizing successful treatments, favorable recoveries, and high survival rates, while also shedding light on negative aspects such as residual aneurysms and complications. The research illuminates significant gaps in pathological typing of intracranial aneurysms and exposes challenges in healthcare accessibility, notably the disparities in neurosurgical resources. Management challenges, including constrained infrastructure access, a neurosurgeon shortage, and gender disparities, are underscored. Transitioning to future prospects, the study advocates for strategic interventions, proposing expanded neurosurgical training, multidisciplinary approaches, improved funding, enhanced access to care, and fostering international collaborations. The study concludes by emphasizing the pivotal role of collaborative efforts, intensified training programs, and global partnerships in propelling intracranial aneurysm management forward in South America, ultimately contributing to enhanced patient outcomes across the region.

Keywords: Global health; Health advocacy; Intracranial aneurysms; Neurosurgery.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Health Services Accessibility
  • Humans
  • Intracranial Aneurysm* / epidemiology
  • Intracranial Aneurysm* / surgery
  • Intracranial Aneurysm* / therapy
  • Neurosurgeons
  • Neurosurgical Procedures
  • South America / epidemiology