Which patient population has a genetic predisposition to berry aneurysms?

Which patient population has a genetic predisposition to berry aneurysms?

• A. Marfan syndrome
• B. Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type IV
• C. Down syndrome
• D. Osteogenesis imperfecta

Answer: (B)

Berry aneurysms are small saccular outpouchings that occur at arterial bifurcations in the circle of Willis and can rupture to cause subarachnoid hemorrhage. A key factor that increases the risk of these aneurysms is weakness of the arterial wall from connective tissue disorders. The vascular type of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome involves a defect in type III collagen, leading to fragile blood vessels that are prone to aneurysm formation and rupture, including berry aneurysms. This makes individuals with this condition more predisposed to developing and bleeding from berry aneurysms. In contrast, Marfan syndrome centers on fibrillin-1 defects with a tendency for aortic root aneurysm rather than intracranial berry aneurysms, while Down syndrome and osteogenesis imperfecta do not have a strong, direct association with berry aneurysm formation.

Berry aneurysms are small saccular outpouchings that occur at arterial bifurcations in the circle of Willis and can rupture to cause subarachnoid hemorrhage. A key factor that increases the risk of these aneurysms is weakness of the arterial wall from connective tissue disorders. The vascular type of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome involves a defect in type III collagen, leading to fragile blood vessels that are prone to aneurysm formation and rupture, including berry aneurysms. This makes individuals with this condition more predisposed to developing and bleeding from berry aneurysms. In contrast, Marfan syndrome centers on fibrillin-1 defects with a tendency for aortic root aneurysm rather than intracranial berry aneurysms, while Down syndrome and osteogenesis imperfecta do not have a strong, direct association with berry aneurysm formation.