Abstract 166: The Brain and Aortic Aneurysm Screening (BAAS) Study - Screening for Occult Intracranial Aneurysms in Those With Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

Introduction: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) rupture has a mortality rate of 64% and intracranial aneurysm (IA) rupture has a mortality rate of 50%. Despite the high mortality rates, early detection and treatment of these vascular lesions prior to rupture can prevent devastating clinical outcomes, underscoring the need to identify high-risk populations for screening. Current evidence demonstrates shared genetic and environmental risk factors for both AAA and IA. Methods: The BAAS study sought to establish the co-prevalence of AAA and IA. In one arm of BAAS, we recruited patients presenting with AAA and screened them for IA. All participants underwent a detailed interview to collect demographic, radiographic, and clinical data and also had genetic counseling. Results: Of the 126 individuals with an AAA enrolled, 65% (82/126) completed the MRA. Difficulty with logistics of obtaining the research MRA with long distance travel to clinic was the principal reason for failure to obtain MRA. We identified 20.7% ...