Unruptured 3mm Annie - PICA
 

Hello,
I've been reading different threads since I was diagnosed with my annie 2 weeks ago. After having an MRI/MRA for headaches, a small 3 mm annie was discovered in my left PICA (posterior inferior cerebellar artery). Then, because it was so small and a possible mistake, I had an angiogram and CT scan with contrast. The new tests confirmed it, so I'm meeting with an interventionist (?) next week to see if coiling is a possibility. Has anyone out there had an unruptured small aneurysm coiled? :confused:
I have NO family history of this, I am 30 years old, and I just started blood pressure meds after I found out about the annie. I guess that I should also mention that I was diagnosed with PKD (polycystic kidney disease) in October - a hereditary kidney disease in which cysts form on the kidneys eventually impeding kidney function. The only two major side effects of PKD are high blood pressure (got it) and aneurysms if you have a family history.
I guess, I'm just wondering if people have success treating small aneurysms...especially in the PICA.
Thanks for any information or comments. :)

hi! i don't think i can really offer you any useful info... i just wanted to say that i'm kinda in a similar situation, just a little earlier in the process! i had an MRI and MRA last monday because of persistent headaches and a slight difference in my pupil sizes. on friday my neurologist told me they found a 2mm aneurysm and that i need to have an angiogram. i don't even remember the location of it, since i was kinda freaking out at the time. :) was the angiogram that bad? i've been reading about them and they don't sound very fun.

i'm 28, no family history of these, although i have a bunch of other random medical issues including celiac disease and thyroid problems. and i usually have very low blood pressure, so i guess that's a good thing here?

I had a 12mm coiled last July, it was unruptured, I too had to take blood pressure meds until the procedure was done. I just had a 5mm clipped the end of January, when the doctor opened me up he said I was very close to it rupturing. I have one more a 2.2 that they are watching. I did get a 2nd opinion on the sencond one, glad I did, if hte doctors are not too concerned with the 3 mm they wll tell you, but coiling is an easier way to go if they can, then you don't have the worry of it rupturing. Nancy

Angiogram
 

The angiogram isn't bad at all. I had it with the CT scan with and without contrast, so the weirdest part was having the iodine injected. The iodine makes your body feel really hot, but it only lasts for about 15 seconds. However, the machine for the angio/CT scan doesn't have all the loud banging that the MRI/MRA machine does, so it is much nicer.
I know exactly what you mean about missing information because you were freaking out...I tried to write down pieces of information when I first heard, but it was so random and didn't make any sense. Since then, I've been taking my husband to doc meetings with me.
It is very scary, but there are some very inspiring stories on this site and others. Good luck to you!

Wow! I also heard of a 4mm close to rupturing. That's why I am happy that the doctors are recommending action. I'm not sure if they noticed a weakening in the artery in the angiogram or what. In my first visit, my doctor said that it is very small, not to worry about it, etc. After my angiogram, he recommended the visit to the doctor who will be performing the surgery, and said to take care of it sooner than later. Personally, I prefer this option because I have felt a bit paranoid with every odd feeling, twitch, blur, and headache. I just want to get it taken care of. :)