The occurrence of abdominal aortic aneurysms in patients with ruptured intracranial aneurysms: study protocol for the TRACE-aSAH trial

In previous research, abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) occur more frequently in patients with intracranial aneurysms (IA), compared to the general population. Unfortunately, the available literature on this matter is very scarce and in general of poor methodological quality. Screening for AAAs in patients with an IA or aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH) could be cost-effective and of significant importance to decrease morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study is to investigate the occurrence rate of AAA in patients who experienced aSAH. In this prospective cohort study, 233 patients who experienced aSAH will be included and will undergo one standardized abdominal ultrasonography to measure the abdominal aorta. The primary outcome is the occurrence of an AAA, while secondary outcomes include identifying associated risk factors such as smoking, hypertension, age, sex, and cardiovascular comorbidities. This study will include individuals from another multicentre prospective cohort trial in the Netherlands (Study on Prognosis of Acutely RupTured intracranial Aneurysms). Study participants will be included at least one year after onset of aSAH, having a modified Rankin Scale of 0–2, after written informed consent. The available evidence concerning a possible association between IAs and AAAs is very limited. This prospective multicentre cohort study in the Netherlands aims to determine the occurrence of AAA in an aSAH patient population. If an increased prevalence of AAA is confirmed, the findings could support future research towards targeted AAA screening in IA patients and contribute to future evidence-based screening guidelines. Clinical Trials. Trial registration URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07312565 . Trial ID NCT07312565. Time of registration Prior to patient enrollment.