Berry aneurysm – Defect lies in –a)degeneration of interna...
In order to investigate the developmental mechanism of saccular cerebral aneurysms, changes in the internal elastic lamina at the junction of the anterior cerebral artery and the olfactory artery were electronmicroscopically studied in 6 control and 6 experimental rats undergoing ligation of the left carotid artery and branches of both renal arteries. In the control group, spontaneous destructive changes occurred on the luminal side of the internal elastic lamina and progressed from the luminal towards the abluminal side as the elastic lamina advanced to the apex. Close to the apex, these changes invaded and disrupted the whole elastic lamina.
Berry aneurysm – Defect lies in –a)degeneration of interna...
Understanding Berry Aneurysm
Berry aneurysms are small, saccular outpouchings that typically occur at the bifurcations of the cerebral arteries. They are a significant cause of subarachnoid hemorrhage and have specific pathological features.
Defect Location
The correct answer, option 'B', indicates that the defect lies in the degeneration of the media or muscle cell layer. Here's a detailed explanation:
Pathological Mechanism
- The media of an artery is composed mainly of smooth muscle cells and elastic fibers, which maintain vascular tone and elasticity.
- In berry aneurysms, there is a degeneration of the smooth muscle cells in the media, leading to a weakening of the vessel wall.
Contributing Factors
- This degeneration can be attributed to several factors, including genetic predispositions, hemodynamic stress, and potentially even aging.
- The lack of smooth muscle cells diminishes the structural integrity of the vessel, making it more susceptible to bulging under pressure.
Comparison with Other Options
- a) Degeneration of internal elastic lamina: While this may occur, it is not the primary defect associated with berry aneurysms.
- c) Deposition of mucoid material in media: This is more characteristic of other vascular conditions, such as cystic medial degeneration, but not specifically berry aneurysms.
- d) Low-grade inflammation of vessel wall: While some inflammation may be present, it does not directly lead to the formation of berry aneurysms.
Conclusion
The primary defect in berry aneurysms is indeed the degeneration of the media or muscle cell layer, which results in a weakened vessel wall that can lead to the formation of the aneurysm. Understanding this mechanism is crucial in recognizing the risk factors and management strategies associated with this vascular condition.