Flight-Related Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage and Its Complications During and after Landing

Abstract

It has been suggested that the risk of rupture of intracranial aneurysms may be fostered by climatic drops in barometric pressure, as also occurs to passengers subjected to the air pressure settings inside aircraft cabins. We present two cases of flight-related aneurysmal SAH followed by intracerebral rebleeding in the cabin (case 1) and carotid dissection after landing (case 2). Management and complications of in-flight subarachnoid hemorrhage, influence of decreased cabin pressure on the aneurysm rupture, timing of hemorrhage related to flight exposure and counseling of patients with unruptured aneurysms are discussed.