Familial Intracranial Aneurysm (FIA) Study

Familial Intracranial Aneurysm (FIA) Study

A group of physicians from throughout the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, have formed a collaborative effect to identify genes that may be important in the development of aneurysms in the blood vessels of the brain. This study of affected families, known as the Familial Intracranial Aneurysm (FIA) study, is sponsored by the National Institutes of Health and will involve over 400 families.

To be eligible to participate in this study, families must have two or more affected siblings (brothers/sisters) or 3 or more family members affected with intracerebral aneurysms. Participants will be asked to complete a family history questionnaire and a medical history questionnaire. They will also have their blood pressure measured and will give a small sample of blood. In addition, certain family members will be offered the opportunity to undergo a Magnetic Resonance Angiography MRA (a non-invasive diagnostic test) to look for undiagnosed brain aneurysms. The cost of the study related MRA will be covered by the study. There will be no monetary compensation to family members for their participation. However, some funds will be available for travel reimbursement if necessary.

Additionally, participants will be contacted by mail on a yearly basis to evaluate their health, and to determine if any other family members have developed intracranial aneurysms.

Participation in this project is voluntary and is limited to families with affected siblings or 3 affected family members.

To request additional information or to enroll in this study please contact Richard Ellsasser at Columbia University, at 212-342-1188. Information about the study can also be obtained via email at RHE26@columbia.edu