Abstract 423: The Impact of Periodontal Diseases and Oral Microbiota on Intracranial Aneurysms: Preliminary Results of DentIA Study
Authors: Girao V. , Ortega D. , Chan V. , Liu E. , Cancelliere N. , Spears J. , Marotta T. , Tenenbaum H. , Goldberg M. , McGlennen R. , Frösen J. , Glogauer M. , Pereira V. M. 
Published: January 2025

Introduction/Purpose

Intracranial aneurysms (IAs) are vascular‐wall abnormalities of the intracranial arteries that can result in life‐threatening hemorrhages if ruptured. While various risk factors for IA development, growth, and rupture have been documented in the medical literature, the potential influence of periodontal diseases (PDs), oral microbiota, and immunoinflammatory markers on these processes is not yet fully elucidated.This study will present the preliminary findings from the DentIA study, an ongoing cross‐sectional study designed to explore the relationship between periodontopathogenic microorganisms, associated inflammation, and their presence in the microbiome of patients with IAs.

Material and Methods

A prospective cohort study was designed, enrolling patients with IAs and control patients without identifiable aneurysms. These participants were divided into the following subgroups: (1) Control group, (2) Stable aneurysms, (3) Previously unruptured, currently unruptured treated aneurysms, (4) Previously ruptured, currently unruptured treated aneurysms, (5) Previously unruptured, currently ruptured aneurysms, and (6) Previously ruptured, currently ruptured aneurysms. For all participants, saliva samples were collected to analyze inflammatory markers (IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐17, MPO, MMP‐8, MMP‐9, TNF‐α, and NO) and specific periodontopathogenic microorganism DNA. Blood samples were also collected: peripheral blood for the control group and stable aneurysms subgroup, and both peripheral and intra‐aneurysmal blood for the aneurysm subgroups 3‐6. These samples will be analyzed to detect the presence of periodontopathogenic microorganisms and inflammatory biomarkers. Additionally, each participant will complete a pre‐constructed questionnaire to gather data on sociodemographic variables, risk factors, quality of life, and oral health history.

Results

The preliminary results from the DentIA study include data from both control patients and those with IAs. The analysis focuses on comparing the presence of specific bacterial DNA, immunological cells, and inflammatory biomarkers within the oral microbiome, peripheral blood, and intra‐aneurysmal blood samples. The comparison will extend across different subgroups, considering sociodemographic variables, risk factors, quality of life, and oral health history. The goal will be to identify differences between patients with and without aneurysms, as well as variations among different types of aneurysm status and clinical scenarios, contributing to a better understanding of the relationship between PDs and IA formation, progression, rupture, and regrowth after aneurysm treatment.

Conclusion

The DentIA study aims to provide valuable insights into the association between periodontopathic microorganisms, immunoinflammatory markers, and the risk of IA development and rupture. By further elucidating the specific role of PD in the pathophysiology of IA formation and progression, this research could guide future aneurysm management strategies, potentially extending care beyond the existent intracranial abnormality to include periodontal health as a significant factor to consider in IA risk assessment and treatment.