Intracranial Saccular (Berry) Aneurysm: A Brief Overview— Minyard 1997

An accidental saccular intracranial aneurysm (berry) is a common autopsy discovery. Such aneurysm rupture can result in rapid neurologic decline and death, frequently without prior warning. Early surgical intervention can reduce morbidity and mortality in some individuals. It is common enough for family members to be screened for an asymptomatic berry aneurysm due to the familial aggregation of cerebral aneurysms. We discuss the various screening techniques as well as the origin, clinicopathologic characteristics, and natural history of berry aneurysms and aneurysm rupture. Regardless of the reason of death, a thorough evaluation of the cerebral vessels should be standard procedure in every postmortem investigation.

Minyard, A. N., & Parker, J. C., Jr (1997). Intracranial saccular (berry) aneurysm: a brief overview. Southern medical journal, 90(7), 672–677. https://doi.org/10.1097/00007611-199707000-00002