Cervical arterial abnormalities are associated with intracranial aneurysm but their frequency and association with outcome in case of aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH) remains unknown.

Data were retrospectively extracted from a prospective database. Consecutive angiographies of aSAH patients on a 13-month period were reviewed as well as consecutive angiographies of SAH patients without evidence of aneurysm on a 20-month period. Occurrence of secondary neurological complications was collected with 3-month functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale ≥ 3 was considered as poor outcome). Cervical arterial abnormalities on angiographies were classified into two subcategories: trajectory and lumen vessel abnormalities.

Forty-five patients displayed aneurysmal rupture (aSAH) while 39 patients had no evidence of aneurysm (non-aneurysmal SAH). Prevalence of cervical arterial abnormalities in aSAH and non-aneurysmal SAH patients were 82% (n = 37) and 64% (n = 25), respectively (p =  0.082). Lumen vessel abnormalities were significantly more frequent in case of aSAH (n = 31; 69%) than non-aneurysmal SAH: (n = 9; 23%; p < 0.001). Twenty-eight (62%) aSAH patients experienced poor outcome at 3 months. Lumen vessel abnormalities were significantly associated with 3-month poor outcome (74% (n = 23) versus 36% (n = 5); p =  0.021) without any significant increased occurrence of secondary complications such arterial vasospasm or delayed cerebral ischemia.

Cervical arterial abnormalities are frequent in a cohort of aSAH patients. Lumen vessel abnormalities are associated with 3-month poor outcome.