São relatados 4 casos de aneurismas cerebrais que ocorreram em duas famílias. A etiologia dos aneurismas intracranianos é discutida, principalmente no que se refere à ocorrência de aneurismas dentro de uma mesma família. A literatura pertinente é revista e são tecidos comentários sobre a validade estatística dessa associação.

Four cases of intracranial aneurysms ocurring in two families are reported. The precise etiology of intracranial aneurysms is discussed in face of their familiar incidence. Other reports in the literature are analised and the problem is discussed together with the data provided in the previous reported cases.

A case of vascular malformation on the cervico-thoracic level of spinal cord localized by selective spinal angiography is reported. The patient was treated surgically by ligadure of the "feeder" vessel. Following surgery the patient gradually improved and ten months later returned to his full activity. The diagnostic and surgical importance of spinal angiography and its contribution to the morphological study of the spinal cord vascular malformations is enphasized. Spinal angiography gives the most accurate information as to the size and extent of the malformation and also the precise location of the "feeder" vessels. Direct operation upon the spinal cord with removal or oblitations of vessels or ligadure of the feeder vessels are the best procedures. The advantages and limitations of both surgical methods are discussed. Total excision is best done under the operating microscope, being essential the use of the bipolar coagulator. The authors feel that the surgical results will be more impressive when spinal angiography will be easily available as to permit earlier diagnosis and surgery before the development of important neurological deficits.