Medical assessment of 13 cases of cerebrovascular diseases in military aircrews/flight cadets

LIU Yanbing; YI Jiacheng; XUE Jingjing; WU Huali; WU Jing; ZENG Jia

doi:10.3969/j.issn.2097-1753.2025.04.006

Abstract：Objective To find out about cerebrovascular diseases in aircrews/flight cadets and clinical imaging characteristics.Methods A study was conducted on 13 aircrews admitted to a medical center between December 2020 and April 2024 for diagnosis and treatment of cerebrovascular diseases.Descriptive statistical analysis was conducted of their clinical data,types of aircraft,head MRI data,treatments and follow-up.Results Among the 13 cases,there were 9 flight cadets,3 pilots,and 1 air combat service personnel.All were diagnosed with cerebrovascular diseases through 3.0 T cranial MRI,including 7 cases of microaneurysms,4 cases of cavernous hemangiomas,and 2 cases of other vascular abnormity.Two cases underwent surgical treatment,while the rest showed stable conditions through medical follow-up.After discussion,the Medical Appraisal Committee has decided:One air combat personnel resumed flight after surgery.Two pilots converted to dual-seat fighter jets,two pilots to transport planes,three pilots to helicopters and one pilot to air combat personnel.Four cases were deemed unqualified for flight.Conclusion The medical identification requirements for cerebrovascular diseases in flight cadet selection and single-seat aircraft pilots should be strictly controlled.For pilots who are asymptomatic and have a low probability of bleeding,they can be transferred to multi-seat aircraft with lower loads,and relevant cranial MRI examination items should be strengthened during medical follow-up.The high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)screening of the head of pilots can help detect and treat cerebrovascular diseases early,thereby contributing to flight safety.