Blast Exposure Linked to Increased Aneurysm Risk in U.S. Special Ops

Researchers find higher prevalence of intracranial aneurysms in Special Operations Forces personnel with greater repeated blast exposure.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 12:07am

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A highly detailed, translucent X-ray-style image of a human brain, with the vascular structures glowing against a dark background, conveying a clinical and investigative mood around the internal structures of the brain.Advanced brain imaging reveals a potential vascular impact of repeated blast exposure among U.S. Special Operations Forces.Oak Brook Today

In a large study of U.S. Special Operations Forces personnel, researchers found that a higher prevalence of intracranial aneurysms was independently associated with greater repeated blast exposure. The findings suggest that repeated low-level blast exposure during years of service may leave a measurable vascular signature in the brain, pointing to possible long-term vascular effects.

Why it matters

This study provides new insights into the long-term impacts of blast exposure, which is common in military service but whose effects on the brain remain poorly understood. The results highlight the need for increased monitoring and screening of vascular abnormalities in populations with histories of repeated blast exposure, as radiologists may use this information to help identify potential issues when interpreting brain MRIs.

The details

The study evaluated 564 U.S. Special Operations Forces personnel, all of whom underwent 3T brain MRI with time-of-flight MR angiography. Researchers quantified blast exposure using the Generalized Blast Exposure Value, a numerical score that measures the cumulative impact of repeated low-intensity blasts. They found that intracranial aneurysms were the only MRI finding associated with cumulative blast exposure, with aneurysm prevalence being three times higher in the high-exposure group compared to the low-exposure group.

  • The study was published on April 15, 2026 in the journal Radiology.

The players

Sara De Giorgi, M.D.

Radiologist and postdoctoral research fellow in neuroradiology at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, and lead author of the study.

Radiological Society of North America (RSNA)

The organization that publishes the journal Radiology, where the study results were published.

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What they’re saying

“This study is the first to examine the relationship between cumulative blast exposure and structural brain MRI findings in a large group of U.S. Special Operations Forces.”

— Sara De Giorgi, M.D., Radiologist and postdoctoral research fellow in neuroradiology at Massachusetts General Hospital

“By using a quantitative measure of blast exposure, we were able to identify this association in a population where many MRI findings are often nonspecific and difficult to interpret.”

— Sara De Giorgi, M.D., Radiologist and postdoctoral research fellow in neuroradiology at Massachusetts General Hospital

“Intracranial aneurysms were three times more common in highly exposed personnel. Even after accounting for other health factors such as age and blood pressure, the association remained significant. These findings suggest that repeated blast exposure may leave a measurable vascular signature in the brain.”

— Sara De Giorgi, M.D., Radiologist and postdoctoral research fellow in neuroradiology at Massachusetts General Hospital

What’s next

The researchers suggest that screening MRAs may be warranted in this population to help identify potential vascular abnormalities, such as aneurysms, that could be linked to repeated blast exposure.

The takeaway

This study highlights the need for increased monitoring and screening of vascular health in military personnel and other populations with histories of repeated blast exposure, as the long-term effects of this type of trauma on the brain remain poorly understood. The findings could help radiologists better interpret brain MRI scans in these individuals.