Ultra-early surgery for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: outcomes for a consecutive series of 391 patients not selected by grade or age

Effects of hyper-early (<12 hours) endovascular treatment of ruptured intracranial aneurysms on clinical outcome

Despite the encouraging results obtained with the endovascular treatment of ruptured intracranial aneurysms, few data are available on the effects of the timing of this approach on clinical outcome. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effects of the hyper-early timing of treatment and of pre-treatment and treatment-related variables on the clinical outcome of patients with ruptured intracranial aneurysms. Five hundred and ten patients (167 M, 343 F; mean age 56.45 years) with 557 ruptured intracranial aneurysms were treated at our institution from 2000 to 2011 immediately after their admission. The total population was divided into three groups: patients treated within 12 hours (hyper-early, group A), between 12-48 hours (early, group B) and after 48 hours (delayed, group C). A statistical analysis was carried out for global population and subgroups. Two hundred and thirty-four patients (46%) were included in group A, 172 (34%) in group B and 104 (20%) in group C. Pre-treatment variables (Hunt&Hess, Fisher grades, older age) and procedure-related variable (ischaemic/haemorrhagic complications) showed a significant correlation with worse clinical outcomes. The hyper-early treatment showed no correlation with good clinical outcomes. The incidence of intra-procedural complications was not significantly different between the three groups; 1.2% of pre-treatment rebleedings were observed. The hyper-early endovascular treatment of ruptured intracranial aneurysm does not seem to be statistically correlated with good clinical outcomes although it may reduce the incidence of pre-treatment spontaneous rebleedings without being associated with a higher risk of intra-procedural complications. However, since no significant differences in terms of clinical outcome and pre-treatment rebleeding rate were observed, a hyper-early treatment is not be supported by our data.

Ultra-early tranexamic acid after subarachnoid hemorrhage (ULTRA): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

A frequent complication in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is recurrent bleeding from the aneurysm. The risk is highest within the first 6 hours after the initial hemorrhage. Securing the aneurysm within this timeframe is difficult owing to logistical delays. The rate of recurrent bleeding can also be reduced by ultra-early administration of antifibrinolytics, which probably improves functional outcome. The aim of this study is to investigate whether ultra-early and short-term administration of the antifibrinolytic agent tranexamic acid (TXA), as add-on to standard SAH management, leads to better functional outcome.

METHODS/DESIGN

This is a multicenter, prospective, randomized, open-label trial with blinded endpoint (PROBE) assessment. Adult patients with the diagnosis of non-traumatic SAH, as proven by computed tomography (CT) within 24 hours after the onset of headache, will be randomly assigned to the treatment group or the control group. Patients in the treatment group will receive standard treatment with the addition of a bolus of TXA (1 g intravenously) immediately after randomization, followed by continuous infusion of 1 g per 8 hours until the start of aneurysm treatment, or a maximum of 24 hours after the start of medication. Patients in the control group will receive standard treatment without TXA. The primary outcome measure is favorable functional outcome, defined as a score of 0 to 3 on the modified Rankin Scale (mRS), at 6 months after SAH. Primary outcome will be determined by a trial nurse blinded for treatment allocation. We aim to include 950 patients in 3 years.

DISCUSSION

The strengths of this study are: 1. the ultra-early and short-term administration of TXA, resulting in a lower dose as compared to previous studies, which should reduce the risk for delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI), an important risk factor in the long-term treatment with antifibrinolytics; 2. the power calculation is based on functional outcome and calculated with use of recent study results of our own population, supported by data from prominent studies; and 3. the participation of several specialized SAH centers, and their referring hospitals, in the Netherlands with comparative treatment protocols.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Nederlands Trial Register (Dutch Trial Registry) number NTR3272.

Update on the management of subarachnoid hemorrhage

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a devastating cerebrovascular disease. Outcome after SAH is mainly determined by the initial severity of the hemorrhage. Neuroimaging, in particular computed tomography, and aneurysm repair techniques, such as coiling and clipping, as well as neurocritical care management, have improved during the last few years. The management of a patient with SAH should have an interdisciplinary approach with case discussions between the neurointensivist, interventionalist and the neurosurgeon. The patient should be treated in a specialized neurointensive care unit of a center with sufficient SAH case volume. Poor-grade patients can be observed for complications and delayed cerebral ischemia through continuous monitoring techniques in addition to transcranial Doppler ultrasonography such as continuous electroencephalography, brain tissue oxygenation, cerebral metabolism, cerebral blood flow and serial vascular imaging. Neurocritical care should focus on neuromonitoring for delayed cerebral ischemia, management of hydrocephalus, seizures and intracranial hypertension, as well as of medical complications such as hyperglycemia, fever and anemia.

Impact of interhospital transfer on complications and outcome after intracranial hemorrhage

BACKGROUND

Interhospital transfer of patients with intracranial hemorrhage can offer improved care, but may be associated with complications.

METHODS

A prospective single-center study was conducted between 2/2008 and 6/2010 of patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and subdural hemorrhage (SDH), admitted to the neuro-ICU at a tertiary-care academic hospital. Admission demographics, complications and 3-month functional outcomes were compared between directly admitted and transferred patients. The effect of transfer time on complications and outcomes was assessed.

RESULTS

Of 257 total patients, 120 (47%) were transferred and 137 (53%) were directly admitted. About 86 (34%) had SAH, 80 (31%) had ICH and 91 (35%) had SDH. The median transfer time was 190 min (46-1,446). Transferred patients were significantly less educated, less likely to be insured and more frequently had SAH as a diagnosis than directly admitted patients (all P < 0.05), though admission neurological and cognitive status was similar. Complications did not differ between transferred and directly admitted patients; however, among transferred patients, longer transfer time was associated with aneurysm rebleed (7.3 vs. 1.8%, P = 0.007) and tracheostomy (20 vs. 17.5%, P = 0.013). In multivariate analysis, after adjusting for other predictors, transferred patients had worse cognitive outcome at 3-months (adjusted OR 12.4, 95% CI 1.2-125.2, P = 0.033) compared to direct admits, though there were no differences in death, disability or length of stay (LOS).

CONCLUSIONS

Transferred patients had similar rates of death, disability and LOS as directly admitted patients, though worse 3-month cognitive outcomes. Prolonged time to interhospital transfer was associated with an increased risk of aneurysm rerupture and tracheostomy.

Diagnostic usefulness of intraoperative ultrasonography for unexpected severe brain swelling in ultra-early surgery for ruptured intracranial aneurysms

BACKGROUND

In ultra-early aneurysm surgery, the few hours from admission to aneurysm clipping present the greatest risk for an in-hospital recurrent hemorrhage, the development of acute hydrocephalus, and severe brain edema. Thus, severe brain swelling encountered after dural opening in a craniotomy can sometimes not be explained by a preoperative computed tomography (CT) scan. Therefore, neurosurgeons need a diagnostic tool to determine the exact cause of the brain swelling to apply appropriate intraoperative management. Accordingly, the authors propose a designated optimal ultrasound window for evaluating brain swelling during a pterional craniotomy, and assess its diagnostic usefulness and clinical impact.

METHODS

Intraoperative ultrasonography was performed during pterional craniotomies to identify the causes of severe brain swelling in 23 out of 185 patients treated using a policy of ultra-early treatment after a subarachnoid hemorrhage. Paine's point was used as the sonographic window to provide axial images showing the anterior interhemispheric fissure, lentiform nucleus, insular cortex, sylvian fissure, and ventricular system.

RESULTS

The intraoperative ultrasonography revealed significant changes from the preoperative CT findings in 9 (39.1 %) of the 23 patients. These changes included the occurrence of an intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH, n = 2) related to aneurysm rebleeding with aggravated hydrocephalus and the development (n = 5) or aggravation (n = 2) of acute hydrocephalus without rebleeding. Meanwhile, for 14 (60.9 %) of the 23 patients, the ultrasonography showed no intracranial changes. For the total 23 patients with severe brain swelling, the intraoperative management included aspiration of an ICH (n = 3), a ventriculostomy (n = 16), and medical management (n = 8) with additional mannitol and/or mild hyperventilation.

CONCLUSIONS

When severe brain swelling is encountered during a pterional craniotomy for clipping a ruptured aneurysm, an intraoperative ultrasonography technique using Paine's point as a sonographic window provides useful and reliable diagnostic information on the causes of the brain swelling, enabling the neurosurgeon to select appropriate intraoperative management.

Elderly patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: Coils but also clips

The ageing of the population in good health or without severe morbidity expose them to the occurrence of a subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and requires effective management. Currently, the pertinence of cerebral aneurysm treatment by clipping or coiling is accepted for patients in the 8th or 9th decade of life, and the risk of postoperative morbidity induced by our therapeutic alternative must be carefully assessed. In these decades, the female/male sex ratio for aneurysmal SAH was greater in female who had a 1.6 times higher ratio than in male. The initial clinical status did not appear worse with age despite the frequent severity of bleeding observed on CT scan probably due to the large subarachnoid space. The aneurysm distribution and size were similar to those classically reported in the global population. The endovascular (EV) coiling appears as the first option with a favorable outcome rate estimated at 48% to 63%. Nevertheless, the benefit of EV coiling compared to microsurgical clipping for treatment of ruptured aneurysm in the elderly has not been demonstrated in a large randomized study. This is the reason why the vascular section of the French Society of Neurosurgery developed a prospective and randomized study of the aneurysmal SAH (PHRC 2007-042/HP) on the elderly patients.

Effect of rebleeding on the course and incidence of vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage

OBJECTIVE

Rebleeding of an aneurysm is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Whereas numerous studies have demonstrated the risk factors associated with rebleeding, few data on complications of rebleeding, including its effect on the development of delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI), are available.

METHODS

A nested case-control study was performed on patients with rebleeding and control subjects matched for modified Fisher scale, Hunt-Hess grade, age, and sex previously entered into a prospective database. Rebleeding was defined as new hemorrhage apparent on repeat CT with or without new symptoms. Incidence and time course of DCI and hospital complications were compared. A secondary analysis of DCI and hospital complications was also performed on subjects surviving to postbleed day 7.

RESULTS

We identified 120 patients with rebleeding and 359 control subjects from 1996 to 2011. The rebleeding rate was 8.6%. In both the primary and secondary analyses, there was no difference in the incidence of DCI or its time course (29% vs. 27%, p = 0.6; 7 ± 5 vs. 7 ± 6 days, p = 0.9 for primary analysis; 39% vs. 31%, p = 0.1, 7 ± 5 vs. 7 ± 6 days, p = 0.6 for the secondary analysis). In a multivariate logistic regression model, rebleeding was associated with the complications of hyponatremia, respiratory failure, and hydrocephalus. Patients with rebleeding had higher rates of mortality, brain death, and poor outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Rebleeding after SAH is associated with multiple medical and neurologic complications, resulting in higher morbidity and mortality, but is not associated with change of incidence or timing of DCI.

Risk profile of patients with poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage using early perfusion computed tomography

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether perfusion computed tomography (CT) is useful for identifying patients with poor-grade subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) with reversible etiologies and whether early obliteration in patients with poor-grade aneurysmal SAH leads to favorable outcomes.

METHODS

Patients with new-onset aneurysmal SAH in World Federation of Neurological Surgeons (WFNS) grade IV or V neurologic condition who had perfusion CT performed at admission were eligible for the study. The study retrospectively enrolled 38 patients seen between January 2007 and July 2009. The decision to perform an early obliteration was made by the family after a discussion with the neurosurgeons, neurointensivists, and interventional radiologists. The functional outcomes were correlated with the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) at 6 months, and quantitative perfusion CT data were collected.

RESULTS

This study included 10 (26%) grade IV and 28 (74%) grade V patients. Favorable outcomes occurred in 19 (50%) patients, and 11 (29%) patients died. After a multivariate logistic regression analysis of the parameters, older age (odds ratio 1.104, P = 0.0317), bilateral prolonged mean transient time (MTT) at the thalami (odds ratio 4.155, P = 0.0362), and early obliteration (odds ratio 0.098, P = 0.003) were predictive of poor outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Early bilateral prolonged MTT at the thalami and old age are associated with a poor outcome. Early obliteration benefits a significant portion of SAH patients.

Does Treatment of Ruptured Intracranial Aneurysms Within 24 Hours Improve Clinical Outcome?

Background and Purpose—

The purpose of this study was to analyze whether treating ruptured intracranial aneurysms within 24 hours of subarachnoid hemorrhage improves clinical outcome.

Methods—

An 11-year database of consecutive ruptured intracranial aneurysms treated with endovascular coiling or craniotomy and clipping was analyzed. Outcome was measured by the modified Rankin Scale at 6 months. Our policy is to treat all cases within 24 hours of subarachnoid hemorrhage. Treatment delays are due to nonclinical logistical factors.

Results—

Two hundred thirty cases were coiled or clipped within 24 hours of subarachnoid hemorrhage and 229 at >24 hours. No difference in age, gender, smoking, family history of subarachnoid hemorrhage, aneurysm size, or aneurysm location was found between the groups. Poor World Federation of Neurological Surgeons clinical grade patients were overrepresented in the ultra-early group. Increasing age and higher World Federation of Neurological Surgeons clinical grade were predictors of poor outcome. Eight point zero percent of cases treated within 24 hours of subarachnoid hemorrhage (ultra-early) were dependent or dead at 6 months compared with 14.4% of those treated at >24 hours (delayed), a 44.0% relative risk reduction and a 6.4% absolute risk reduction (χ 2 , P =0.044). A total of 3.5% of cases coiled within 24 hours were dependent or dead at 6 months compared with 12.5% of cases coiled at 1 to 3 days, an 82% relative risk reduction and a 10.2% absolute risk reduction (χ 2 , P =0.040). These groups did not differ in age, World Federation of Neurological Surgeons clinical grade, aneurysm size, or aneurysm location.

Conclusions—

Treatment of ruptured aneurysms within 24 hours is associated with improved clinical outcomes compared with treatment at >24 hours. The benefit is more pronounced for coiling than clipping.

The consequence of delayed neurosurgical care at Tikur Anbessa Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Tikur Anbessa Hospital (TAH) is the major teaching hospital for Addis Ababa University and the only tertiary referral hospital for neurosurgery in Ethiopia. We explore the consequence of delayed treatment by examining the current system in place for treating patients and the wait times experienced by patients. A retrospective chart review was carried out on patients who received a neurosurgical operation at TAH between January 1 and June 30, 2007. We divided patients into those requiring an elective procedure and those requiring emergency surgical care. Based on data entered in the chart, we determined the length of time from symptom onset to neurosurgical consultation and the time from consultation to receiving an operation. Selective cases were chosen to illustrate the effects of delayed care. A total of 172 neurosurgical operations were performed between January 1 and June 30, 2007, at TAH. Of these, 107 (62.2%) charts were available for retrospective review. Fifty-six elective cases were reviewed. The median time from symptom onset to neurosurgical consultation was 185 days. The median time from neurosurgical consultation to operation was 44 days. Fifty-one trauma/emergency surgical cases were reviewed. The median time from symptom onset or traumatic event to neurosurgical consultation was 3 days. The median time from neurosurgical consultation to operation was 1 day. Delayed neurosurgical care comes with a high personal and social cost. By measuring the time from diagnosis to treatment and taking note of institutional practices, changes can be initiated to improve patient waiting times.

Interdisciplinary treatment of ruptured cerebral aneurysms in elderly patients

Object

The aim of the study was to assess postprocedural neurological deterioration and outcome in patients older than 70 years of age in whom treatment was managed in an interdisciplinary context.

Methods

This prospective longitudinal study included all patients 70 years of age or older treated for ruptured cerebral aneurysm over 10 years (June 1997–June 2007). The population was composed of 64 patients. The neurovascular interdisciplinary team jointly discussed the early obliteration procedure for each aneurysm. Neurological deterioration during the postprocedural 2 months and outcome at 6 months were assessed during consultation according to the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) as follows: favorable (mRS score ≤ 2) and unfavorable (mRS score > 2).

Results

Aneurysm sac obliteration was performed by microvascular clipping in 34 patients (53.1%) and by endovascular coiling in 30 (46.9%). Postprocedural neurological deterioration occurred in 30 patients (46.9%), related to ischemia in 19 (29.7%), rebleeding in 1 (1.6%), and hydrocephalus in 10 (15.6%). At 6 months, the outcome was favorable in 39 patients (60.9%). By multivariate regression logistic analysis, the independent factors associated with unfavorable outcome were age exceeding 75 years (p = 0.005), poor initial grade (p < 0.0001), and the occurrence of ischemia (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

The baseline characteristics of SAH in the elderly were only slightly different from those in younger patients. In the elderly, the interdisciplinary approach may be considered useful to decrease the ischemic consequences.

Cognitive Functioning and Health-Related Quality of Life 1 Year After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in Preoperative Comatose Patients (Hunt and Hess Grade V Patients)

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to determine cognitive functioning and health-related quality of life 1 year after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage in preoperative comatose patients (Hunt and Hess Grade V patients).

METHODS

Patients who were comatose at hospital arrival and thereafter were investigated for 1 year using a comprehensive neuropsychological test battery and 2 HRQOL questionnaires.

RESULTS

Thirty-five of 70 patients survived the bleed, and 26 underwent neuropsychological testing. Two distinct patient groups emerged, one (n = 14) with good cognitive function, having mild deficits only, and the other (n = 12) with poor cognitive and poor motor function. Patients performing poorly were older (P = .04), had fewer years of education (P = .005) and larger preoperative ventricular scores, and were more often shunted (P = .02). There were also differences between the 2 groups in the Glasgow Outcome Scale (P = .001), the modified Rankin Scale (P = .001), and employment status. HRQOL was more reduced in patients with poor cognitive function.

CONCLUSION

A high fraction of survivors among preoperative comatose aneurysmal SAH patients (Hunt and Hess grade V) recover to good physical and cognitive function, enabling them to live a normal life.

The combined approach to intracranial aneurysm treatment

BACKGROUND

A consecutive series of patients with intracranial aneurysms in the practice of one neurovascular surgeon was retrospectively reviewed to illustrate that one physician can become proficient in microneurosurgery as well as endovascular surgery and achieve favorable outcomes in both disciplines. This supports one model of training for cerebrovascular surgeons that includes the complimentary practice of open microneurovascular surgery with endovascular surgery.

METHODS

The senior author (HAR) treated 351 patients with 413 aneurysms between July 2001 and March 2007. Of these, 172 patients (216 aneurysms) were treated with open microneurosurgical techniques and 179 patients (197 aneurysms) were treated using endovascular techniques.

RESULTS

Complete obliteration was attained in 94.3% of clipped aneurysms, and 61.9% and 65.9% of coiled aneurysms immediately and after at least 6 months of follow-up, respectively. At latest evaluation, 93% of endovascular patients and 90% of microneurosurgical patients had good clinical outcomes (GOS, 4 or 5; mean follow-up, 23 months; combines ruptured and unruptured cohorts). Procedure-related mortality included 1 surgical patient and 2 endovascular patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Because the fields of microvascular and endovascular surgeries are both technically complex, there has been concern that hybrid cerebrovascular surgeons cannot perform each technique with the skill necessary to achieve good outcomes. When compared to clipping and coiling reviews in the neurosurgical literature, we illustrate that one hybrid neurovascular surgeon is capable of attaining great facility in both techniques and that this type of physician will represent one practice model of cerebrovascular specialist in the future. This has potential implications for the training of hybrid cerebrovascular surgeons.

Ultra-early surgery for poor-grade intracranial aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a preliminary study

PURPOSE

To describe the therapeutic effect and possibility of the ultra-early surgery for poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (Hunt-Hess grades IV-V).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Nine cases with intracranial aneurysms, demonstrated by computed tomographic angiography (CTA), were treated by ultra-early surgery under general anesthesia within 24 hours from subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), 5 cases were treated within 6 hours and 4 cases in 6 - 24 hours. Preoperative Hunt-Hess grade: 6 cases were IV and 3 cases were V. The clinical outcome was evaluated by Glasgow Outcome Scores (GOS).

RESULTS

In operation, difficult dissection occurred in 5 cases (55.6%), and rupture of aneurysm occurred and temporary obstructions were performed in 4 cases (44.4%). After clipping of aneurysm, 2 cases underwent V-P shunt because of hydrocephalus, pulmonary infection occurred in 3 cases, hypothalamus reaction accompanied with upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage in 2 cases. The clinical outcome were favorable (GOS 4-5) in 4 cases (44.4%), dissatisfied (GOS 2-3) in 3 cases (33.3%), and dead (GOS 1) in 2 cases (22.2%) when patients departed from our hospital.

CONCLUSION

The ultra-early surgery can avoid early rebleeding of intracranial aneurysm, therefore, should be considered in the treatment of Hunt-Hess grade IV-V intracranial aneurysms. The appliance of CTA can make it possible to use of ultra-early surgery and improve the therapeutic effect.

Treatment of Intracranial Aneurysms

The management of intracranial aneurysms (IAs) remarkably improved due to the development of diagnostic and surgical procedures. Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) from IA rupture constitutes a devastating event, whose prognosis remains unsatisfactory. At present, several researchs are targeted to individuate subjects harboring unruptured IAs and those presenting a higher risk for rupture. Numerous risk factors for the rupture of lAs have been individuated. The prevalence of intracranial saccular aneurysms in the general population is estimated from 0.2% to 6.8%, with an incidence of SAH at 10/100,000/year. The most relevant morbidity and mortality rates after SAH are related to rebleeding and vasospasm. The primary therapeutic target consists in prevention of rebleeding. At present, therapeutic opportunities for intracranial aneurysms are microsurgery and endovascular treatment.

Surgical management of intracranial aneurysms in the endovascular era : review article

The advent of endovascular therapy for intracranial aneurysms and the rapid advances in that field have supplanted microsurgical treatment for many intracranial aneurysms. Applying current outcome data and other parameters, nuances of selecting the modality of treatment for intracranial aneurysms are reviewed. Patient factors, such a age, co-morbidities, vasospasm and other medical conditions, are addressed. A custom-tailored multimodality treatment paradigm for the management of ruptured and unruptured aneurysms will maximize the favorable results seen in this difficult patient population.

Impact of early surgery after aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the effect of early aneurysm surgery (<72 h) on outcome in patients with subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We studied two consecutive series of patients with aneurysmal SAH [postponed surgery (PS) cohort, n = 118, 1989-1992: surgery was planned on day 12 and early surgery (ES) cohort, n = 85, 1996-1998: ES was performed only in patients with Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) >13]. We used multivariable logistic regression analysis to assess outcome at 3 months.

RESULTS

Favourable outcome (Glasgow Outcome Scale 4 or 5) was similar in both cohorts. Cerebral ischemia occurred significantly more often in the ES cohort. The occurrence of rebleeds was similar in both cohorts. External cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage was performed more often in the ES cohort (51% vs 19%). Patients with cisternal sum score (CSS) of subarachnoid blood <15 on admission [adjusted odds ratio (OR) for favourable outcome: 6.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.0-39.8] and patients with both CSS <15 and GCS > 12 on admission benefited from the strategy including ES (OR 10.5, 95% CI 1.1-99.4).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results support the widely adopted practice of ES in good-grade SAH patients.

Can a “novice” do aneurysm surgery? Surgical outcomes in a low-volume, non-subspecialised neurosurgical unit

The objective of this paper is to review the results of a junior general neurosurgeon performing aneurysm surgery and compare these to the remainder of his low-volume unit. Prospectively collected data was analysed for 114 aneurysms clipped in 99 patients between July 2001 and May 2005. Overall there was a 0.9% mortality rate and 10.8% complication rate. The favourable outcome rate for the unit was 100% for unruptured aneurysms, 90.4% for grades 1-3 patients and 30% for poor grade patients (grades 4 and 5). The novice neurosurgeon had no mortality and a favourable outcome rate of 94.7% for grades 1-3 patients and 50% for poor grade patients. Acceptable results can be obtained with cerebral aneurysm surgery in a low-volume centre by Australian-trained, non-subspecialty neurosurgeons.

Subarachnoid haemorrhage due to a dissecting aneurysm of the anterior cerebral artery: a case report

Dissecting aneurysms of the intracranial carotid circulation are becoming increasingly recognised as a cause of subarachnoid haemorrhage. We present a case where SAH caused by anterior cerebral artery dissection was diagnosed on a repeat angiogram and successfully treated by surgical trapping. Diagnosis may be difficult as angiographic signs may be subtle and variable. Accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment is important, as the re-bleed rate is high.

External ventricular drainage response in poor grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: effect on preoperative grading and prognosis

INTRODUCTION

The importance of preoperative response to external ventricular drainage (EVD) for treatment of acute hydrocephalus (HCP) following poor grade (Hunt & Hess grade IV or V) aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) has not been clearly defined. The effect of EVD response on preoperative grade and prognosis is described.

METHODS

Fifty-nine poor grade patients had an EVD placed preoperatively and underwent definitive aneurysm treatment between September 1996 and March 2002. Patients improving > or = one Hunt and Hess grade were considered responders. Case-control comparisons were completed for each responder, based on clinical grade; the pre-EVD grade and the post-EVD (response) grade were used to generate two independent control cohorts. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the relationship of 12-month modified Rankin disability score (mRS) to clinical grade.

RESULTS

Nineteen (32%) responders were identified, and were less likely Grade V (p < 0.05), and more often had smaller (<13 mm, p < 0.01) and posterior circulation (p < 0.03) aneurysms. The frequency of favorable outcome (mRS < or= 3) was greater in responders than non-responders (68% vs. 28%, p < 0.001). Responders had a similar incidence of favorable outcome as response-grade controls (74%), and a higher incidence of favorable outcome than pre-EVD controls (47%). Regression analysis identified the post-EVD grade, but not the pre-EVD grade, as significantly predictive of long-term outcome (p < 0.04).

CONCLUSION

Long-term outcomes in poor grade patients who improve after EVD placement are similar to patients with lower grade hemorrhages. When an EVD is placed preoperatively in a poor grade aSAH patient, the neurological status after EVD determines the clinical grade.

Case Volume Does Not Correlate With Outcome After Cerebral Aneurysm Clipping: A Nationwide Study in Japan

The present study analyzed the impact of case volume on outcome after cerebral aneurysm clipping at all 382 core neurosurgical training centers certified by the Japan Neurosurgical Society. A survey requested information on all clipping surgeries for cerebral aneurysms performed during 2003. Among these centers, 369 (96.6%) responded to our request and data satisfactory for analysis were obtained for 11,974 patients. Clinical condition was graded on admission according to the classification of the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies. Outcomes were evaluated at discharge using the modified Rankin scale. Case volume at centers was divided into three groups based on the number of clippings (<30, 30-50, >or=50) performed in 2003. Totals of 7,578 (63.3%) and 4,396 (36.7%) patients underwent clipping for ruptured and unruptured aneurysms, respectively. The mortality rate was 9.6% for patients with ruptured aneurysms, and 0.2% for patients with unruptured aneurysms. No significant correlation was detected between case volume and outcome for either ruptured (Spearman's correlation coefficient = 0.034, p = 0.483) or unruptured aneurysms (Spearman's correlation coefficient = 0.029, p = 0.562). Furthermore, no relationships between case volume and outcome were identified for ruptured aneurysms in each neurological grade or unruptured aneurysms (Kruskal-Wallis test).

TREATMENT OF RUPTURED INTRACRANIAL ANEURYSMS

OBJECTIVE

The outcomes reported in the International Subarachnoid Aneurysm Trial (ISAT), a multicenter, prospective, randomized trial to directly compare surgical clipping with endovascular coiling as treatments for ruptured intracranial aneurysms, have been misinterpreted by many to indicate the superiority of coiling to surgical clipping in all instances. To better understand the results of ISAT and their implications for practice patterns, we compared the ISAT results with the results of other published studies regarding the treatment of ruptured intracranial aneurysms.

METHODS

Data from 19 published studies were compared with each other and with ISAT results. Outcomes examined were overall rates of mortality, rebleeding, poor outcome (disability and death), procedural complication rates, and rates of reoperation and nontotal occlusion.

RESULTS

In the 19 published studies, mean procedural complication rates were similar (surgical clipping, 11%; endovascular coiling, 9%); ISAT did not report procedural complications. ISAT rates were within the range of the other studies for overall mortality, total rebleeding, and poor outcome. Reoperation rates in the other studies were similar to those of ISAT (endovascular coiling, 12.5%; surgical clipping, 3.4%). The ISAT rate for less than 100% occlusion for endovascular coiling (6%) was below the range in the other studies (8.3–70.4%).

CONCLUSION

Discrepancies with the results of other published studies, procedural limitations in study design, and lack of some data endpoints and subgroup analysis raise concerns regarding extracting generalizations from the conclusions of ISAT. We think that the creation of a national registry would further the study of treatment of ruptured intracranial aneurysms.

Sentinel Headache and the Risk of Rebleeding After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The clinical significance of sentinel headaches in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is still unknown. We investigated whether patients with a sentinel headache (SH) have a higher rate of rebleeding after SAH.

METHODS

An SH was defined as a sudden, severe, unknown headache lasting >1 hour with or without accompanying symptoms, not leading to a diagnosis of SAH in the 4 weeks before the index SAH. Age, sex, smoking status, clinical grade, computed tomography (CT) findings, angiographic findings, placement of an external ventricular drain, and time to aneurysm obliteration were prospectively recorded. All rebleeding events were confirmed by CT. Outcome was assessed at 6 months according to the modified Rankin Scale.

RESULTS

Of 237 consecutive patients with SAH, 41 (17.3%) had an SH. Rebleeding occurred in 23 (9.7%) of all patients. Patients with an SH had a 10-fold increased odds of rebleeding compared with patients without SH. Aneurysm size and the total number of aneurysms were also significantly associated with rebleeding. There were no differences in age, sex, smoking, CT or angiographic findings, external ventricular drain placement, or time to aneurysm obliteration between groups. Patients with rebeeding had a significantly worse outcome. Logistic regression revealed the presence of an SH as an independent risk factor for rebleeding.

CONCLUSIONS

In our study, patients with SAH who had an SH constituted a special group of patients with a 10-fold odds for early rebleeding. The presence of an SH may select candidates for ultraearly aneurysm obliteration or drug treatment.

Long-term domain-specific improvement following poor grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

BACKGROUND

While efforts have been made to document short-term outcomes following poor grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), no data exist concerning the degree of delayed improvement in neurological function. Here we assess cognitive function, level of independence, and quality of life (QoL) over 12 months following poor grade aSAH.

METHODS

Data on definitively treated poor grade patients (Hunt and Hess grade IV or V) surviving 12 months post-aSAH were obtained through a prospectively maintained SAH database. Demographic information, medical history, and clinical course were analyzed. Health outcomes assessments completed by surviving patients at discharge (DC), three months (3 M) and 12 months (12 M) follow-up, including the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS), Barthel Index (BI), and Sickness Impact Profile (SIP), were used to evaluate cognitive function, level of independence, and QoL.

FINDINGS

Fifty-six poor grade patients underwent aneurysm-securing intervention and survived at least 12 months post-aSAH. Thirty-five (63%) surviving patients underwent health outcomes assessments at DC, 3 M and 12 M post-aSAH. A majority of patients had improved scores on the TICS (DC to 3 M: 91%; 3 M to 12 M: 82%), BI (DC to 3 M: 96%; 3 M to 12 M: 92%), and SIP (3 M to 12 M: 80%) following aSAH. Using paired-sample analyses, significant improvement on each test was observed.

CONCLUSION

A substantial portion of patients experience cognitive recovery, increased independence, and improved QoL following poor grade aSAH. Delayed follow-up assessments are necessary when evaluating functional recovery in this population. These findings have the potential to impact poor grade aSAH management and prognosis.

Preoperative prediction of long-term outcome in poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate which presentation indices, demographics, and clinical information predict 12-month outcome in poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), and to provide a preoperative index of prognosis.

METHODS

Data were obtained on all patients with poor-grade (Hunt and Hess Grades IV and V) aneurysmal SAH from a prospectively maintained SAH database and health outcomes project. Demographics, medical history, presenting clinical condition, and health outcomes were analyzed. Survival analysis was performed and Kaplan-Meier curves were generated. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify significant predictors of poor outcome at 12 months after hemorrhage, as measured by the modified Rankin disability scale.

RESULTS

Survival curves for open surgery and endovascular treatment did not differ significantly. Overall, 40% of the 98 definitively treated patients had a favorable outcome at 12 months. Multivariable analysis identified patient age older than 65 years (P < 0.001), hyperglycemia (P < 0.03), worst preoperative Hunt and Hess Grade V (P < 0.0001), and aneurysm size of at least 13 mm (P < 0.002) as significant predictors of poor outcome. These variables were weighted and used to compute a poor-grade aneurysmal SAH Prognosis Score (hereafter, Prognosis Score) for each patient. A Prognosis Score of 0 was associated with a 90% favorable outcome; Prognosis Score of 1 with 83%; Prognosis Score of 2 with 43%; Prognosis Score of 3 with 8%; Prognosis Score of 4 with 7%; and a Prognosis Score of 5 with 0%.

CONCLUSION

Outcome in poor-grade aneurysmal SAH is strongly predicted by patient age, worst preoperative Hunt and Hess clinical grade, and aneurysm size. Hyperglycemia on admission after poor-grade aneurysmal SAH increases the likelihood of poor outcome, and is a potentially modifiable risk factor. The Prognosis Score is a useful tool for preoperatively assessing the likelihood of a favorable outcome for poor-grade aneurysmal SAH patients.

Spontaneous subarachnoid haemorrhage in the era of transition from surgery to embolization. A study of the overall outcome

The aim of the investigation was to evaluate the outcome of spontaneous subarachnoid haemorrhage, in the era of new techniques, patient centralization and subspecialization, by taking into account the local conditions in Greece. A prospective observational study was conducted during a 4-year period. All patients with a first-ever spontaneous subarachnoid haemorrhage were enrolled. Clinical, management and outcome data were recorded. Two-hundred-and-eighteen consecutive patients with an 81% good, medium clinical grade (Hunt & Hess I-III) were identified. Rebleed and rebleed leading to death rates were 22 and 11%, respectively. Permanent deficit or death from vasospasm was 15%. Twenty-eight per cent of the study population died early, were unsuitable for further management (poor clinical status, advanced age) or declined angiography or treatment, and another 22% had a negative angiogram. The remaining 50% underwent intervention (neurosurgical/endovascular), for obliteration of an aneurysm. The overall favourable 6-month outcome was 59%, whereas the favourable outcome of the intervention group was 70%. Our results confirm the findings of previous series. The relatively worse results are due to delayed referral, and lack of availability of surgical or endovascular management in the early post-haemorrhage period (28% of the patients), particularly in potentially salvageable cases. On the basis of these observations, we recommend early intervention (surgery or embolization) and centralization/subspecialization, in order to improve the outcome.

Treatment of ruptured intracranial aneurysms: Report from a low-volume center

BACKGROUND

The aim of this retrospective analysis was to present our experience and results in treating subarachnoid hemorrhage due to ruptured intracranial aneurysms at a neurosurgical department with a small annual number of cases (i.e. a low-volume center) and to discover which factors could influence treatment and reliably predict the outcome of hemorrhage.

METHODS

All patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage treated at our department between 1973 and 2003 were retrospectively analyzed. We performed 293 operations and 21 endovascular procedures. In the majority of patients we excluded the aneurysm from circulation by placing a clip on the aneurysmal neck. Relevant data were obtained on patients' performance, imaging studies, treatment and outcome.

RESULTS

According to the Hunt & Hess grade, the majority of patients were in groups 1 or 2. Perioperative mortality was 3%. Postoperative mortality due to complications related to subarachnoid hemorrhage was 10%. Vasospasm was detected in 18% of patients and was a direct cause of death in 5%. The outcome was good in 68% (grades 4 or 5 on the Glasgow outcome scale). In multivariate analysis, the Hunt & Hess grade, age and clinical vasospasm all had important predictive value for the outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of treatment in our series of patients fall within reported norms and are comparable to results from other low-volume centers. For successful treatment of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, fast diagnosis, correct surgical or endovascular treatment and proper intensive pre- and postoperative care are of utmost importance.

Regional differences in outcome from subarachnoid haemorrhage

BACKGROUND

Surgeons are increasingly placed under pressure to accept publication of their results and to abide by recommendations to change practice which others derive. Considerable concern exists about misinterpretation of such data. The issue is well illustrated by this study.

METHOD

Data on outcome following treatment for subarachnoid haemorrhage were prospectively collected from 1993-1998 in two centres in the British Isles: Newcastle and Nottingham.

FINDINGS

Initial examination of this data suggest a substantial difference in the performance favouring Nottingham over Newcastle. The odds of a poor outcome was 1:1.86 in Newcastle compared with 1:4.26 in Nottingham giving an odds ratio of 2.3 in favour of Nottingham and this difference was highly significant with p<0.00001. On a more detailed examination taking account of confounding variables, this difference disappeared entirely. Newcastle was able to operate a less selective admissions policy than Nottingham because of the deficiency of beds at the latter unit. A summary of these results has been published elsewhere.

INTERPRETATION

These results illustrate the dangers of applying statistical tools developed for simpler situations such as industrial process control to complex medical problems. We conclude that comprehensive and accurate data on all factors likely to influence the outcome for a particular treatment should be collected as an absolute prerequisite to any judgments being made on apparent statistical differences between the performances of differing units.

Management of ruptured aneurysms combined with coexisting aneurysms

In patients suffering from subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) and presenting with multiple intracranial aneurysms (MIA) two questions have to be decided on: 1st when is the ideal moment to eliminate the ruptured aneurysm and 2nd when to treat the coexisting aneurysms. In our series we retrospectively analysed 124 SAH-patients presenting with a total of 323 aneurysms. In 57 patients the ruptured aneurysm and all coexisting aneurysms were clipped during the first operation, whereas in 9 patients only some of the coexisting aneurysms (group-A; age in median 55 years) were clipped besides the ruptured one. In 55 patients (group-B; age in median 55 years) the first operation was restricted to clipping the ruptured aneurysm, dealing with the coexisting aneurysm subsequently. Immediately after admission 3 patients passed away. One of the 64 patients waiting (average 60 days, median 14 days) for the subsequent clipping of the not yet secured aneurysms suffered a SAH. Six to 12 months after the initial SAH, 78% of the cases in both groups reached a Glasgow Outcome Score of 4 or 5. Even if in patients with coexisting unruptured intracranial aneurysms the elimination of each and every aneurysm is recommended, the advantages of an unstaged procedure versus the additional strain caused by the prolongation of the procedure, e.g. approach over the midline, 2 or more craniotomies, and the risk of additional ischemic damage to the brain, caused by increased manipulation of cerebral arteries and brain tissue, have to be carefully considered. This is of special importance in dealing with patients in higher Hunt and Hess grades.

Survival of Cardiac Arrest after Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

OBJECTIVE

Survival of cardiac arrest (CA) after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is poorly characterized. We analyzed the clinical course and outcome of patients who survived resuscitation for CA after aneurysmal SAH.

METHODS

Medical records of all patients with acute SAH treated at Mayo Clinic between 1990 and 1997 were reviewed. Three hundred five consecutive patients with angiographically proven aneurysmal SAH presenting within 7 days of ictus were analyzed. CA was defined as a pulseless state, documented by medical personnel, for which resuscitation was performed. Outcome was measured with the Glasgow Outcome Scale score at longest follow-up (mean, 16 mo).

RESULTS

Data from 11 patients (3.6%) who had 14 episodes of CA were analyzed. Six patients had CA before reaching the hospital and were successfully resuscitated. Nine of 14 CA episodes occurred at hemorrhage or rehemorrhage. No patient with in-hospital CA failed to be resuscitated. Overall mortality in patients who had CA (46%) was higher than that of patients without CA (15%; P = 0.019). Outcome for all patients who had CA (mean Glasgow Outcome Scale score, 2.5) was worse than for patients without CA (mean Glasgow Outcome Scale score, 3.9; P = 0.005). However, half of the survivors of CA after SAH were living independently with limited deficit at longest follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Most cases of CA occur at the time of initial or recurrent SAH. Resuscitation for in-hospital CA is likely to be successful. Although CA after aneurysmal SAH is associated with significantly higher mortality, the outcome of survivors of CA is not worse than that for other patients after aneurysmal SAH.

One-stage embolization in patients with acutely ruptured poor-grade aneurysm

BACKGROUND

Early or ultra-early surgery for patients in poor neurological condition (Hunt and Hess grade IV or V) after ictus of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage is increasingly reported to prevent early rebleeding. To prevent any rebleeding after hospital admission, we have treated patients with poor-grade aneurysm during the same session as when diagnostic angiography is performed ("one-stage embolization"). The aim of the present study is to determine whether this treatment modality is a viable management option for this group of patients.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 18 consecutive patients who presented with acutely ruptured aneurysms and were in very poor neurological condition and who were treated with one-stage embolization.

RESULTS

We observed 2 complications related to the endovascular procedure: partial occlusion of the parent artery and aneurysm rupture during the procedure. According to the Glasgow Outcome Scale, good recovery occurred in 8 patients, and moderate and severe disabilities occurred in 4 and 3 patients, respectively, and 3 patients died. No rebleeding occurred after the procedure. The mean follow-up of the surviving patients (those who were alive more than 30 days after embolization) was 13.7 months (4-25 months). Three patients had surgery after endovascular procedure: 2 surgical clipping of failed or partial aneurysm embolization and 1 emergency coil removal with clipping. A permanent ventriculoperitoneal shunt was placed in 11 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

We achieved promising results by using one-stage embolization to prevent ultra-early rebleeding followed by aggressive resuscitation. The active involvement of the endovascular team from the stage of diagnostic angiogram is a prerequisite for this treatment strategy.

Poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: outcome after treatment with urgent surgery

OBJECTIVE

We sought to determine whether the rebleeding rate in poor-grade patients justified a period of supportive observation before selective treatment and whether unselected ultraearly surgery would lead to acceptable results.

METHODS

A prospectively audited, nonselected series of 177 consecutive poor-grade (i.e., World Federation of Neurological Surgeons Grades IV and V) patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage managed during a 9-year period was analyzed. A management policy of aggressive ultraearly surgery (not selected by age or by grade) was followed. Coiling was not available. Outcomes were assessed at 3 months.

RESULTS

Despite the aggressive management policy, surgery could be performed in only 132 poor-grade patients (75%). Twenty percent of all patients were 70 years of age or older (15% of the surgical cases). All surgery was performed within 12 hours of subarachnoid hemorrhage (majority <6 h). Preoperative rebleeding occurred within the first 12 hours (>85% within 6 h) in 20% of the patients, which is four times the rate found in good-grade patients managed according to the same policy. Outcome assessment performed at 3 months in the 132 poor-grade surgical patients revealed that 40% were independent, 15% were dependent, and 45% had died. There was no significant difference in outcomes for young and old (70+ yr) poor-grade surgical patients (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The high ultraearly rebleeding rate indicates a need to urgently secure the ruptured aneurysm by performing surgery or coiling, and this indication is more pronounced for poor-grade patients than for good-grade patients. The outcome results of ultraearly surgery indicate that a nonselective policy does not lead to a large number of dependent survivors, even among elderly poor-grade patients.

Impact of hospital-related factors on outcome after treatment of cerebral aneurysms

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The goal of this study was to examine the impact of hospital characteristics on outcome after the treatment of ruptured and unruptured cerebral aneurysms.

METHODS

We identified all discharges in New York State from 1995 through 2000 with a principal diagnosis of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) or unruptured cerebral aneurysm (UCA) in patients who were treated by aneurysm clipping, wrapping, or endovascular coiling. An adverse outcome was defined as in-hospital death or discharge to a rehabilitation hospital or long-term facility. We examined the effect of hospital factors, including the rate of endovascular therapy and overall procedural volume, on outcome, length of stay, and total charges.

RESULTS

There were 2200 (36.9%) and 3763 (63.1%) admissions for attempted treatment of UCA and SAH, respectively. The 10 highest-volume hospitals performed half of all the procedures. Overall, hospital volume was associated with fewer adverse outcomes and lower in-hospital mortality for both UCA (adverse outcome: odds ratio [OR], 0.89; P<0.0001; mortality: OR, 0.94; P=0.002 for each 10 additional procedures performed per year) and SAH (adverse outcome: OR, 0.94; P=0.03; mortality: OR, 0.95; P=0.005). Use of endovascular therapy (each additional 10% of cases performed endovascularly) was associated with fewer adverse outcomes after treatment of unruptured aneurysm (0.83, P=0.026). Hospital volume had more of an effect on outcome after aneurysm clipping than after endovascular therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Hospital procedural volume and the propensity of a hospital to use endovascular therapy are both independently associated with better outcome. Improvement in outcome could be achieved by a program of regionalization and selective referral for the treatment of cerebral aneurysms.