The long-term effects of transluminal balloon angioplasty for vasospasms after subarachnoid hemorrhage: analyses of cerebral blood flow and reactivity

Immediate angiographic control after intra-arterial nimodipine administration underestimates the vasodilatory effect

Intra-arterial nimodipine administration is a widely used rescue therapy for cerebral vasospasm. Although it is known that its effect sets in with delay, there is little evidence in current literature. Our aim was to prove that the maximal vasodilatory effect is underestimated in direct angiographic controls. We reviewed all cases of intra-arterial nimodipine treatment for subarachnoid hemorrhage-related cerebral vasospasm between January 2021 and December 2022. Inclusion criteria were availability of digital subtraction angiography runs before and after nimodipine administration and a delayed run for the most affected vessel at the end of the procedure to decide on further escalation of therapy. We evaluated nimodipine dose, timing of administration and vessel diameters. Delayed runs were performed in 32 cases (19 patients) with a mean delay of 37.6 (± 16.6) min after nimodipine administration and a mean total nimodipine dose of 4.7 (± 1.2) mg. Vessel dilation was more pronounced in delayed vs. immediate controls, with greater changes in spastic vessel segments (n = 31: 113.5 (± 78.5%) vs. 32.2% (± 27.9%), p < 0.0001) vs. non-spastic vessel segments (n = 32: 23.1% (± 13.5%) vs. 13.3% (± 10.7%), p < 0.0001). In conclusion intra-arterially administered nimodipine seems to exert a delayed vasodilatory effect, which should be considered before escalation of therapy.

Role of Transluminal Balloon Angioplasty for the Treatment of Vasospasm Due to Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Haemorrhage: A Multicentric Indian Experience

Background

Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Haemorrhage (aSAH) is a complex and critical neurological condition associated with significant mortality and morbidity. Apart from the initial insult due to the aneurysmal rupture itself, re-bleeding and severe cerebral vasospasm are some of the complications of aSAH that result in overall poor outcomes. Cerebral vasospasm in post-aSAH can result in delayed ischaemic neurological deficits. In the absence of timely interventions, it can lead to grave consequences for the patient. Management of cerebral vasospasm has been evolving over the years to prevent mortality and morbidity in aSAH patients.

Materials and methods

During 36 months from January 2018 to December 2020, 164 patients were admitted with aSAH in multiple Indian centres. Endovascular methods were used to treat all the aneurysms. Patients were observed for clinically symptomatic cerebral vasospasm. Patients with suspected vasospasm were further evaluated with a transcranial Doppler (TCD), brain computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. In addition, digital subtraction angiography (DSA) of cerebral vessels was performed to evaluate vasospasm further. Twenty-two patients had clinically and angiographically significant vasospasm, and 20 patients were treated with transluminal balloon angioplasty (TBA).

Results

Satisfactory lumen dilation was achieved in 79 out of the 91 (86.81%) vasospastic segments, namely, distal internal carotid arteries (ICAs) 100%; middle cerebral arteries (MCA) 97.56% (M1=100%, M2=100%, M3=87.5%); vertebral arteries-100%; basilar arteries-100%; anterior cerebral arteries (ACA) 67.64% (A1=75%, A2=57.14%). The mean Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 90 days was 0.75. 17 patients (85%) had an overall good outcome with no new neurological deficits. There were no cases of vessel rupture, dissection or thromboembolic complications.

Conclusion

TBA is a valuable, safe and effective option for managing clinically significant vasospasm caused by aSAH, adjuvant to medical management. 

Intra-Arterial Papaverine-Hydrochloride and Transluminal Balloon Angioplasty for Neurointerventional Management of Delayed-Onset Post-Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Vasospasm

OBJECTIVE

After subarachnoid hemorrhage, delayed onset vasospasm can result in devastating ischemic stroke. The phenomenon of delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) is not yet fully understood, and the correlation of angiographic vasospasm and cerebral infarction is still unclear. Therefore, we investigated the effect of endovascular treatment on the angiographic response and occurrence of DCI.

METHODS

Eighty patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage and serious cerebral vasospasm underwent endovascular treatment using intra-arterial papaverine-hydrochloride (IAP) or transluminal balloon angioplasty (TBA). The angiographic response and infarction rate were classified using the pre- and postinterventional angiographic images and computed tomography scans.

RESULTS

In 90% of patients, vasospasm could be improved. In most cases (78.8%), IAP was used. Retreatment after IAP was necessary in 32.9% of patients but never after TBA. A total of 233 vascular territories were treated in 128 procedures. Angiographic improvement was observed in 66.5% of territories, which was significantly associated with early intervention (P = 0.02), the use of TBA (P = 0.01), and the dose of papaverine-hydrochloride (P = 0.01). DCI occurred in 47.5% of the patients. Territorial infarction was associated with a poor Hunt and Hess grade (P = 0.03), day of aneurysm treatment (P = 0.01), severe vasospasm before (P = 0.02) and after (P = 0.03) treatment, and number of interventions (P = 0.01). However, the infarction rate was independent of the angiographic response.

CONCLUSION

The discrepancy of excellent angiographic results and the high incidence of DCI might stem from an inaccurate or a delayed diagnosis of impending ischemia. In view of the limited time window, optimized peri-interventional management and continuous cerebral multimodality neuromonitoring might be crucial for the ideal timing of endovascular procedures to prevent cerebral infarctions.

Complication rate of intraarterial treatment of severe cerebral vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage with nimodipine and percutaneous transluminal balloon angioplasty: Worth the risk?

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) is a complication of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Arterial cerebral vasospasm (CVS) is discussed as the main pathomechanism for DCI. Due to positive effects of per os nimodipine, intraarterial nimodipine application is used in patients with DCI. Further, percutaneous transluminal balloon angioplasty (PTA) is applied in focal high-grade spasm of intracranial arteries. However, clinical benefits of those techniques are unconfirmed in randomized trials so far, and complications might occur. We analyzed the occurrence of new infarcts in patients with severe CVS treated intra-arterially to assess benefits and risks of those techniques in a large single-center collective.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All imaging and clinical data of 88 patients with CVS after SAH and 188 procedures of intraarterial nimodipine infusion and additional PTA in selected cases (18 patients, 20 PTA procedures) treated at our institution were reviewed. In the event of new infarcts after endovascular treatment of CVS, infarct patterns were analyzed to determine the most probable etiology.

RESULTS

Fifty-three percent of patients developed new cerebral infarction after intraarterial nimodipine and additional PTA in selected cases. Hereunder 47% were caused by persisting CVS. In 6% of patients, 3% of procedures respectively, new infarcts occurred due to complications of the intraarterial treatment including thromboembolism and arterial dissection. Of those, 3% of patients, 2% of procedures respectively, were assigned to thrombembolic complications of digital substraction angiography for intraarterial nimodipine. 17% of all patients treated with PTA (3/18=17%) showed infarction as a complication of PTA (15% of all PTA procedures). In 1% of patients, etiology of new infarction remained unclear.

CONCLUSION

Ischemic complications occur in about 6% of patients treated intraarterially for CVS, 3% of procedures respectively. Further, to date a benefit for patients treated with this therapy could not be proven. Therefore, intraarterial treatment of CVS should be performed only in carefully selected cases.

Endovascular Treatment of Symptomatic Vasospasm after Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Three-year Experience

Objective

The cause of severe clinical vasospasm after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage remains unknown, despite extensive research over the past 30 years. However, the intra-arterial administration of vasodilating agents and balloon angioplasty have been successfully used in severe refractory cerebral vasospasm.

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the data of 233 patients admitted to our institute with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) over the past 3 years.

Results

Of these, 27 (10.6%) developed severe symptomatic vasospasm, requiring endovascular therapy. Vasospasm occurred at an average of 5.3 days after SAH. A total of 46 endovascular procedures were performed in 27 patients. Endovascular therapy was performed once in 18 (66.7%) patients, 2 times in 4 (14.8%) patients, 3 or more times in 5 (18.5%) patients. Intra-arterial vasodilating agents were used in 44 procedures (27 with nimodipine infusion, 17 with nicardipine infusion). Balloon angioplasty was performed in only 2 (7.4%) patients. The Average nimodipine infusion volume was 2.47 mg, and nicardipine was 3.78 mg. Most patients recovered after the initial emergency room visit. Two patients (7.4%) worsened, but there were no deaths.

Conclusion

With advances in endovascular techniques, administration of vasodilating agents and balloon angioplasty reduces the morbidity and mortality of vasospasm after aneurysmal SAH.

Balloons in endovascular neurosurgery: history and current applications

The use of balloons in the field of neurosurgery is currently an essential part of our clinical practice. The field has evolved over the last 40 years since Serbinenko used balloons to test the feasibility of occluding cervical vessels for intracranial pathologies. Since that time, indications have expanded to include sacrificing cervical and intracranial vessels with detachable balloons, supporting the coil mass in wide-necked aneurysms (balloon remodeling technique), and performing intracranial and cervical angioplasty for atherosclerotic disease, as well as an adjunct to treat arteriovenous malformations. With the rapid expansion of endovascular technologies, it appears that the indications and uses for balloons will continue to expand. In this article, we review the history of balloons, the initial applications, the types of balloons available, and the current applications available for endovascular neurosurgeons.

Current options for the management of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage-induced cerebral vasospasm: a comprehensive review of the literature

OBJECTIVES

Cerebral vasospasm is one of the leading causes of morbi-mortality following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. The aim of this article is to discuss the current status of vasospasm therapy with emphasis on endovascular treatment.

METHODS

A comprehensive review of the literature obtained by a PubMed search. The most relevant articles related to medical, endovascular and alternative therapies were selected for discussion.

RESULTS

Current accepted medical options include the oral nimodipine and 'triple-H' therapy (hypertension, hypervolemia and hemodilution). Nimodipine remains the only modality proven to reduce the incidence of infarction. Although widely used, 'triple-H' therapy has not been demonstrated to significantly change overall outcome after cerebral vasospasm. Indeed, both induced hypervolemia and hemodilution may have deleterious effects, and more recent physiologic data favor normovolemia with induced hypertension or optimization of cardiac output. Endovascular options include percutaneous transluminal balloon angioplasty (PTA) and intra-arterial (IA) infusion of vasodilators. Multiple case reports and case series have been encountered in the literature using different drug regimens with diverse mechanisms of action. Compared with PTA, IA drug infusion has the advantages of distal penetration and a better safety profile. Its main disadvantages are the more frequent need for repeat treatments and its systemic hemodynamic repercussions. Alternative options using intraventricular/cisternal drug therapy and flow augmentation strategies have also shown possible benefits; however, their use is not yet as well established.

CONCLUSION

Blood pressure or cardiac output optimization should be the mainstay of hyperdynamic therapy. Endovascular treatment appears to have a positive impact on neurological outcome compared with the natural history of the disease. The role of intraventricular therapy and flow augmentation strategies in association with medical and endovascular treatment may, in the future, play a growing role in the management of patients with severe refractory vasospasm.

Vasospasm after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: recent advances in endovascular management

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

In a rapidly advancing specialty, it is essential to review the recent studies of alternative new treatments and present their efficacy, safety and outcome. We discuss the recent advances in the endovascular treatment of cerebral vasospasm following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage in the past few years with special focus on the literature regarding this subject in the last 18-24 months.

RECENT FINDINGS

The recent findings are as follows: effect of papaverine on brain oxygen; recent evaluation concerning nimodipine use; combined intraarterial and intravenous use of milrinone; illustration of the numerous recent studies on nicardipine; the safety and efficacy of high-dose intraarterial verapamil; outcome and adverse effects of intraarterial fasudil; transluminal balloon angioplasty; and recent evaluation of its efficacy and evaluation of its prophylactic use.

SUMMARY

Endovascular treatment, including intraarterial vasodilators and transluminal balloon angioplasty, has a very important place in the management of symptomatic vasospasm related to aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. The efficacy of intraarterial vasodilators has been proven. Numerous studies and analysis of different treatments of cerebrovascular vasospasm took place in the past period. This allowed more understanding and evaluation of their outcome, safety and efficacy helping physicians to choose better treatments to adopt. It emphasizes also the aspects that need more study and research.

Role of simvastatin in prevention of vasospasm and improving functional outcome after aneurysmal sub-arachnoid hemorrhage: a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial

BACKGROUND

Vasospasm plays a major role in the morbidity and mortality after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). The preliminary studies suggest that statins protect against cerebral vasospasm.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to determine the role of simvastatin in preventing clinical vasospasm and improving functional outcome in patients with aSAH.

METHODS

All patients with aSAH admitted within 96 h of ictus were randomized to receive either Simvastatin or placebo - 80 mg/day for 14 days. Thirty eight patients were recruited in the study- 19 received Simvastatin and 19 placebo. All the patients underwent surgical clipping of the aneurysm. The primary outcome of the study was the development of clinical cerebral vasospasm. The secondary outcomes included Glasgow Outcome Score (GOS), Modified Rankin Scale (MRS) and Barthel Index Score (MBI) at follow-up at 1, 3 and 6 months.

RESULTS

16% of the patients in the simvastatin group had high Middle Cerebral Artery velocities (> 160 cm/sec) on transcranial Doppler on one or more than one day during the study duration as compared to 26% of the patients in the placebo group (p = 0.70). Neurological deterioration occurred in 26% and 42% of the patients in simvastatin group versus placebo group, respectively (p = 0.31). There was an improvement in the functional outcome in the simvastatin group at 1, 3 or 6 months in the follow-up; however, this difference was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

There was benefit of simvastatin in terms of reduction in clinical vasospasm, mortality or improved functional outcome, however, this was not statistically significant.

Safety and efficacy of transluminal balloon angioplasty using a compliant balloon for severe cerebral vasospasm after an aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

OBJECTIVE

Vasospasm of cerebral vessels remains a major source of morbidity and mortality after an aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of transluminal balloon angioplasty (TBA) for SAH-induced vasospasm.

METHODS

Eleven patients with an angiographically confirmed significant vasospasm (>50% vessel narrowing and clinical deterioration) were studied. A total of 54 vessel segments with significant vasospasm were treated by TBA. Digital subtraction angiography was used to confirm the presence of vasospasm, and TBA was performed to dilate vasospastic arteries. Medical and angiographic reports were reviewed to determine technical efficacy and for procedural complications.

RESULTS

TBA using Hyper-Glide or Hyper-Form balloons (MicroTherapeutics, Irvine, CA) was successfully accomplished in 88.9% vasospastic segments (48 of 54), namely, in the distal internal carotid artery (100%, n=7), the middle cerebral artery (100%), including the M1 (n=10), M2 (n=10), and M3 segments (n=4), in the vertebral artery (100%, n=2), basilar artery (100%, n=1), and in the anterior cerebral artery (ACA), including the A1 (66%), A2 (66%), and A3 segments (100%). Vessel diameters significantly increased after TBA. There were no cases of vessel rupture or thromboembolic complications. GCS at one day after TBA showed an improvement in all patients except one.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that TBA using Hyper-Glide or Hyper-Form balloons is a safe and effective treatment for subarachnoid hemorrhage-induced cerebral vasospasm.

Cerebrovasospasm following endoscopic cerebrospinal fluid leak repair

Endoscopic repair of spinal fluid leaks is a commonly performed procedure with low morbidity. However, this is the first report of cerebrovasospasm, following endoscopic repair of a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. A 51-year-old woman underwent endoscopic repair of a spontaneous CSF leak. She subsequently developed symptomatic cerebrovasospasm on postoperative day 3. This was successfully treated with intraarterial verapamil infusion.

Therapeutic approaches to cerebral vasospasm complicating ruptured aneurysm

Cerebral vasospasm is a serious complication of ruptured aneurysm. In order to avoid short- and long-term effects of cerebral vasospasm, and as there is no single or optimal treatment modality employed, we have instituted a protocol for the prevention and treatment of vasospasm in patients suffering aneurysmal sub-arachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). We then reviewed the effectiveness of this protocol in reducing the mortality and morbidity rate in our institution. In this study we present a retrospective analysis of 52 cases. Between March 2004 and December 2008 52 patients were admitted to our service with aneurysmal SAH. All patients commenced nimodipine, magnesium sulphate (MgSO₄) and triple H therapy. Patients with significant reduction in conscious level were intubated, ventilated and sedated. Intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring was used for intubated patients. Sodium thiopental coma was induced for patients with refractory high ICP; angiography was performed for diagnosis and treatment. Balloon angioplasty was performed if considered necessary. Using this protocol, only 13 patients (25%) developed clinical vasospasm. Ten of them were given barbiturates to induce coma. Three patients underwent transluminal balloon angioplasty. Four out of 52 patients (7.7%) died from severe vasospasm, 3 patients (5.8%) became severely disabled, and 39 patients (75%) were discharged in a condition considered as either normal or near to their pre-hemorrhage status. Our results confirm that the aforementioned protocol for treatment of cerebral vasospasm is effective and can be used safely.

Mechanical treatment of vasospasm

OBJECTIVE

Since cerebral vasospasm (CV) was first described nearly half a century ago, significant progress has been made in understanding its underlying pathophysiology and developing treatment modalities. The purpose of this review is to discuss the rationale behind mechanical interventions for CV as well as the efficacy and complications associated with these treatment options.

METHODS

The authors summarize the pertinent literature on the mechanical treatment of CV, focusing first on balloon angioplasty, second on therapy combined with intra-arterial drug infusion, and concluding by briefly discussing intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation. The epidemiology, pathophysiology, technique, outcome, timing and complications are discussed for each treatment option.

RESULTS

A review of the relevant medical literature reveals that in the last 20 years, endovascular techniques including transluminal balloon angioplasty, intra-arterial drug infusion and newer experimental strategies have provided an important supplement to the established medical therapy.

DISCUSSION

Despite these developments, however, CV remains a major contributor to poor outcome following aSAH and continued efforts are necessary to improve and refine endovascular strategies as well as develop new treatment modalities.

Hemodynamic effects of recombinant human erythropoietin on the central nervous system after subarachnoid hemorrhage: reduction of microcirculatory impairment and functional deficits in a rabbit model

OBJECT

The authors investigated the hemodynamic effects of recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in rabbits.

METHODS

The authors used male New Zealand White rabbits in this study divided into the following groups: SAH plus saline (16 rabbits), SAH plus low-dose rhEPO (16 rabbits; 1500 IU/kg on Day 0 and 500 IU/kg on Days 2 and 4), SAH plus high-dose rhEPO (10 rabbits; 1500 IU/kg on Days 0, 2, 4, and 6), and sham (6 rabbits). Computed tomography perfusion studies and CT angiography were performed for 1 hour after SAH on Day 0, and once each on Days 2, 4, 7, 9, and 16 after SAH. Assessments of neurological function and tissue histology were also performed.

RESULTS

The mortality rate was significantly lower after rhEPO treatment (12%) than after saline treatment (44%) (p < 0.05). Neurological outcomes in the low-dose and high-dose rhEPO groups were better than in the saline group after SAH (p < 0.05), and the cerebral blood flow in the high-dose rhEPO group was greater than that in the saline group (p < 0.05). The mean transit time was significantly lower on Days 2 and 4 in the low-dose and high-dose rhEPO groups than in the saline group, but increased significantly on Day 7 in both groups (p < 0.05). The hematocrit increased significantly from baseline values in the high-dose and low-dose rhEPO groups on Days 4 and 7, respectively (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with rhEPO after experimental SAH is associated with improved cerebral blood flow and microcirculatory flow as reflected by lower mean transit times. Improved tissue perfusion correlated with reduced mortality and improved neurological outcomes. Further investigation of the impact of increasing hematocrit on hemodynamic changes is needed.

[Endovascular treatment of cerebral vasospasm due to aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage]

Cerebral vasospasm remains a leading cause of death and disability in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. When vasospasm becomes refractory to maximal medical treatment, endovascular therapies may be considered as an option to increase cerebral blood flow to prevent cerebral infarction. Endovascular techniques include transluminal balloon angioplasty and intra-arterial infusion of vasorelaxants. This article reviews the various endovascular techniques for the treatment of cerebral vasospasm and discusses the mechanisms of action, techniques of administration, clinical results, and limitations of these treatment strategies.

Prediction of symptomatic cerebral vasospasm in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: relationship to cerebral salt wasting syndrome

OBJECTIVES

Symptomatic cerebral vasospasm is a major complication in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Symptomatic cerebral vasospasm has been reported to be related to the patient's blood volume which is influenced by cerebral salt wasting syndrome (CSWS). We undertook a prospective study to assess whether the onset of symptomatic cerebral vasospasm was predictable or not, by observing the phenomena of CSWS (natriuresis and osmotic diuresis).

METHODS

Sixty-seven consecutive aneurysmal SAH patients were analysed. After surgery, all patients underwent hypervolemic therapy in order to keep central venous pressure (CVP) within 8-12 cmH(2)O, serum sodium level above 140 mEq/l and a positive water balance. Patients were classified into two groups: those without symptomatic cerebral vasospasm (n=55) and those with symptomatic cerebral vasospasm (n=12). To estimate natriuresis and osmotic diuresis, sodium in/out, water in/out, CVP and other parameters were measured and compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

One day before symptomatic cerebral vasospasm, three factors reached statistical difference in the group that experienced symptomatic cerebral vasospasm: sodium balance, urine volume and water balance. On the day of symptomatic cerebral vasospasm, two factors reached statistical difference: sodium excretion and urine volume. No factor was significantly different 2 days before symptomatic cerebral vasospasm.

DISCUSSION

Symptomatic cerebral vasospasm has a strong relationship with CSWS. Negative sodium and water balance and increased urine volume indicate a predictor of symptomatic cerebral vasospasm. To predict symptomatic cerebral vasospasm, strict observations are required, because CSWS and symptomatic cerebral vasospasm which follows, develop rapidly.

Biological effects of acute pravastatin treatment in patients after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

OBJECT

The authors previously demonstrated that acute pravastatin therapy in patients after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) ameliorates vasospasm-related delayed ischemic neurological deficits. The object of this study was to continue to examine potential mechanisms of these beneficial effects.

METHODS

Eighty patients with aneurysmal SAH (age range 18-84 years; time to onset 1.8 +/- 1.3 days) were enrolled in a double-blind study and randomized to receive 40 mg of oral pravastatin or placebo daily for as long as 14 days. Daily transcranial Doppler ultrasonography and blood tests every 3 days (including full blood cell counts, coagulation profiles, fasting glucose and lipid profiles, and serum biochemistry) were performed during the trial period.

RESULTS

No significant differences were found in baseline laboratory data between the trial groups. Subsequent measurements during the 14-day trial showed reduced low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels and total/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratios between Days 3 and 15 (p < 0.05), and increased D-dimer levels (p < 0.05) on Day 6, in the pravastatin group. Patients who received pravastatin but developed vasospasm had significantly lower baseline LDL cholesterol levels or a less extensive reduction in LDL cholesterol levels (p < 0.05), and greater increases in plasma fibrinogen (p = 0.009) and serum C-reactive protein on Day 3 (p = 0.007), compared with those patients without vasospasm. The reduction in LDL cholesterol levels on Day 3 in the placebo group correlated with the duration of normal cerebral autoregulation on the ipsilateral side of the ruptured aneurysm (p = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

In addition to functioning through a cholesterol-independent pathway, cerebrovascular protection from acute statin therapy following aneurysmal SAH may also function through cholesterol-dependent mechanisms.

[Endovascular treatment of vasospasm following subarachnoid aneurysmal haemorrhage]

An endovascular treatment of vasospasm following a subarachnoid aneurysmal haemorrhage is to be implemented if the patient presents clinical or biological symptoms arguing for brain ischemia in conjunction with increased Doppler velocities despite well controlled systemic haemodynamic. Treatment might be either pharmacological or haemodynamic. Calcium and phosphodiesterase inhibitors can be administered. The former could also provide a neuroprotective effect as compared to the latter. In Europe, nimodipine is widely used whereas nicardipine and verapamil are the major molecules administered in North America where iv nimodipine is not FDA approved. Papaverine is less used nowadays because of its short duration of action and of the risk of aggravation of raised intracranial pressure. Balloon angioplasty has a long lasting effect but can be applied only to proximal spasm. Complications of its use are rare but life threatening. In some cases, both the pharmacological approach and the mechanical approach are used in combination.

Clinical review: Prevention and therapy of vasospasm in subarachnoid hemorrhage

Vasospasm is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Radiographic vasospasm usually develops between 5 and 15 days after the initial hemorrhage, and is associated with clinically apparent delayed ischemic neurological deficits (DID) in one-third of patients. The pathophysiology of this reversible vasculopathy is not fully understood but appears to involve structural changes and biochemical alterations at the levels of the vascular endothelium and smooth muscle cells. Blood in the subarachnoid space is believed to trigger these changes. In addition, cerebral perfusion may be concurrently impaired by hypovolemia and impaired cerebral autoregulatory function. The combined effects of these processes can lead to reduction in cerebral blood flow so severe as to cause ischemia leading to infarction. Diagnosis is made by some combination of clinical, cerebral angiographic, and transcranial doppler ultrasonographic factors. Nimodipine, a calcium channel antagonist, is so far the only available therapy with proven benefit for reducing the impact of DID. Aggressive therapy combining hemodynamic augmentation, transluminal balloon angioplasty, and intra-arterial infusion of vasodilator drugs is, to varying degrees, usually implemented. A panoply of drugs, with different mechanisms of action, has been studied in SAH related vasospasm. Currently, the most promising are magnesium sulfate, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase inhibitors, nitric oxide donors and endothelin-1 antagonists. This paper reviews established and emerging therapies for vasospasm.

Update on endovascular therapies for cerebral vasospasm induced by aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

Cerebral vasospasm remains a major source of morbidity and death in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). When vasospasm becomes refractory to maximal medical management consisting of induced hypertension and hypervolemia and administration of calcium channel antagonists, endovascular therapies should be considered. The primary goal of endovascular treatment is to increase cerebral blood flow to prevent cerebral infarction. Two of the more frequently studied endovascular treatments are transluminal balloon angioplasty and intraarterial papaverine infusion. These two have been used either alone or in combination for the treatment of vasospasm. Other pharmacological vasodilating agents currently being investigated are intraarterial nimodipine, nicardipine, verapamil, and milrinone. Newer intraarterial agents, such as fasudil and colforsin daropate, have also been investigated. In this article the authors review the current options in terms of endovascular therapies for treatment of cerebral vasospasm. The mechanism of action, technique of administration, clinical effect and outcomes, and complications of each modality are discussed.

Safety and technical efficacy of over-the-wire balloons for the treatment of subarachnoid hemorrhage–induced cerebral vasospasm

Object

Over the past decade, low-pressure, flow-directed balloons have been replaced by over-the-wire balloons in the treatment of vasospasm induced by subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The authors assess the procedural safety and technical efficacy of these newer devices.

Methods

Seventy-five patients who underwent 85 balloon angioplasty procedures for the treatment of SAH-induced vasospasm were identified from a prospective quality-assurance database. Medical records and angiographic reports were reviewed for evidence of procedural complications and technical efficacy.

No vessel rupture or perforation occurred, but thromboembolic complications were noted in four (4.7%) of the 85 procedures. Balloon angioplasty was frequently attempted and successfully accomplished in the distal internal carotid (100%), proximal middle cerebral (94%), vertebral (73%), and basilar (88%) arteries. Severe narrowing was present in 89 proximal anterior cerebral arteries. Angioplasty was attempted in 41 of these vessels and was successful in only 14 (34%). In 19 of the 27 unsuccessful attempts, the balloon could not be advanced over the wire due to severe vasospasm or unfavorable vessel angle. Follow-up angiography in a subset of patients demonstrated that severe recurrent vasospasm occurred in 15 (13%) of 116 vessels studied after angioplasty.

Conclusions

Over-the-wire balloons involve a low risk for vessel rupture. The anterior cerebral artery remains difficult to access and successfully treat with current devices. Further improvements in balloon design, such as smaller inflated diameters and better tracking, are necessary. Finally, thromboembolic complications remain an important concern, and severe vasospasm may recur after balloon angioplasty.