Authors: Alaraj, Ali; Charbel, Fady; Amin-Hanjani, Sepideh

Source: Neurological Research, Volume 31, Number 6, July 2009 , pp. 651-659(9)

Publisher: Maney Publishing

Abstract:

Objective: Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is associated with high early mortality rates. Cerebral vasospasm remains the major source of morbidity after aSAH. Angiographic evidence of vasospasm is apparent in 70% of patients, while clinical manifestation of vasospasm is present in one third of patients. Early or existing vasospasm at the time of presentation poses an additional challenge in the management of the patient, and forms the basis for this review.

Methods: Treatment modalities for management of ruptured aneurysms in the setting of vasospasm, including timing of aneurysm surgery and peri-operative management, are reviewed. Intraoperative measures aimed at treatment of existing vasospasm and at the prevention of vasopasm are discussed.

Results: Operative/endovascular means to secure the ruptured aneurysm should be performed as soon as possible to facilitate treatment of the vasospasm. Surgery performed in the presence of angiographic/symptomatic vasospasm can be associated with good outcome. Operative measures to decrease the incidence of vasospasm include clot removal, intracisternal injection of thrombolytics, fenestration of the lamina terminalis and local application of vasodilatory agents. Post-operative measures include early intra-arterial injection of vasodilators (verapamil or nicardipine), percutaneous angioplasty, triple-H therapy and CSF drainage.

Discussion: The utilization of a multimodality approach to treat patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage presenting with existing vasospasm can result in good outcome.

Keywords: SUBARACHNOID HEMORRHAGE; CLIPPING; ANEURYSM; VASOSPASM

Document Type: Research Article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1179/174313209X382395

Affiliations: Department of Neurosurgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA

Publication date: 2009-07-01

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