Healing of Saccular Aneurysms Following Platinum Coil Embolization: Lack of Improved Efficacy with Vitamin C Supplementation

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to test the hypothesis that systemic administration of vitamin C, through its action of stimulating collagen synthesis and crosslinking, would improve the healing response in experimental aneurysms treated with platinum coil embolization. Nineteen experimental aneurysms in rabbits were embolized with platinum coils (>30% packing density). Animals were divided into three groups. Group 1 (n=6) rabbits served as controls, Group 2 (n=5) rabbits were fed with a vitamin C‐supplemented feed and Group 3 (n=8) rabbits were medicated with vitamin C pills. Subjects were euthanized at 12 weeks following coil implantation and serum vitamin C levels were measured. Digital subtraction angiography was used to evaluate stability after embolization. Histological samples were examined with a grading system (range, 0–12) based on the neck and dome features. Masson Trichrome was employed to evaluate the collagen deposition. One‐way analysis of variance was used to test the significance in histological healing and angiographic measurements between groups. There were no significant differences between groups in aneurysm size or angiographic findings. Mean serum vitamin C concentration was significantly higher in Group 3 (45.4±9.0 mM) and Group 2 (38.6±8.9 mM) compared to Group 1 (21.1±3.6 mM). There was no statistically significant change in the level of vitamin C between Group 2 and Group 3. There was no significant difference in histological scores or collagen deposition among groups. Our results suggest that vitamin C supplementation following platinum coil embolization may not improve long‐term cerebral aneurysm. This study was supported by the American Heart Association (09SDG2160146‐01).