Symptomatic Vasospasm Research Articles

Effect of intraoperative infusion of dexmedetomidine on postoperative recovery in patients undergoing endovascular interventional therapies: A prospective, randomized, controlled trial.

BackgroundRapid emergence from general anesthesia during endovascular interventional therapies (EITs) is important. However, the solution that improved quality of both analepsia and postoperative recovery after EITs has not been specifically addressed. We conducted this prospective, randomized, controlled trial to evaluate the intraoperative infusion of dexmedetomidine on quality of analepsia and postoperative recovery in patients undergoing EITs.MethodsEighty‐six patients undergoing EITs were divided into three groups: RD1 (dexmedetomidine at an initial dose of 0.5 μg/kg for 10 min adjusted to 0.2 μg kg−1 hr−1 throughout EIT), RD2 (dexmedetomidine at an initial dose of 0.5 μg/kg for 10 min adjusted to 0.4 μg kg−1 hr−1 throughout EIT), and RD3 (dexmedetomidine at an initial dose of 0.5 μg/kg for 10 min adjusted to 0.6 μg kg−1 hr−1 throughout EIT). An analgesia system delivered sufentanil only. The primary outcome measure was the total consumption of nimodipine during the first 48 hr after surgery. The secondary outcome measures were sufentanil consumption, pain intensity, hemodynamics, functional activity score (FAS), neurologic examination, level of sedation (LOS), and Bruggrmann comfort scale (BCS). We also recorded the intraoperative hemodynamic data, requirement of narcotic and vasoactive drugs, prevalence of complications and symptomatic cerebral vasospasm, duration of postanesthesia care unit (PACU) stay, Glasgow Outcome Score (GOS) at 3 months, and prevalence of cerebral infarction 30 days after surgery.ResultsDexmedetomidine application in the regimen RD3 reduced the consumption of the total dose of nimodipine and sufentanil 48 hr after surgery, prevalence of symptomatic cerebral vasospasm, consumption of narcotic drugs and nimodipine during surgery, pain intensity during the first 8 hr after surgery, and increased both BCS during the first 4 hr after surgery and hemodynamic stability. However, the LOS was increased at the 0.5 hr after surgery and surgeon satisfaction score was lower. There were no significant differences among the groups for consumption of vasoactive drugs except urapidil, Glasgow coma scale (GCS) and FAS during the first 48 hr after surgery, GOS at 3 months, and cerebral infarction after 30 days.ConclusionsDexmedetomidine (an initial dose of 0.5 μg/kg for 10 min adjusted to 0.6 μg kg−1 hr−1 throughout EIT) could reduce the total consumption of nimodipine and opioid during the first 48 hr after surgery, the concerning adverse effects, and improve pain scores. The optimal dosage of dexmedetomidine during EITs merits further investigation.

Intermittent CSF drainage and rapid EVD weaning approach after subarachnoid hemorrhage: association with fewer VP shunts and shorter length of stay.

There is variability and uncertainty about the optimal approach to the management and discontinuation of an external ventricular drain (EVD) after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Evidence from single-center randomized trials suggests that intermittent CSF drainage and rapid EVD weans are safe and associated with shorter ICU length of stay (LOS) and fewer EVD complications. However, a recent survey revealed that most neurocritical care units across the United States employ continuous CSF drainage with a gradual wean strategy. Therefore, the authors sought to determine the optimal EVD management approach at their institution. The authors reviewed records of 200 patients admitted to their institution from 2010 to 2016 with aneurysmal SAH requiring an EVD. In 2014, the neurocritical care unit of the authors' institution revised the internal EVD management guidelines from a continuous CSF drainage with gradual wean approach (continuous/gradual) to an intermittent CSF drainage with rapid EVD wean approach (intermittent/rapid). The authors performed a retrospective multivariable analysis to compare outcomes before and after the guideline change. The authors observed a significant reduction in ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt rates after changing to an intermittent CSF drainage with rapid EVD wean approach (13% intermittent/rapid vs 35% continuous/gradual, OR 0.21, p = 0.001). There was no increase in delayed VP shunt placement at 3 months (9.3% vs 8.6%, univariate p = 0.41). The intermittent/rapid EVD approach was also associated with a shorter mean EVD duration (10.2 vs 15.6 days, p < 0.001), shorter ICU LOS (14.2 vs 16.9 days, p = 0.001), shorter hospital LOS (18.2 vs 23.7 days, p < 0.0001), and lower incidence of a nonfunctioning EVD (15% vs 30%, OR 0.29, p = 0.006). The authors found no significant differences in the rates of symptomatic vasospasm (24.6% vs 20.2%, p = 0.52) or ventriculostomy-associated infections (1.3% vs 8.8%, OR 0.30, p = 0.315) between the 2 groups. An intermittent CSF drainage with rapid EVD wean approach is associated with fewer VP shunt placements, fewer complications, and shorter LOS compared to a continuous CSF drainage with gradual EVD wean approach. There is a critical need for prospective multicenter studies to determine if the authors' experience is generalizable to other centers.

Association of Admission Serum Glucose–Phosphate Ratio with Severity and Prognosis of Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Serum hyperglycemia and hypophosphatemia have been reported to be common in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). This study aimed to explore whether admission serum glucose-phosphate ratio was associated with the severity and prognosis of aSAH. We retrospectively analyzed 198 patients with aSAH who were admitted within 24 hours of hemorrhage to a single academic hospital from June 2016 to September 2017. The following determinations were recorded: aSAH severity on admission, assessment by the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies grading scale (WFNS), Fisher score defined according to the computed tomography results, and 3-month outcome assessed by the Glasgow Outcome Scale. A statistical analysis of the clinical and laboratory risk factors of poor outcome was conducted. Admission serum glucose-phosphate ratio was increased in a WFNS grade-dependent manner and was higher in patients who had a poor outcome than in those who had a good outcome 3 months after aSAH. Multiple binomial logistic regression analysis showed that serum glucose-phosphate ratio, along with age, WFNS grade, and intraventricular hemorrhage, was associated with 3-month poor outcome after aSAH when we controlled for Fisher score, acute hydrocephalus, delayed cerebral ischemia, symptomatic cerebral vasospasm, serum glucose and phosphate levels, and glucose-potassium ratio. Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that the area under the curve for glucose-phosphate ratio was significantly higher than age and intraventricular hemorrhage. The study shows that the glucose-phosphate ratio is a potential biomarker that can reflect disease severity and prognosis in aSAH patients.

Prevention of cerebral vasospasm and delayed cerebral ischemia in patients with massive aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

The study objective is to evaluate the effectiveness and the safety of different cerebrospinal fluid drainage methods and intrathecal fibrinolytic therapy in the prevention of cerebral vasospasm and improving outcomes in patients with massive subarachnoid hemorrhage. Materials and methods. The study was performed on 86 patients with massive aneurismal subarachnoid hemorrhage (Hijdra score &gt;15) who had clipping surgery within 72 h after symptoms onset. We used lumbal drainage in 12 patients (group 1), combined lumbal and cisternal drainage in 24 patients (group 2), lumbal and cisternal drainage with intrathecal fibrinolytic therapy with recombinant staphylokinase in 25 patients (group 3); control group (group 4) included 25 patients with similar clinical and instrumental data. Results. Incidence of unfavorable outcome and symptomatic cerebral vasospasm was 83 and 83 %, respectively (in group 1), 36.8 and 47.4 % (in group 2), 9.1 and 9.1 % (in group 3), 76 and 60 % (in group 4). Conclusion. The proposed intrathecal fibrinolytic therapy with recombinant staphylokinase may be effective and safe to reduce the severity of cerebral vasospasm, improve clinical outcome and lower frequency of normal pressure hydrocephalus after aneurysm rupture.

Predictors for Functional Outcome in Patients with Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Who Completed In-Hospital Rehabilitation in a Single Institution

Background: Although many studies evaluated independent prognosis factors of functional outcome in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) at a suitable time point, some patients take a long time to get functional improvement. The purpose of this study is to evaluate predictors for functional outcome in SAH patients who underwent surgical clipping and in-hospital rehabilitation in our single institution using Modified Rankin Scale (MRS) and Barthel Index (BI). Methods: Two-hundred fifty-one SAH patients were admitted to our hospital from January 2008 to December 2017. Of them, 144 patients who diagnosed aneurysmal SAH, underwent surgical clipping within 72 hours, and completed subsequent in-hospital rehabilitation were included in this study. We explored their clinical variables and evaluated the relationships between those factors and functional outcome using MRS and BI. Results: In multivariate analysis, independent prognostic factors of both MRS and BI were age, World Federation of Neurologic Surgeons grade, and symptomatic vasospasm. Conclusions: We suggest that age, SAH severity, and symptomatic vasospasm are associated with functional outcome in patients with aneurysmal SAH who completed surgical clipping and in-hospital rehabilitation.

Effectiveness and feasibility of cilostazol in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Delayed cerebral ischemia seriously affects the prognosis of patients surviving the initial aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. Application of cilostazol was reported to ameliorate vasospasm and improve outcomes in series and clinical trials. But the effectiveness and feasibility of cilostazol on aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage remained controversial. We performed a systematic review to clarify this issue. PubMed, Ovid and Cochrane library database were systematically searched up to May 2018 for eligible publications in English. Quality assessment was conducted for included studies. Meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the overall effect on events of interest. Subgroup analyses and sensitivity analyses were used to check whether the results were robust. Publication bias was evaluated with the funnel plot. Pooled analyses found cilostazol significantly reduced incidences of severe angiographic vasospasm (p = 0.0001), symptomatic vasospasm (p < 0.00001), new cerebral infarction (p < 0.00001) and the poor outcome (p < 0.0001). Subgroup and sensitivity analyses achieved consistent results. There was no statistical difference between cilostazol and the control group in reducing mortality (p = 0.07). But sensitivity analysis changed the result after excluding one study. Under the prescribed dosage, complication was few and non-lethal. Cilostazol was effective and safe to reduce incidences of severe angiographic vasospasm, symptomatic vasospasm, new cerebral infarction and poor outcome in patients after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. However, its effect on mortality and the interactive effect with nimodipine warranted further research.

Abstract TP532: Decreased Serum Sodium Levels Predict Symptomatic Vasospasm in Patients With Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Background: Symptomatic vasospasm (SVS) is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Hyponatremia and dehydration due to natriuresis after SAH is related to SVS and predicts it. Therefore, nowadays most institutions target to euvolemia and eunatremia in SAH patients to avoid complications. In this study, we retrospectively investigated the predictors of SVS in terms of water and sodium homeostasisunder maintaining euvolemia and eunatremia after SAH. We also analyzed the relationship between hyponatremia and the effect of treatment modality (clipping and endovascular coiling). Methods: We monitored changes in serum sodium levels, serum osmolarity, daily sodium intake, daily urine volume, and daily water balance during 14 days after SAH. Outcome was assessed using the modified Rankin scale one month after subarachnoid hemorrhage. Results: Among 105 patients, 29 (27.6%) had SVS. Patients with SVS were older than those without SVS and SVS affected outcome. Serum sodium levels were sequentially significantly decreased within normal range from one day before occurrence of SVS.Among the patients, 67 (63.8%) were treated with surgical clipping and 38 (36.2%) were treated with endovascular coiling. The group with coiling suffered significantly more severe hyponatremia and had less urine volume compared with the clipping group. Conclusions: SVS occurs more often in older patients and affects outcome. Serum sodium level decrease occurs one day before SVS. This observation may help predict SVS. A further large prospective study is necessary to resolve the detailed relationships among hyponatremia, urine volume, treatment modality and SVS in patients with SAH.

Abstract TP539: The Complement Protein C1q is Elevated Early in Cerebrospinal Fluid After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage but Decreased in Patients With Symptomatic Vasospasm

Introduction: Neuroinflammation is common after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The complement protein C1q is a well-known inflammatory mediator that has emerged as a key player in neuroimmune synaptic alterations. In this study, we sought to evaluate changes in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) C1q after SAH and its association with outcome and symptomatic vasospasm (sVS). Methods: Subjects with SAH were recruited from a regional referral center. Cases were eligible to participate if they had nontraumatic aneurysmal SAH and an external ventricular drain. Samples were obtained within 72 hours of symptom onset. Control subjects were those undergoing lumbar puncture with normal CSF and normal brain MRI. C1q levels were determined using commercially available ELISA, normalized by total CSF protein, and divided into tertiles. SAH subjects were prospectively followed through hospitalization and categorized into those with good outcome (Glasgow Outcome Scale, GOS, of 5) or poor outcome (GOS of 2-4). Patients were also further categorized into those with and without sVS, defined by the presence of arterial narrowing on angiography and neurological deterioration. The rates of patients with poor outcome and sVS in each C1q tertile were compared. Results: We analyzed the CSF of 29 SAH and 11 control patients. Mean age of SAH patients was higher than controls (53.2 vs. 42.0, p=0.03) while there were no sex differences across groups. Levels of C1q were elevated in SAH patients compared to controls (p=0.02). Within the SAH group, 7 (24%) were defined as good outcome while 22 (76%) were defined as poor outcome. Mean C1q levels were comparable between these two groups (p=0.61). Symptomatic vasospasm occurred in 18 (62%) SAH patients - 16 (89%) with poor outcome and 2 (11%) with good outcome. Patients with sVS had decreased levels of C1q compared to those without (p=0.03). The rate of poor outcome per tertile of C1q was 100%, 60%, and 70%, while the rate of sVS per tertile was 88%, 70%, and 40% of patients. Conclusions: The complement protein C1q is elevated in CSF of SAH patients and may contribute to early neuroinflammation. C1q levels also appear to be lower in patients who experience sVS, suggesting that elevated C1q may have a protective role in early SAH.

Abstract TP541: CT Angiography Leptomeningeal Collateral Assessment for Vasospasm in Patients With Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Introduction: Although leptomeningeal collaterals in acute large vessel occlusion have been well studied with respect to core infarct volume and risk of hemorrhagic conversion, their association with vasospasm in the setting of subarachnoid hemorrhage is less clear. Our purpose is to investigate the utility of leptomeningeal collateral scoring on CTA of patients presenting with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Methods: IRB-approved retrospective review of 122 consecutive patients with angiographic vasospasm after surgical or endovascular repair of ruptured intracranial aneurysm. A 5-point grading scale was adapted from Christoforidis et al. to compare leptomeningeal collateral scores on CTA with digital subtraction agiography (DSA) at presentation. An independent chart review was performed to correlate imaging with clinical markers of symptomatic vasospasm and delayed cerebral ischemia. Results: Of the 122 initial patients with vasospasm, 16 demonstrated unilateral high-grade M1 stenosis in the absence of a second ipsilateral large vessel stenosis, 11 of which (68.8%) developed cerebral infarction secondary to vasospasm. Leptomeningeal collateral scoring on CTA at presentation agreed with DSA scores in half of patients (n=8), underestimated collaterals by 1 point in 7 patients, and overestimated their presence by 1 point in a single case. Conclusion: Characterization of leptomeningeal collaterals in patients with aSAH may better predict subsequent vasospasm and cerebral ischemia. Our initial findings in cases of isolated severe M1 vasospasm highlight the potential value of collateral scoring on CTA at presentation. Collateral scoring on CTA correlates with DSA in half of cases, however further work is indicated to elucidate the technical factors contributing to 1-point underestimation in the other half cases. Christoforidis, G.A., et al., Predictors of hemorrhage following intra-arterial thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke: the role of pial collateral formation. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol, 2009. 30 (1): p. 165-70.

Systematic Review of Intrathecal Nicardipine for the Treatment of Cerebral Vasospasm in Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

Intrathecal nicardipine has been shown to have some efficacy for the treatment of symptomatic cerebral vasospasm in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). We performed a PRISMA-based systematic review of intrathecal nicardipine for the treatment of cerebral vasospasm in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. A total of 825 articles were reviewed. After duplicates were removed and the search criteria was applied, 9 articles remained that were eligible for inclusion and analysis. 377 patients received a total of 6,596 injections of intrathecal nicardipine for aSAH-related cerebral vasospasm. The cumulative ventriculostomy-associated infection risk was 6%. Intrathecal nicardipine injections for aSAH-related cerebral vasospasm appears efficacious and safe. Administration of 4 mg of nicardipine every 12 hours was the most commonly reported dosing regimen. Intrathecal nicardipine decreases mean flow velocities on transcranial Doppler and reduces angiographic and clinical vasospasm. The infection risk appears to be in-line with studies in which rates of EVD-related infections have been reported.

A Case of Delayed Symptomatic Vasospasm after Surgical Clipping of an Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysm

Although intracranial arterial vasospasm commonly occurs after subarachnoid hemorrhage, delayed symptomatic vasospasm rarely occurs after surgical clipping of unruptured intracranial aneurysms. We report the case of a 67-year-old woman who presented with symptomatic vasospasm 10 days after surgical clipping of an unruptured middle cerebral artery aneurysm. On the 10th operative day, the patient presented mild aphasia. Angiography revealed a vasospasm at the left middle cerebral artery. We performed chemical angioplasty and observed an immediate anatomical improvement and clinical recovery. The patient was discharged without deficit.

Association between vasoactive peptide urotensin II in plasma and cerebral vasospasm after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a potential therapeutic target.

Cerebral vasospasm (VS) is a severe complication of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Urotensin II (UII) is a potent vasoactive peptide activating the urotensin (UT) receptor, potentially involved in brain vascular pathologies. The authors hypothesized that UII/UT system antagonism with the UT receptor antagonist/biased ligand urantide may be associated with post-SAH VS. The objectives of this study were 2-fold: 1) to leverage an experimental mouse model of SAH with VS in order to study the effect of urotensinergic system antagonism on neurological outcome, and 2) to investigate the association between plasma UII level and symptomatic VS after SAH in human patients. A mouse model of SAH was used to study the impacts of UII and the UT receptor antagonist/biased ligand urantide on VS and neurological outcome. Then a clinical study was conducted in the setting of a neurosurgical intensive care unit. Plasma UII levels were measured in SAH patients daily for 9 days, starting on the 1st day of hospitalization, and were compared with plasma UII levels in healthy volunteers. In the mouse model, urantide prevented VS as well as SAH-related fine motor coordination impairment. Seventeen patients with SAH and external ventricular drainage were included in the clinical study. The median plasma UII level was 43 pg/ml (IQR 14-80 pg/ml). There was no significant variation in the daily median plasma UII level (median value for the 17 patients) from day 0 to day 8. The median level of plasma UII during the 9 first days post-SAH was higher in patients with symptomatic VS than in patients without VS (77 pg/ml [IQR 33.5-111.5 pg/ml] vs 37 pg/ml [IQR 21-46 pg/ml], p < 0.05). Concerning daily measures of plasma UII levels in VS, non-VS patients, and healthy volunteers, we found a significant difference between SAH patients with VS (median 66 pg/ml [IQR 30-110 pg/ml]) and SAH patients without VS (27 pg/ml [IQR 15-46 pg/ml], p < 0.001) but no significant difference between VS patients and healthy volunteers (44 pg/ml [IQR 27-51 pg/ml]) or between non-VS patients and healthy volunteers. The results of this study suggest that UT receptor antagonism with urantide prevents VS and improves neurological outcome after SAH in mice and that an increase in plasma UII is associated with cerebral VS subsequent to SAH in humans. The causality link between circulating UII and VS after SAH remains to be established, but according to our data the UT receptor is a potential therapeutic target in SAH.

Efficacy of Cilostazol in Prevention of Delayed Cerebral Ischemia after Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Meta-Analysis

ObjectivesCilostazol, a selective inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 3, may reduce symptomatic vasospasm and improve outcome in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage considering its anti-platelet and vasodilatory effects. We aimed to analyze the effects of cilostazol on symptomatic vasospasm and clinical outcome among patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Patients and MethodsWe searched PubMed and Embase databases to identify 1) prospective randomized trials, and 2) retrospective trials, between May 2009 and May 2017, that investigated the effect of cilostazol in patients with aneurysmal aSAH. All patients were enrolled after repair of a ruptured aneurysm by clipping or endovascular coiling within 72hours of aSAH. fixed-effect models were used to pool data. We used the I2 statistic to measure heterogeneity between trials. ResultsFive studies were included in our meta-analysis, comprised of 543 patients with aSAH (cilostazol [n=271]; placebo [n=272], mean age, 61.5years [SD, 13.1]; women, 64.0%). Overall, cilostazol was associated with a decreased risk of symptomatic vasospasm (0.31, 95% CI 0.20 to 0.48; P<0.001), cerebral infarction (0.32, 95% CI 0.20 to 0.52; P <0.001) and poor outcome (0.40, 95% CI 0.25 to 0.62; P<0.001). We observed no evidence for publication bias. Statistical heterogeneity was not present in any analysis. ConclusionCilostazol is associated with a decreased risk of symptomatic vasospasm and may be clinically useful in the treatment of delayed cerebral vasospasm in patients with aSAH. Our results highlight the need for a large multi-center trial to confirm the observed association.

Seizure in nontraumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage

Seizures are quite common in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The prevalence is from 6 to 24% in all non-traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhages. They can be early – develop within first two weeks, or late seizures, that can become symptomatic post-stroke epilepsy. Quite often (13-24%) seizure can be the first clinical symptom of SAH, concomitant or isolated from thunderclap headache. Other factors, such as low Hunt-Hess, WFNS, GCS in onset, intracerebral hematoma, obstructive hydrocephalus, symptomatic vasospasm are associated with worse prognosis. But the influence of seizure for patient’s outcome is open to debate and is the least studied issue. Accordingly to this, there are no clear recommendations or guidelines for anticonvulsive therapy for primary and secondary prevention and improvement of the prognosis for a patient with SAH. The aim of this article is to review the literature and research data of recent years in order to find out the place of seizures in subarachnoid hemorrhage.

The Impact of Extubation Failure in Patients with Good-Grade Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

To analyze the clinical impact of extubation failure (EF) in patients with good-grade subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), in whom a good clinical course usually is expected. We reviewed the clinical data from 141 patients with SAH and 1) initial Hunt & Hess grade 1-3; 2) induction of general anesthesia for intervention; and 3) the presence of data about the functional outcome. Patients were divided into 3 groups: 1) primary tracheotomized patients (PT); 2) patients with successful extubation (ES); and 3) patients with EF (reintubation within 48 hours). EF occurred with a rate of 0.12. The leading cause of EF was respiratory insufficiency (n= 7), followed by impaired consciousness (n= 5). Multivariate logistic regression did not show any neurologic predictor of EF. Patients with ES showed an excellent outcome after 6 months (favorable outcome: 95.7%), whereas the outcome of patients with EF and PT was significantly (P < 0.05) poorer. The case fatality rate was nonsignificantly greater in the EF group (0.15 vs. 0.03). Hospitalization was significantly reduced for patients with ES, whereas the occurrence of symptomatic cerebral vasospasms and vasospastic cerebral infarction was similar between patients with EF, ES, or PT. We showed that EF is a frequent condition in good grade-SAH but is not predictable using common neurologic parameters. Regarding the functional outcome, we were able to show that the result of an extubation trial clearly delineates the patients in 2 distinct groups, in which ES predicts an excellent outcome.

Symptomatic cerebral vasospasm after glioblastoma resection and carmustine wafers implantation. A case report

Abstract Local chemotherapy with carmustine-impregnated wafers showed safe and effective in the treatment of malignant glioma, with infrequent, though sometime serious, adverse effects. We report a rare case of cerebral vasospasm following glioblastoma removal with carmustine wafers implantation in a 57-years-old man. After surgery, the patient awoke with aphasia, due to vasospasm of the left middle cerebral artery. Intra-arterial infusion of nimodipine was performed, with rapid vasospasm resolution and quick recovery. Cerebral vasospasm is an extremely rare adverse effect after carmustine wafers implantation in glioma surgery, with only one case reported. In our case, intra-arterial nimodipine was rapidly effective. Although rare, such a potentially disastrous complication should be considered when a new neurological deficit unexpectedly occurs after carmustine wafers implantation, and vascular investigation should be undertaken.

Vasospasm-related complications after subarachnoid hemorrhage: the role of patients’ age and sex

Outcome of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) depends strongly on occurrence of symptomatic vasospasm (SV) leading to delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI). Various demographic, radiographic, and clinical predictors of SV have been reported so far, partially with conflicting results. The aim of this study was to analyze the role of patients' age and sex on SV/DCI risk, especially to identify age and sex-specific risk groups. All patients admitted with acute SAH during a 14-year-period ending in 2016 were eligible for this study. The study endpoints were the following: SV requiring spasmolysis, occurrence of DCI in follow-up computed tomography scans and unfavorable outcome at 6months (modified Rankin scale > 2). Nine hundred ninety-four patients were included in this study. The majority was female (666; 67%). SV, DCI, and unfavorable outcomes were observed in 21.5, 21.8, and 43.6% of the patients, respectively. Younger age (p < 0.001; OR = 1.03 per year decrease) and female sex (p = 0.025; OR = 1.510) were confirmed as independent predictors of SV. Regarding the sex differences, there were three age groups for SV/DCI risk ≤ 54, 55-74, and ≥ 75years. Male patients showed earlier decrease in SV risk (at ≥ 55 vs. ≥ 75years in females). Therefore, SAH females aged between 55 and 74years were at the highest risk for DCI and unfavorable outcome, as compared to younger/older females (p = 0.001, OR = 1.77/p = 0.001, OR = 1.80). In contrast, their male counterparts did not show these risk alterations (p = 0.445/p = 0.822). After acute SAH, female and male patients seem to show different age patterns for the risk of SV and DCI. Females aged between 55 and 74years are at particular risk of vasospasm-related SAH complications, possibly due to onset of menopause. DRKS, Unique identifier: DRKS00008749.

Association Between Neurological Outcomes Related to Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage and Onsite Access to Neurointerventional Radiology

An onsite access to neurointerventional radiology (NIR) may be useful for managing patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) after the aneurysm-securing procedure. We aimed to assess the association between neurological outcomes related to aSAH and onsite access to NIR service. This was a sequential period study of 47 patients with aSAH admitted consecutively during the pre-NIR period (January 2010 to June 2012) compared with 81 patients with aSAH admitted consecutively during the post-NIR period (January 2013 to June 2015) at an academic tertiary referral intensive care unit (ICU). The primary end point was the incidence of poor neurological outcome, defined as modified Rankin scale of ≥3 at 6 months from ictus. Secondary outcomes included incidence of symptomatic vasospasm (SV) and length of stay in ICU/hospital. The primary end point was observed in 18 of 47 (38%) patients during the pre-NIR period versus 25 of 81 (31%) patients during the post-NIR period (P= 0.39). The post-NIR period did not have an independent impact on neurological outcomes (adjusted odds ratio= 0.8, 95% confidence interval 0.3-2.1; P= 0.66). Of the patients who developed SV, 10 of 47 (21%) were during the pre-NIR period versus 33 of 81 (41%) during the post-NIR period (P= 0.02). The post-NIR period and higher Fisher grade were independent predictors of SV. Patients with SV had similar outcomes, but with longer stay in ICU during the post-NIR period compared with the pre-NIR period. Among patients with aSAH, the post-NIR period was associated with more frequent detection of SV, more endovascular procedures, longer hospital stay, but with no appreciable improvement in neurological outcomes either overall or in the subset of patients with SV. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12616000201471.

Repeated Endovascular Treatments in Patients with Recurrent Cerebral Vasospasms After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Worthwhile Strategy?

Endovascular interventions in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and symptomatic cerebral vasospasm (sCVS) are commonly performed, but the potential benefits of repeated interventions have not been proven. The aim of this study was to show the potential burden and opportunities of repeated endovascular interventions in cases of recurrent sCVS. We reviewed 15 patients with SAH who underwent more than 2 endovascular treatments of recurrent sCVS (CVS group) regarding the radiation doses, their clinical course, and their functional outcome. A case-control group of SAH patients without sCVS individually matched for age, World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies score, Fisher grade, and treatment modality was used as control group (non-CVS group). A total of 70 endovascular treatments were performed in the CVS group. CVS group patients received longer mechanical ventilation (585 days vs. 439 days) and showed a higher rate of tracheostomy (12/15 vs. 7/15) and shunt-dependent hydrocephalus (6/15 vs. 2/15) than did the non-CVS patients. Moreover, patients from the CVS group underwent significantly (P < 0.001) more angiographies (median, 5 vs. 2) and CTP/CTA scans (median, 4 vs. 1) and consequently received significantly (P < 0.001) higher radiation doses. The rate of unfavorable outcomes (mRS 3-6) after 3 months was nonsignificantly higher in the CVS group (6/15 vs. 2/15), but after 6 months at least 5/14 patients from the CVS group showed a favorable outcome. Repeated endovascular treatments of SAH patients with recurrent CVS are complex and expose the patients to high radiation doses. Nevertheless, favorable results could be achieved in patients in otherwise poor condition.

Abstract 37: The Efficacy and Safety of Cilostazol in Subarachnoid Hemorrhage. A Meta-analysis of Randomized and Non Randomized Studies

Objective: Extensive research has long been focused on improving morbidity and mortality related to cerebral vasospasm which is well known as a major complication in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) patients. The aim of this meta-analysis is to assess the effectiveness of cilostazol, a selective inhibitor of phosphodiesterase Type III, on cerebral vasospasm after SAH. Methods: Randomized and non randomized studies that compared effectiveness of cilostazol in SAH were included. A total of 6 trials met the inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. We calculated pooled risk ratios (RR) and 95% CIs (confidence intervals) using random-effects models. Primary end point was symptomatic vasospasm. Secondary end points were angiographic vasospasm, new cerebral infarct, mortality, and functional outcome i.e Modified Rankin scale ≤ 2. Results: Of the 618 total subjects, total of 136 (22%) symptomatic vasospasm events occurred during the follow-up period. The RR of symptomatic vasospasm was lower in patients treated with Cilostazol (RR = 0.43; 95% CI, 0.31-0.60; P &lt; 0.001). Angiographic vasospasm was also significantly lower among those who received cilostazol as compared to control group (RR 0.67, 95% CI 0.51-0.84, p = .001). Cilostazol was associated with lower likelihood of new cerebral infarct in comparison to best medical therapy (RR 0.33 CI 95% 0.20-0.54, p&lt;0.001). There was no difference between the risk of mortality between subjects who received airway cilostazol compared with those who were in control group (RR 0.64 CI 95% 0.15-2.76, p=0.55). There was improvement of mRS noted in patients who received cilostazol therapy (RR 1.21 CI 95% 1.05-1.39, p=0.008). Conclusion: Cilostazol administration may improve the outcome of patients with SAH. Further studies are needed to confirm this efficacy of cilostazol