ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the efficacy of super selective intra-arterial infusion of verapamil for the treatment of cerebral vasospasm (CVS) after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).Methods From January 2013 to February 2016,the clinical data of 15 patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) who had CVS after intracranial aneurysm clipping (n=8) or endovascular treatment (n=7) were analyzed retrospectively.All patients received whole brain digital subtraction angiography (DSA).Microcatheter super selection to spastic arteries was used and verapamil (11.1±3.4 mg) was infused.The findings of whole brain DSA before and after treatments were compared.The blood pressure and heart rate were collected during the treatment and the findings of transcranial Doppler ultrasonography were recorded.The patients were followed up for 6 months and the Glasgow outcome scale (GCS) scores were obtained.Results (1) A total of 20 intra-arterial infusion treatments were performed in 15 cases.They were compared before and after perfusion.CVS was improved on DSA in 14 cases,there was no significant change in on cases.(2) Transcranial Doppler ultrasonography showed that the mean blood flow velocity (mBFV) of the middle cerebral artery was decreased from 181±4 cm/s before the super selective intra-arterial infusion to 126±4 cm/s within 1 hour after treatment.There was significant difference (t=42.46,P0.05).(4) All patients were followed up for 6 months.The GOS score at 6 months:good recovery in 9 cases,moderate disability but could take care of themselves in 3 cases,severe disability and could not take care of themselves in 3 cases,no persistent vegetative state or death.Conclusion Super selective intra-arterial infusion of verapamil can effectively improve the treatment of aneurysmal SAH caused CVS.At the same time,it has no obvious effect on blood pressure and heart rate.