Embolization of ruptured intracranial aneurysms during the period of cerebral vasospasm / 中华放射学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To retrospectively analyze our experience of embolization of ruptured intracranial aneurysms during the period of cerebral vasospasm (CVS). Methods Thirty-seven patients with ruptured intracranial aneurysms were embolized with electrolytic detachable coils during the period of CVS (days 4 to 14). Group A included the 14 patients with angiographic CVS and group B included 23 patients without angiographic CVS. All except 2 patients were transferred to our department during the CVS period. Glasgow outcome score (GOS) was evaluated 3 months after the treatment. Results Twelve patients in group A successfully received the aneurysm embolization and treatment of the CVS with intraarterial papaverine injection and balloon angioplasty. GOS in 3 months was good recovery in 7 patients, moderate disability in 2, severe disability in 1, and dead in 2, respectively. Embolization failed in 2 patients because the microcatheters could't pass the spasmodic parent arteries. All the aneurysms in group B were successfully embolized. GOS were good recovery in 18 patients, moderate disability in 2, severe disability in 2, and dead in 1, respectively. There was no intraprocedural aneurysmal rupture but with 2 thromboembolic events. No rebleeding occurred during the mean 11 months follow-up. Conclusions The so-called “period of CVS” isn′t always associated with CVS in angiograpy. Embolization of ruptured intracranial aneurysms during the period of pure CVS doesn′t carry an increased risk. Both the aneurysms and CVS can be treated during the single procedure. It can reduce the rebleeding rate in hospital and improve the prognosis of the patients with CVS.