Coping strategies in patients with good outcome but chronic fatigue after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: Fatigue is a highly prevalent and debilitating symptom among patients in the chronic phase of aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH) with no identified effective treatment. Cognitive therapy has been shown to have moderate effects on fatigue. Delineating the coping strategies used by patients with post-aSAH fatigue and relating them to fatigue severity and emotional symptoms could be a step towards developing a behavioural therapy for post-aSAH fatigue. METHODS: Ninety-six good outcome patients with chronic post-aSAH fatigue answered the questionnaires Brief COPE, (a questionnaire defining 14 coping strategies and three Coping Styles), the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Mental Fatigue Scale (MFS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). The Brief COPE scores were compared with fatigue severity and emotional symptoms of the patients. RESULTS: The prevailing coping strategies were "Acceptance", "Emotional Support", "Active Coping" and "Planning". "Acceptance" was the sole coping strategy that was significantly inversely related to levels of fatigue. Patients with the highest scores for mental fatigue and those with clinically significant emotional symptoms applied significantly more maladaptive avoidant strategies. Females and the youngest patients applied more "Problem-Focused" strategies. CONCLUSION: A therapeutic behavioural model aiming at furthering "Acceptance" and reducing passivity and "Avoidant" strategies may contribute to alleviate post-aSAH fatigue in good outcome patients. Given the chronic nature of post-aSAH fatigue, neurosurgeons may encourage patients to accept their new situation so that they can start a process of positive reframing instead of being trapped in a spiral of futile loss of energy and secondary increased emotional burden and frustration.

Early surgical versus endovascular repair of ruptured blood-blister aneurysm of the internal carotid artery: a single-center 20-year experience.

OBJECTIVE: Early repair of ruptured blood-blister aneurysms (BBAs) of the internal carotid artery (ICA) remains challenging. Although both surgical and endovascular therapies have been established, their relative superiority remains debated. The authors assessed their single-center experience and compared early deconstructive versus reconstructive repair and early reconstructive surgical versus endovascular repair of ruptured BBAs of the ICA. METHODS: The study included patients who underwent repair of ruptured BBAs of the ICA within 1 week after the ictus during a 20-year period. Multiple variables were recorded, including clinical state, severity of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), characteristics of the BBA, treatment details, complication profile, need for secondary treatment, and clinical outcome. RESULTS: In total, 27 patients underwent early surgical (n = 16) or endovascular (n = 11) repair of BBAs at a median of 24 hours (range 9-120 hours) after the ictus during the period from September 2000 to June 2021 (20.4 years). Primary deconstructive repair (n = 6) without bypass was accompanied by middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory infarction in 5 of 6 (83%) patients and a high mortality rate (4/6 [67%]). Among the 21 patients who underwent early reconstructive repair, surgery was performed in 11 patients (clipping in 6 and clip-wrapping in 5 patients) and endovascular repair in 10 patients (flow diversion in 7 and stent/stent-assisted coiling in 3 patients). No differences were found in complication profiles or clinical outcomes between the surgical and endovascular groups. The mortality rate was low (2/21 [9.5%]), with 1 fatality in each group. CONCLUSIONS: From the authors' experience, both surgical and endovascular approaches permitted reconstructive repair of ruptured BBAs of the ICA, with no modality proving superior. Reconstructive treatment is preferable to ICA sacrifice, and if sacrifice is chosen, it should be accompanied with bypass surgery or delayed to the phase when cerebral vasospasm has resumed. The rare occurrence of this disease calls for prospective multicenter studies to improve treatment and delineate which modality is preferable in individual cases.

(-)-OSU6162 in the treatment of fatigue and other sequelae after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: Fatigue after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is common and usually long-lasting, and it has a considerable negative impact on health-related quality of life (HRQOL), social functioning, and the ability to return to work (RTW). No effective treatment exists. The dopaminergic regulator (-)-OSU6162 has shown promising results regarding the mitigation of fatigue in various neurological diseases, and therefore the authors aimed to investigate the efficacy of (-)-OSU6162 in alleviating fatigue and other sequelae after aSAH. METHODS: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, single-center trial was performed in which 96 participants with post-aSAH fatigue were administered 30-60 mg/day of (-)-OSU6162 or placebo over a period of 12 weeks. Efficacy was assessed using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), the Mental Fatigue Scale (MFS), the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), the Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II), the SF-36 questionnaire, and a neuropsychological test battery. Assessments were performed at baseline, after 1, 4, 8, and 12 weeks of treatment, and at follow-up, 8 weeks after treatment. RESULTS: The 96 participants with post-aSAH fatigue were randomized to treatment with (-)-OSU6162 (n = 49) or placebo (n = 47). The FSS, MFS, and BDI scores improved significantly in both groups after 12 weeks of treatment, whereas the BAI scores improved in the placebo group only. HRQOL improved significantly in the SF-36 domain "Vitality" in both groups. Neuropsychological test performances were within the normal range at baseline and not affected by treatment. The FSS score was distinctly improved in patients with complete RTW upon treatment with (-)-OSU6162. Concomitant use of antidepressants improved the efficacy of (-)-OSU6162 on the FSS score at week 1 beyond the placebo response, and correspondingly the use of beta- or calcium-channel blockers improved the (-)-OSU6162 efficacy beyond the placebo response in MFS scores at week 4 of treatment. There was a significant correlation between improvement in FSS, BAI, and BDI scores and the plasma concentration of (-)-OSU6162 at the dose of 60 mg/day. No serious adverse events were attributable to the treatment, but dizziness was reported more often in the (-)-OSU6162 group. CONCLUSIONS: Fatigue and other sequelae after aSAH were similarly alleviated by treatment with (-)-OSU6162 and placebo. (-)-OSU6162 improved fatigue, as measured with the FSS score, significantly in patients with complete RTW. There seemed to be synergetic effects of (-)-OSU6162 and medications interfering with dopaminergic pathways that should be explored further. The strong placebo response may be exploited in developing nonpharmacological treatment programs for post-aSAH fatigue.

Endovascular versus surgical treatment of cranial dural arteriovenous fistulas: a single-center 8-year experience.

BACKGROUND: Cranial dural arteriovenous fistulas (dAVFs) are rare lesions managed mainly with endovascular treatment (EVT) and/or surgery. We hypothesize that there may be subtypes of dAVFs responding better to a specific treatment modality in terms of successful obliteration and cessation of symptoms and/or risks. METHODS: All dAVFs treated during 2011-2018 at our hospital were analyzed retrospectively. Presenting symptoms, radiological variables, treatment modality, complications, and residual symptoms were related to dAVF type using the original Djindjian classification. RESULTS: We treated 112 dAVFs in 107 patients (71, 66% males). They presented with hemorrhage (n = 23; 21%), non-hemorrhagic symptoms (n = 75; 70%), or were discovered incidentally (n = 9; 8%). There were 25 (22%) type I, 29 (26%) type II, 26 (23%) type III, and 32 (29%) type IV fistulas. EVT was the primary treatment modality in 72/112 (64%) dAVFs whereas 40/112 (36%) underwent primary surgery with angiographic obliteration rates of 60% and 90%, respectively. Using a secondary treatment modality in 23 dAVFs, we obtained a final obliteration rate of 93%, including all type III/IV and 26/27 (96%) type II dAVFs. Except for headache, residual symptoms were rare and minor. Permanent neurological complications consisted of five cranial nerve deficits. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend EVT as first treatment modality in types I, II, and in non-hemorrhagic type III/IV dAVFs. We recommend surgery as first treatment choice in acute hemorrhagic dAVFs and as secondary choice in type III/IV dAVFs not successfully occluded by EVT. Combining the two modalities provides obliteration in 9/10 dAVF cases at a low procedural risk.

A woman in her seventies with acute onset of blindness. / En kvinne i 70-årene med akutt blindhet.

BACKGROUND: Dural arteriovenous fistulae are among the most common causes of pulsatile tinnitus. Selective angiography can be necessary for a definitive diagnosis, but in rare cases has been reported to cause sudden cortical blindness. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a woman in her seventies for whom cerebral angiography revealed a dural arteriovenous fistula. Two hours after the angiography she experienced sudden bilateral blindness. A local cause of sudden visual loss was excluded by clinical examination, cerebral bleeding was excluded by CT scan, vascular spasms and occlusions were excluded by CT angiography and acute infarction over the bilateral parieto-occipital cortex was excluded by MRI. The CT scan did, however, show contrast enhancement in the visual cortex from the contrast given during the previously performed cerebral angiography. The patient's vision spontaneously recovered within six days after the angiography, with no residual neurological deficits in her subsequent clinical follow up. Surgery was later performed on her dural arteriovenous fistula, which successfully treated the pulsatile tinnitus. INTERPRETATION: Transient cortical blindness is a rare but dramatic complication after cerebral angiography, thought to be caused by the transient neurotoxic effects of iodine-containing contrast agents. When other causes of sudden blindness are excluded, the patient can be reassured about the excellent prognosis for this condition.

Fatigue After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Clinical Characteristics and Associated Factors in Patients With Good Outcome.

Fatigue after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (post-aSAH fatigue) is a frequent, often long-lasting, but still poorly studied sequel. The aim of the present study was to characterize the nature of post-aSAH fatigue with an itemized analysis of the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and Mental Fatigue Scale (MFS). We further wanted to assess the association of fatigue with other commonly observed problems after aSAH: mood disorders, cognitive problems, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), weight gain, and return to work (RTW). Ninety-six good outcome aSAH patients with fatigue completed questionnaires measuring fatigue, depression, anxiety, and HRQoL. All patients underwent a physical and neurological examination. Cognitive functioning was assessed with a neuropsychological test battery. We also registered prior history of fatigue and mood disorders as well as occupational status and RTW. The patients experienced fatigue as being among their three most disabling symptoms and when characterizing their fatigue they emphasized the questionnaire items "low motivation," "mental fatigue," and "sensitivity to stress." Fatigue due to exercise was their least bothersome aspect of fatigue and weight gain was associated with depressive symptoms rather than the severity of fatigue. Although there was a strong association between fatigue and mood disorders, especially for depression, the overlap was incomplete. Post-aSAH fatigue related to reduced HRQoL. RTW was remarkably low with only 10.3% of patients returning to their previous workload. Fatigue was not related to cognitive functioning or neurological status. Although there was a strong association between fatigue and depression, the incomplete overlap supports the notion of these two being distinct constructs. Moreover, post-aSAH fatigue can exist without significant neurological or cognitive impairments, but is related to reduced HRQoL and contributes to the low rate of RTW.

Timelines and rebleeds in patients admitted into neurosurgical care for aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: Mortality and morbidity of aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH) remain high, and prognosis is influenced by multiple non-modifiable factors such as aSAH severity. By analysing the chronology of aSAH management, we aim at identifying modifiable factors with emphasis on the occurrence of rebleeds in a setting with 24/7 surgical and endovascular availability of aneurysm repair and routine administration of tranexamic acid. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of institutional quality registry data of aSAH cases admitted into neurosurgical care during the time period 01 January 2013-31 December 2017. We registered time and mode of aneurysm repair, haemorrhage patterns, course of treatment, mortality and functional outcome. Rebleeding was scored along the entire timeline from ictus to discharge from the primary stay. RESULTS: We included 544 patients (368, 67.6% female), aged 58 ± 14 years (range 1-95 years). Aneurysm repair was performed in 486/544 (89.3%) patients at median 7.4 h after arrival and within 3, 6, 12 and 24 h in 26.8%, 44.7%, 73.0% and 96.1%, respectively. There were circadian variations in time to repair and in rebleeds. Rebleeding prior to aneurysm repair occurred in 9.7% and increased with aSAH severity and often in conjunction with patient relocations or interventions. Rebleeds occurred more often during surgical repair outside regular working hours, whereas rebleeds after repair (1.8%) were linked to endovascular repair. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of rebleed is imminent throughout the entire timeline of aSAH management even with ultra-early aneurysm repair. Several modifiable factors can be linked to the occurrence of rebleeds and they should be identified and optimised within neurosurgical departments.

Survey of European neurosurgeons' management of unruptured intracranial aneurysms: inconsistent practice and organization.

BACKGROUND: The discovery of an unruptured intracranial aneurysm creates a dilemma between observation and treatment. Neurosurgeons' routines for risk assessment and treatment decision-making are unknown. The position of evidence-based medicine in European neurosurgery is considered to be weak, high-grade guidelines do not exist and variations between institutions are probable. We aimed to explore European neurosurgeons' management routines for newly discovered unruptured intracranial aneurysms. METHODS: In cooperation with the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies (EANS), we conducted an online, cross-sectional survey of 420 European neurosurgeons during Spring/Summer 2016 (1533 non-Norwegians invited through the EANS, and 16 Norwegians invited through heads of departments because of the need for additional information for a separate study). We asked about demographic variables, routines for management and risk assessment of newly discovered unruptured intracranial aneurysms and presented a case. We collected information about gross domestic product (GDP) per capita from the International Monetary Fund. RESULTS: The response rate to the invite from the EANS was 26%, with respondents from 47 countries. More than half of the respondents (n = 226 [54%]) reported that their department treated less than 25 unruptured aneurysms yearly. Forty percent said their department used aneurysm size cut-off to guide treatment decisions, with a mean size of 6 mm. Presented with a case, respondents from countries with a lower GDP per capita recommended intervention more often than respondents from higher-income countries. Vascular neurosurgeons more commonly recommended observation. CONCLUSION: The answers to this self-reported survey indicate that many centers have a treatment volume lower than recommended by international guidelines, and that there are socioeconomic differences in care. Better documentation of treatment and outcome, for example with clinical quality registries, is needed to drive improvements of care.

Survival and outcome in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage in Glasgow coma score 3-5.

BACKGROUND: Outcome of early, aggressive management of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) in patients with Hunt and Hess grade V is hitherto limited, and we therefore present our results. METHODS: Retrospective study analyzing the medical data of 228 aSAH patients in Glasgow Coma Score 3-5 admitted to our hospital during the years 2002-2012. Background and treatment variables were registered. Outcome was evaluated after 3 and 12 months. RESULTS: We intended to treat 176 (77.2%) patients, but only 146 went on to aneurysm repair. Of 52 patients managed conservatively, 27 had abolished cerebral circulation around arrival and 25 were deemed unsalvageable. One-year overall mortality was 65.8% and most (84.7%) of the fatalities occurred within 30 days. One-year mortality was higher in patients > 70 years. Without aneurysm repair, mortality was 100%. After 1 year, 21.9% of all patients lived independently and 4.8% lived permanently in an institution. Outcome in the 78 survivors (34.2%) was favorable in 64.1% in terms of modified Rankin Scale score 0-2, and 85.9% of survivors were able to live at home. Return to work was low for all 228 patients with 14.0% of those employed prior to the hemorrhage having returned to paid work, and respectively, 26.3% in the subgroup of survivors. CONCLUSIONS: Even with aggressive, early treatment, 1-year mortality is high in comatose aSAH patients with 65.8%. A substantial portion of the survivors have a favorable outcome at 1 year (64.1%, corresponding to 21.9% of all patients admitted) and 85.9% of the survivors could live at home alone or aided.

The path from ictus to Neurosurgery: chronology and transport logistics of patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage in the South-Eastern Norway Health Region.

BACKGROUND: Guidelines state that patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH) require neurosurgical treatment as early as possible. Little is known about the time frame of transport from the ictus scene to Neurosurgery in large, partially remote catchment areas. We therefore analysed the chronology and transport logistics of aSAH patients in the South-Eastern Norway Health Region and related them to the frequency of aneurysm rebleed and 1-year mortality. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of aSAH patients bleeding within our region admitted to Neurosurgery during a 5-year period. Date, time and site of ictus and arrival at Neurosurgery, distance and mode of transport and admission were obtained from our institutional quality register and the emergency medical communication centre log. We scored the patients' clinical condition, rebleeds and 1-year mortality. RESULTS: Five hundred forty-four patients were included. Median time from ictus to arrival Neurosurgery was 4.5 h. Transport by road ambulance was most common at distances between the ictus scene and Neurosurgery below 50 km, whereas airborne transport became increasingly more common at larger distances. Direct admissions, frequency of intubation and airborne transport to Neurosurgery increased with the severity of haemorrhage, leading to shorter transport times. The risk of rebleed was 0.8%/hour of transport. The rebleed rate was independent of distances travelled, but increased with the severity of aSAH, reaching up to 6.54%/hour in poor-grade patients. Distance and time of transport had no impact on 1-year mortality, whereas poor-grade aSAH and rebleed were strong predictors of mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Poor-grade aSAH patients have a high risk of rebleed independent of the distance between the ictus scene and Neurosurgery. As rebleeding triples 1-year mortality, patients with Glasgow Coma Score < 9 with suspected aSAH should be admitted directly to Neurosurgery without delay after best possible cardiovascular and airway optimisation on site by competent personnel.

The post-aSAH syndrome: a self-reported cluster of symptoms in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

OBJECTIVE: Although many patients recover to a good functional outcome after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), residual symptoms are very common and may have a large impact on the patient's daily life. The particular cluster of residual symptoms after aSAH has not previously been described in detail and there is no validated questionnaire that covers the typical problems reported after aSAH. Many of the symptoms are similar to post-concussion syndrome, which often is evaluated with the Rivermead Post-Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire (RPQ). In the present study, the authors therefore performed an exploratory use of the RPQ as a template to describe post-aSAH syndrome. METHODS: The RPQ was administered to 128 patients in the chronic phase after aSAH along with a battery of quality-of-life questionnaires. The patients also underwent a medical examination besides cognitive and physical testing. Based on their RPQ scores, patients were dichotomized into a "syndrome" group or "recovery" group. RESULTS: A post-aSAH syndrome was seen in 33% of the patients and their symptom burden on all RPQ subscales was significantly higher than that of patients who had recovered on all RPQ subscales. The symptom cluster consisted mainly of fatigue, cognitive problems, and emotional problems. Physical problems were less frequently reported. Patients with post-aSAH syndrome scored significantly worse on mobility and pain scores, as well as on quality-of-life questionnaires. They also had significantly poorer scores on neuropsychological tests of verbal learning, verbal short- and long-term memory, psychomotor speed, and executive functions. Whereas 36% of the patients in the recovery group were able to return to their premorbid occupational status, this was true for only 1 patient in the syndrome group. CONCLUSIONS: Approximately one-third of aSAH patients develop a post-aSAH syndrome. These patients struggle with fatigue and cognitive and emotional problems. Patients with post-aSAH syndrome report more pain and reduced quality of life compared to patients without this cluster of residual symptoms and have larger cognitive deficits. In this sample, patients with post-aSAH syndrome were almost invariably excluded from return to work. The RPQ is a simple questionnaire covering the specter of residual symptoms after aSAH. Being able to acknowledge these patients' complaints as a defined syndrome using the RPQ should help patients to accept and cope, thereby alleviating possible secondary distress produced.

Magnitude and direction of aqueductal cerebrospinal fluid flow: large variations in patients with intracranial aneurysms with or without a previous subarachnoid hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: Net cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow within the cerebral aqueduct is usually considered to be antegrade, i.e., from the third to the fourth ventricle with volumes ranging between 500 and 600 ml over 24 h. Knowledge of individual CSF flow dynamics, however, is hitherto scarcely investigated. In order to explore individual CSF flow rate and direction, we assessed net aqueductal CSF flow in individuals with intracranial aneurysms with or without a previous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). METHODS: A prospective observational study was performed utilizing phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (PC-MRI) to determine the magnitude and direction of aqueductal CSF flow with an in-depth, pixel-by-pixel approach. Estimation of net flow was used to calculate CSF flow volumes over 24 h. PC-MRI provides positive values when flow is retrograde. RESULTS: The study included eight patients with intracranial aneurysms. Four were examined within days after their SAH; three were studied in the chronic stage after SAH while one patient had an unruptured intracranial aneurysm. There was a vast variation in magnitude and direction of aqueductal CSF flow between individuals. Net aqueductal CSF flow was retrograde, i.e., directed towards the third ventricle in 5/8 individuals. For the entire patient cohort, the estimated net aqueductal CSF volumetric flow rate (independent of direction) was median 898 ml/24 h (ranges 69 ml/24 h to 12.9 l/24 h). One of the two individuals who had a very high estimated net aqueductal CSF volumetric flow rate, 8.7 l/24 h retrograde, later needed a permanent CSF shunt. CONCLUSIONS: The magnitude and direction of net aqueductal CSF flow vary extensively in patients with intracranial aneurysms. Following SAH, PC-MRI may offer the possibility to perform individualized assessments of the CSF circulation.

Predictors of cognitive function in the acute phase after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: Cognitive dysfunction is the most common form of neurological impairment after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) in the chronic phase. Cognitive deficits in the acute phase after aSAH, however, remain scarcely investigated. The aim of the present study was to test cognitive function and to identify medical predictors of cognitive deficits in the acute phase of aSAH. METHODS: Prospective study including 51 patients treated for aSAH. Patients were treated in accordance with a standardized institutional protocol and subjected to neuropsychological evaluation around discharge from neurosurgical care. The neuropsychological test results were transformed into a global cognitive impairment index where an index value of 0.00 is considered normal and 1.00 is considered maximally pathological. Patients with an index score of less than 0.75 were considered having good global cognitive function while those with an index score equal to or above 0.75 were considered having poor global cognitive function. Univariate and multiple regression analysis were used to identify medical predictors of cognitive function. RESULTS: Fifty-seven percent of the patients had poor cognitive function. They showed severe cognitive deficits, with most tests falling well below two standard deviations from the expected normal mean. Poor cognitive function was not reflected in a poor modified Rankin score in almost half of the cases. Patients with good cognitive function showed only mild cognitive deficits with most tests falling only slightly below the normal mean. Delayed memory was the most affected function in both groups. Univariate analysis identified acute hydrocephalus and aSAH-acquired cerebral infarction to be predictors of poor cognitive function. Cerebrospinal fluid drainage in excess of 2000 ml six-folded the risk of poor cognitive function, whereas a new cerebral infarction 11-folded the respective risk of poor cognitive function. CONCLUSION: More than half of aSAH patients have severe cognitive deficits in the acute phase. The modified Rankin Score should be combined with neuropsychological screening in the acute phase after aSAH to get a more accurate description of the patients' disabilities. Acute hydrocephalus and aSAH-acquired cerebral infarction are the strongest predictors of poor cognitive function in the acute phase.

Efficiency and complications of Woven EndoBridge (WEB) devices for treatment of larger, complex intracranial aneurysms-a single-center experience.

BACKGROUND: Several recently published multicenter studies have reported high treatment feasibility, high safety, and good 6-month to 1-year efficiency when treating smaller intracranial aneurysms (IA) with WEB deployment. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the long-term efficiency and complications related to WEB treatment of larger, complex intracranial aneurysms in a small single-center cohort. METHODS: Patients with ruptured and unruptured IA were treated with WEB devices; data were collected prospectively and analyzed retrospectively. The study evaluates complications and clinical and radiological findings at immediate and last available follow-up. RESULTS: The study included 16 patients with 16 aneurysms and a median follow-up time of 36 months, range 13-49 months; 9/16 were females. Median age 59 with range 39-71 years. Mean aneurysm size 11.3 ± 1.7 mm, predominant location at the basilar artery bifurcation and anterior communicating artery. Three out of sixteen IAs were ruptured. Even though 75% of the IAs were immediately occluded completely, retreatment was eventually necessary in 7/15 (46.7%). Increasing neck remnants and recurrences were mainly observed past 1-year follow-up. The WEB device showed modifications over time, with six devices showing signs of compression in the long term. There was one fatality due to aneurysm rupture after 4 years. CONCLUSIONS: The long-term efficiency of WEB deployment in larger, complex aneurysms is low with about half of the cases needing at least one retreatment. A large fraction of WEB collapse past 1-year follow-up.

Adenosine-assisted clipping of intracranial aneurysms.

Temporary parent vessel clip occlusion in aneurysm surgery is not always practical or feasible. Adenosine-induced transient cardiac arrest may serve as an alternative. We retrospectively reviewed our clinical database between September 2011 and July 2014. All patients who underwent microsurgical clipping of intracranial aneurysms under adenosine-induced asystole were included. A total of 18 craniotomies were performed, and 18 aneurysms were clipped under adenosine-induced asystole (7 basilar arteries, 8 internal carotid arteries, 1 middle cerebral artery, and 1 anterior communicating artery) in 16 patients (10 females, 6 males). Nine cases were elective and seven after subarachnoid hemorrhage. Mean age was 54 years (range 39-70). The indications for adenosine use were proximal control in narrow surgical corridors in 13 cases and "aneurysm softening" in 4 cases. A single dose was used in 14 patients; 3 patients had multiple boluses. The median (range) total dose was 30 (18-135) mg. Adenosine induced a bradycardia with concomitant arterial hypotension in all patients, and the majority also had asystole for 5-15 sec. Transient cardiac arrhythmias were noted in one patient (AFib in need of electroconversion after two boluses). Nine clinical scenarios where adenosine-induced temporary cardiac arrest and deep hypotension was an effective adjunct to temporary clipping during microsurgical clipping of intracranial aneurysms were identified.

Effect of early mobilization and rehabilitation on complications in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

OBJECTIVE Early rehabilitation is effective in an array of acute neurological disorders but it is not established as part of treatment guidelines after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). This may in part be due to the fear of aggravating the development of cerebral vasospasm, which is the most feared complication of aSAH. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of early rehabilitation and mobilization on complications during the acute phase and within 90 days after aSAH. METHODS This was a prospective, interventional study that included patients with aSAH at the neuro-intermediate ward after aneurysm repair. The control group received standard treatment, whereas the early rehab group underwent early rehabilitation and mobilization in addition to standard treatment. Clinical and radiological characteristics of patients with aSAH, progression in mobilization, and treatment variables were registered. The frequency and severity of cerebral vasospasm, cerebral infarction acquired in conjunction with the aSAH, and acute and chronic hydrocephalus, as well as pulmonary and thromboembolic complications, were compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS Clinical and radiological characteristics of patients with aSAH were similar between the groups. The early rehab group was mobilized beginning on the first day after aneurysm repair. The significantly quicker and higher degree of mobilization in the early rehab group did not increase complications. Clinical cerebral vasospasm was not as frequent in the early rehab group and it also tended to be less severe. Each step of mobilization achieved during the first 4 days after aneurysm repair reduced the risk of severe vasospasm by 30%. Acute and chronic hydrocephalus were similar in both groups, but there was a tendency toward earlier shunt implantation among patients in the control group. Pulmonary infections, thromboembolic events, and death before discharge or within 90 days after the ictus were similar between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS Early rehabilitation of patients after aSAH is safe and feasible. The earlier and higher degree of mobilization does not increase neurosurgical complications. Rather, the frequency and severity of cerebral vasospasm following aSAH are alleviated and are not aggravated by early rehabilitation. Clinical trial registration no.: NCT01656317 ( www.clinicaltrials.gov ).