Early Endovascular Treatment of Ruptured Cerebral Aneurysms in Patients in Very Poor Neurological Condition

Neurosurgery ◽  
2002 ◽  
Vol 50 (3) ◽  
pp. 457-465 ◽  
Author(s):  
Johannes van Loon ◽  
Yannic Waerzeggers ◽  
Guido Wilms ◽  
Frank Van Calenbergh ◽  
Jan Goffin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽  
Endovascular Treatment ◽  
Intracranial Hypertension ◽  
Cerebral Aneurysms ◽  
Early Surgery ◽  
World Federation ◽  
Neurological Condition ◽  
Appropriate Treatment ◽  
Number Of Patients

Abstract OBJECTIVE: In patients in very poor neurological condition (World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies Grade V) with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, early surgery to prevent rebleeding and to allow appropriate treatment of complications is often difficult. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether early endovascular treatment followed by aggressive proactive treatment of complications (prophylactic hypervolemic hemodilution, hypertensive treatment in the event of systemic hypotension, and appropriate treatment of intracranial hypertension) is an acceptable management strategy for these patients. METHODS: We prospectively studied 11 consecutive patients who presented with acutely ruptured aneurysms and were in very poor neurological condition after resuscitation (World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies Grade V) but did not have a significant intracerebral hemorrhage. These patients received endovascular treatment with Guglielmi detachable coils (Boston Scientific/Target, Fremont, CA). Follow-up consisted of a clinical evaluation based on the Glasgow Outcome Scale. A control angiogram was obtained after 6 months in patients with favorable outcomes to evaluate the occlusion of the aneurysm. RESULTS: There were no deaths or complications directly related to the procedure. Two patients died as a consequence of increased intracranial pressure. The mean follow-up of the surviving patients was 12 months. Two patients had early rebleeding after the coiling and required further treatment. Four patients had good outcomes, two patients were moderately disabled, and three patients were severely disabled. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that early endovascular treatment of acutely ruptured cerebral aneurysms in patients evaluated as World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies Grade V allows for aggressive treatment of intracranial hypertension and vasospasm. More than half of the patients had favorable outcomes. Therefore, early endovascular treatment seems to be a valuable alternative to early surgery in patients who present with a very poor clinical grade after subarachnoid hemorrhage. The results of this study are promising but must be interpreted with caution, because a small number of patients were studied.

scholarly journals Safety of Abciximab injection during endovascular treatment of ruptured aneurysms

2015 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 332-336 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean-Christophe Gentric ◽  
Joelle Brisson ◽  
André Lima Batista ◽  
Jimmy Ghostine ◽  
Jean Raymond ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endovascular Treatment ◽  
Intracranial Hemorrhage ◽  
Cerebral Aneurysms ◽  
Bleeding Complications ◽  
World Federation ◽  
Consecutive Series ◽  
Ruptured Aneurysms ◽  
Grade Ii

Background and purpose We aimed to determine the safety of intra-arterial Abciximab injection in the management of thromboembolic complications during endovascular treatment of ruptured cerebral aneurysms. Methods In a monocentric consecutive series of endovascular treatment of 783 ruptured aneurysms, 42 (5.3%) patients received Abciximab after the aneurysm was secured. Bleeding complications were registered and dichotomized as follows: new intracranial hemorrhage and peripheral bleeding. For each patient, World Federation of Neurosurgery (WFNS) subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) grade, shunting, and clinical outcomes in the post-operative period and at 3–6 months were recorded. Results SAH WFNS grades were as follows: grade I n = 14, grade II n = 10, grade III n = 11, grade IV n = 4, grade V n = 3. Ten patients had intracranial hematoma additionally to the SAH prior to embolization. Four patients (9.5%) presented more blood on the post-embolization CT but only one suffered a new clinically relevant intracranial hemorrhage. Two patients (4.8%) experienced significant peripheral bleeding but none were associated with long-term disabilities. Fourteen patients had a shunt installed less than 24 h prior to Abciximab injection and one less than 48 h later. At 3–6-month follow-up, 31 patients (74%) achieved a modified Rankin Scale score (mRS) of 2 or less, six patients (14%) had a mRS of 3–5, three were dead (7%), and two were lost at follow-up. Conclusion When the aneurysm is secured, intra-arterial Abciximab injection is a low complication rate treatment modality for thromboembolic events during embolization of cerebral ruptured aneurysm.

Variation of patient characteristics, management, and outcome with timing of surgery for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

2011 ◽  
Vol 114 (4) ◽  
pp. 1045-1053 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelly B. Mahaney ◽  
Michael M. Todd ◽  
James C. Torner
Keyword(s):  
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽  
Timing Of Surgery ◽  
Early Surgery ◽  
Outcome Variable ◽  
Optimal Time ◽  
World Federation ◽  
Time Interval ◽  
Fisher Grade

ObjectThe past 30 years have seen a shift in the timing of surgery for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Earlier practices of delayed surgery that were intended to avoid less favorable surgical conditions have been replaced by a trend toward early surgery to minimize the risks associated with rebleeding and vasospasm. Yet, a consensus as to the optimal timing of surgery has not been reached. The authors hypothesized that earlier surgery, performed using contemporary neurosurgical and neuroanesthesia techniques, would be associated with better outcomes when using contemporary management practices, and sought to define the optimal time interval between SAH and surgery.MethodsData collected as part of the Intraoperative Hypothermia for Aneurysm Surgery Trial (IHAST) were analyzed to investigate the relationship between timing of surgery and outcome at 3 months post-SAH. The IHAST enrolled 1001 patients in 30 neurosurgical centers between February 2000 and April 2003. All patients had a radiographically confirmed SAH, were World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies Grades I–III at the time of surgery, and underwent surgical clipping of the presumed culprit aneurysm within 14 days of the date of hemorrhage. Patients were seen at 90-day follow-up visits. The primary outcome variable was a Glasgow Outcome Scale score of 1 (good outcome). Intergroup differences in baseline, intraoperative, and postoperative variables were compared using the Fisher exact tests. Variables reported as means were compared with ANOVA. Multiple logistic regression was used for multivariate analysis, adjusting for covariates. A p value of less than 0.05 was considered to be significant.ResultsPatients who underwent surgery on Days 1 or 2 (early) or Days 7–14 (late) (Day 0 = date of SAH) fared better than patients who underwent surgery on Days 3–6 (intermediate). Specifically, the worst outcomes were observed in patients who underwent surgery on Days 3 and 4. Patients who had hydrocephalus or Fisher Grade 3 or 4 on admission head CT scans had better outcomes with early surgery than with intermediate or late surgery.ConclusionsEarly surgery, in good-grade patients within 48 hours of SAH, is associated with better outcomes than surgery performed in the 3- to 6-day posthemorrhage interval. Surgical treatment for aneurysmal SAH may be more hazardous during the 3- to 6-day interval, but this should be weighed against the risk of rebleeding.

Endovascular Treatment of Bilateral Intracranial Vertebral Artery Dissecting Aneurysms Presenting With Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

2011 ◽  
Vol 70 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. ons75-ons81 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yong Sam Shin ◽  
Byung Moon Kim ◽  
Se-Hyuk Kim ◽  
Sang Hyun Suh ◽  
Chang Woo Ryu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽  
Endovascular Treatment ◽  
Vertebral Artery ◽  
Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Stent Insertion ◽  
Treatment Methods ◽  
Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Endovascular Methods ◽  
Dissecting Aneurysms

Abstract BACKGROUND: Optimal management of bilateral vertebral artery dissecting aneurysms (bi-VDAs) causing subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the treatment methods and outcomes of bi-VDA causing SAH. METHODS: Seven patients were treated endovascularly for bi-VDA causing SAH. Treatment methods and outcomes were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: Two patients were treated with 2 overlapping stents for both ruptured and unruptured VDAs, 2 with 2 overlapping stents and coiling for ruptured VDA and with conservative treatment for unruptured VDA, 1 with internal trapping (IT) for ruptured VDA and stent-assisted coiling for unruptured VDA, 1 with IT for ruptured VDA and 2 overlapping stents for unruptured VDA, and 1 with IT for ruptured VDA and a single stent for unruptured VDA. None had rebleeding during follow-up (range, 15-48 months). All patients had favorable outcomes (modified Rankin Scale score, 0-2). On follow-up angiography at 6 to 36 months, 9 treated and 2 untreated VDAs revealed stable or improved state, whereas 3 VDAs in 2 patients showed regrowth. Of the 3 recurring VDAs, 1 was initially treated with IT but recurred owing to retrograde flow to the ipsilateral posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA), the second was treated with single stent but enlarged, and the last was treated with 2 overlapping stents and coiling but recurred from the remnant sac harboring the PICA origin. All 3 recurred VDAs were retreated with coiling with or without stent insertion. CONCLUSION: Bilateral VDAs presenting with SAH were safely treated with endovascular methods. However, endovascular treatment may be limited for VDAs with PICA origin involvement.

Comparison between perimesencephalic nonaneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage and subarachnoid hemorrhage caused by posterior circulation aneurysms

2003 ◽  
Vol 98 (3) ◽  
pp. 529-535 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jose F. Alén ◽  
Alfonso Lagares ◽  
Ramiro D. Lobato ◽  
Pedro A. Gómez ◽  
Juan J. Rivas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽  
Cerebral Aneurysms ◽  
Clinical Syndrome ◽  
Posterior Circulation ◽  
Ct Scans ◽  
World Federation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Unenhanced Ct ◽  
Posterior Circulation Aneurysms ◽  
Fine Print

Object. Some authors have questioned the need to perform cerebral angiography in patients presenting with a benign clinical picture and a perimesencephalic pattern of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) on initial computerized tomography (CT) scans, because the low probability of finding an aneurysm does not justify exposing patients to the risks of angiography. It has been stated, however, that ruptured posterior circulation aneurysms may present with a perimesencephalic SAH pattern in up to 10% of cases. The aim of the present study was twofold: to define the frequency of the perimesencephalic SAH pattern in the setting of ruptured posterior fossa aneurysms, and to determine whether this clinical syndrome and pattern of bleeding could be reliably and definitely distinguished from that of aneurysmal SAH. Methods. Twenty-eight patients with ruptured posterior circulation aneurysms and 44 with nonaneurysmal perimesencephalic SAH were selected from a series of 408 consecutive patients with spontaneous SAH admitted to the authors' institution. The admission unenhanced CT scans were evaluated by a neuroradiologist in a blinded fashion and classified as revealing a perimesencephalic SAH or a nonperimesencephalic pattern of bleeding. Of the 28 patients with posterior circulation aneurysms, five whose grade was I according to the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies scale were classified as having a perimesencephalic SAH pattern on the initial CT scan. The data show that the likelihood of finding an aneurysm on angiographic studies obtained in a patient with a perimesencephalic SAH pattern is 8.9%. Conversely, ruptured aneurysms of the posterior circulation present with an early perimesencephalic SAH pattern in 16.6% of cases. Conclusions. This study supports the impression that there is no completely sensitive and specific CT pattern for a nonaneurysmal SAH. In addition, the authors believe that there is no specific clinical syndrome that can differentiate patients who have a perimesencephalic SAH pattern caused by an aneurysm from those without aneurysms. Digital subtraction angiography continues to be the gold standard for the diagnosis of cerebral aneurysms and should be performed even in patients who have the characteristic perimesencephalic SAH pattern on admission CT scans.

scholarly journals Utility of the Hijdra Sum Score in Predicting Risk of Aneurysm in Patients With Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Single-Center Experience With 550 Patients

Neurosurgery ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 86 (6) ◽  
pp. 783-791 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew J Kole ◽  
Phelan Shea ◽  
Jennifer S Albrecht ◽  
Gregory J Cannarsa ◽  
Aaron P Wessell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽  
Multivariable Analysis ◽  
Predictive Ability ◽  
Vascular Lesion ◽  
World Federation ◽  
Single Center ◽  
Single Center Experience ◽  
Cerebrospinal Fluid Diversion ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Cerebrovascular Imaging

Abstract BACKGROUND Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is most commonly caused by a ruptured vascular lesion. A significant number of patients presenting with SAH have no identifiable cause despite extensive cerebrovascular imaging at presentation. Significant neurological morbidity or mortality can result from misdiagnosis of aneurysm. OBJECTIVE To generate a model to assist in predicting the risk of aneurysm in this patient population. METHODS We conducted a retrospective study of all patients aged ≥18 yr admitted to a single center from March 2008 to March 2018 with nontraumatic SAH (n = 550). Patient information was compared between those with and without aneurysm to identify potential predictors. Odds ratios obtained from a logistic regression model were converted into scores which were summed and tested for predictive ability. RESULTS Female sex, higher modified Fisher or Hijdra score, nonperimesencephalic location, presence of intracerebral hemorrhage, World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) score ≥3, need for cerebrospinal fluid diversion on admission, and history of tobacco use were all entered into multivariable analysis. Greater modified Fisher, greater Hijdra score, WFNS ≥3, and hydrocephalus present on admission were significantly associated with the presence of an aneurysm. A model based on the Hijdra score and SAH location was generated and validated. CONCLUSION We show for the first time that the Hijdra score, in addition to other factors, may assist in identifying patients at risk for aneurysm on cerebrovascular imaging. A simple scoring tool based on patient sex, SAH location, and SAH burden can assist in predicting the presence of an aneurysm in patients with nontraumatic SAH.

scholarly journals The neuropsychological assessment battery (NAB) is a valuable tool for evaluating neuropsychological outcome after aneurysmatic subarachnoid hemorrhage

BMC Neurology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Johannes Walter ◽  
Martin Grutza ◽  
Lidia Vogt ◽  
Andreas Unterberg ◽  
Klaus Zweckberger
Keyword(s):  
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽  
Return To Work ◽  
Neuropsychological Assessment ◽  
Cognitive Assessment ◽  
Neuropsychological Deficits ◽  
Optimal Timing ◽  
Assessment Battery ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Neuropsychological Assessment Battery

Abstract Background Detecting and treating neuropsychological deficits after aneurysmatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) play a key role in regaining independence; however, detecting deficits relevant to social and professional reintegration has been difficult and optimal timing of assessments remains unclear. Therefore, we evaluated the feasibility of administering the Neuropsychological Assessment Battery screening module (NAB-S) to patients with aSAH, assessed its value in predicting the ability to return to work and characterized clinical as well as neuropsychological recovery over the period of 24 months. Methods A total of 104 consecutive patients treated for aSAH were recruited. After acute treatment, follow up visits were conducted at 3, 12 and 24 months after the hemorrhage. NAB-S, Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and physical examination were performed at each follow up visit. Results The NAB-S could be administered to 64.9, 75.9 and 88.9% of the patients at 3, 12 and 24 months, respectively. Moderate impairment of two or more neuropsychological domains (e.g speech, executive function, etc.) significantly correlated with inability to return to work at 12 and 24 months as well as poor outcome assessed by the extended Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOSE) at 3, 12 and 24 months. The number of patients with favorable outcomes significantly increased from 25.5% at discharge to 56.5 and 57.1% at 3 and 12 months, respectively, and further increased to 74.1% after 24 months. Conclusion The NAB-S can be administered to the majority of patients with aSAH and can effectively detect clinically relevant neuropsychological deficits. Clinical recovery after aSAH continues for at least 24 months after the hemorrhage which should be considered in the design of future clinical trials.

scholarly journals Decompressive craniectomy in patients with cerebral infarction due to malignant vasospasm after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

2012 ◽  
Vol 03 (03) ◽  
pp. 251-255 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saffet Tuzgen ◽  
Baris Kucukyuruk ◽  
Seckin Aydin ◽  
Fatma Ozlen ◽  
Osman Kizilkilic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽  
Cerebral Infarction ◽  
Decompressive Craniectomy ◽  
Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽  
Clinical Results ◽  
Cerebral Infarct ◽  
World Federation ◽  
Life Saving

ABSTRACT Aim: The authors present their experience and the clinical results in decompressive craniectomy (DC) in patients with vasospasm after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Materials and Methods: Between 2002 and 2010, six patients underwent DC due to cerebral infarct and edema secondary to vasospasm after aneurysmal SAH. Four patients were male, and two were female. The age of patients ranged between 33 and 60 (mean: 47,6 ± 11,4). The follow up period ranged between 12 to 104 months (mean: 47,6 ± 36,6). The SAH grading according World Federation of Neurosurgeons (WFNS) score ranged between 3 to 5. Results: Last documented modified Rankin Score (mRS) ranged between 2 to 6. One patient died in the following year after decompression due to pneumonia and sepsis. Two patients had moderate disability (mRS of 4) and three patients continue their life with minimal deficit and no major dependency (mRS score 2 and 3). Conclusion: DC can be a life-saving procedure which provides a better outcome in patients with cerebral infarction secondary to vasospasm and SAH. However, the small number of the patients in this study is the main limitation of the accuracy of the results, and more studies with larger numbers are required to evaluate the efficiency of DC in this group of patients.

scholarly journals The clinical profile, management, and overall outcome of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage at the neurosurgical unit of a tertiary care center in India

2014 ◽  
Vol 5 (02) ◽  
pp. 118-126 ◽  
Author(s):  
Harsimrat Bir Singh Sodhi ◽  
Amey R. Savardekar ◽  
Sandeep Mohindra ◽  
Rajesh Chhabra ◽  
Vivek Gupta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽  
Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽  
Care Center ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
World Federation ◽  
Tertiary Care Center ◽  
Multinomial Regression ◽  
Poor Outcome

ABSTRACT Background and Purpose: Several studies report good outcomes in selected patients of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). The purpose of our study is to project the clinical characteristics, management, and overall outcome of patients with aSAH presenting to a tertiary care center in India. Materials and Methods: A prospective study was conducted over a period of 10 months and all patients presenting with aSAH were studied. Patients presenting in all grades and managed with any type of intervention or managed conservatively were included to characterize their clinical and radiological profile at admission, during management, and at discharge. Outcome was assessed with the Glasgow Outcome Score (GOS) at 3 months follow-up. Results: Out of the 482 patients [mean age: 51.3 (±13.5); M: F = 1:1], 330 patients were fit to be taken up for intervention of the ruptured aneurysm, while 152 patients were unfit for any intervention. At 3 months follow-up, good outcome (GOS 4 and 5) was observed in 159 (33%), poor outcome (GOS 2 and 3) in 53 (11%), and death in 219 (45.4%) patients, while 51 patients (10.6%) were lost to follow-up. Most (95%) of the patients in the non-intervention group expired, and hence the high mortality rate, as we have analyzed the results of all patients of all grades, regardless of the treatment given. The predictors of poor outcome (GOS 1, 2, and 3) at 3 months follow-up, using multinomial regression model, were: World Federation of Neurological Surgeons (WFNS) grade IV and V (at admission and after adequate resuscitation) [odds ratio (OR): 35.1, 95% confidence interval (CI): 10.8-114.7] and presence of hypertension as a co-morbid illness [OR: 2.7, 95% CI: 1.6-5.6]. All patients showing acute infarction on computed tomography scan at presentation had a poor outcome. Conclusions: Despite recent advances in the treatment of patients with aSAH, the morbidity and mortality rates have failed to improve significantly in unselected patients and natural cohorts. This may be attributed to the natural history of aSAH, and calls for new strategies to diagnose and treat such patients before the catastrophe strikes.

Endovascular Treatment of Complex Aneurysms at the Vertebrobasilar Junction With Flow-Diverting Stents

Neurosurgery ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 73 (3) ◽  
pp. 386-394 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephan Meckel ◽  
William McAuliffe ◽  
David Fiorella ◽  
Christian A. Taschner ◽  
Constantine Phatouros ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽  
Endovascular Treatment ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Mass Effect ◽  
Complex Aneurysms ◽  
Brainstem Compression ◽  
Ischemic Complications ◽  
Vertebrobasilar Junction ◽  
Alternative Approaches

Abstract BACKGROUND: Large or giant complex vertebrobasilar junction aneurysms have a dismal natural history and are often challenging to treat with standard endovascular or neurosurgical techniques. OBJECTIVE: To report initial experience with endovascular treatment of these aneurysms using flow-diverting stents (FDS). METHODS: Ten patients with FDS treatment of complex vertebrobasilar junction aneurysms were collected from 4 large cerebrovascular centers. Clinical/angiographic presentation and outcome were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: Of 10 aneurysms, 7 presented with brainstem compression, 2 with ischemia, and 1 with subarachnoid hemorrhage, and 3 were recurrent after stent-assisted treatments. Eight were giant. Morphology was fusiform in 5, fusiform dissecting in 1, and multilobulated saccular in 4. Six were partially thrombosed. In addition to FDS (mean number of devices, 3.9; range, 1-9), contralateral vertebral artery sacrifice and adjunctive coiling were performed in 9 and 5 of the 10 patients, respectively. At follow-up, 5 of 10 were completely occluded, 4 showed minimal residual filling, and 1 was retreated with an additional FDS. Postinterventionally, worsening mass effect and ischemic complications were seen in 2 and 4 of 10, respectively. Clinical outcome was good in 6 (modified Rankin Scale score, 0-2). Four fatalities were related to sequelae of subarachnoid hemorrhage, late FDS thrombosis, progressive mass effect, and delayed intracranial hemorrhage. CONCLUSION: FDS may be used to treat complex vertebrobasilar junction aneurysms with overall good angiographic outcome. A combined reconstructive/deconstructive approach appears useful to avoid endoleaks. FDS strategies, like other endovascular and neurosurgical approaches to these lesions, are associated with significant risk and therefore should be reserved for those cases in which alternative approaches either are deemed unsafe or are likely to be ineffective.

Cognitive Functioning in Patients with Cerebral Aneurysms Measured with the Mini Mental State Examination and the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status

Neurosurgery ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 59 (4) ◽  
pp. 803-811 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph T. King ◽  
Michael L. DiLuna ◽  
Domenic V. Cicchetti ◽  
Joel Tsevat ◽  
Mark S. Roberts
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽  
Cognitive Functioning ◽  
Mental State ◽  
Mini Mental State Examination ◽  
Telephone Interview ◽  
Cerebral Aneurysms ◽  
Cognitive Status ◽  
State Examination

Abstract BACKGROUND: Clinicians and researchers use brief instruments, such as the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS), to measure cognitive functioning in patients with cerebral aneurysms. MMSE and TICS scores are often dichotomized to classify patients as cognitively impaired or not. Frequently, after an initial MMSE face-to-face evaluation, the TICS is used for follow-up assessments by telephone. METHODS: A cross-sectional cohort of patients with cerebral aneurysms completed the MMSE at baseline and the MMSE or TICS at the 12-month follow-up examination. Multivariate logistic regression adjusting for demographics was used to model cognitive impairment. MMSE and TICS results were compared using the MMSE as the “gold standard.” RESULTS: Eleven out of 171 (6%) patients had baseline MMSE scores less than 24, indicating cognitive impairment. Multivariate analysis showed that a history of subarachnoid hemorrhage was associated with cognitive impairment measured with the MMSE (odds ratio, 13.9; P = 0.021; C statistic = 0.87); there was no relationship between subarachnoid hemorrhage or treatment and TICS cognitive impairment (i.e., score < 27). In patients without recent or interim invasive interventions that might affect cognition (n = 65), raw baseline MMSE and 12-month TICS scores had fair correlations (r = 0.30, P = 0.015); however, dichotomized scores had poor agreement, and TICS sensitivity and positive predictive value was 0% compared with the MMSE. CONCLUSION: The MMSE may be more sensitive than the TICS to the effects of subarachnoid hemorrhage on cognitive functioning. Raw MMSE and TICS scores are well correlated, but dichotomized MMSE and TICS scores are probably not interchangeable in this patient population.

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