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.

The poor prognosis of ruptured intracranial aneurysms of the posterior circulation

1995 ◽  
Vol 82 (5) ◽  
pp. 791-795 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wouter I. Schievink ◽  
Eelco F. M. Wijdicks ◽  
David G. Piepgras ◽  
Chu-Pin Chu ◽  
W. Michael O'Fallon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽  
Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽  
Initial Period ◽  
Posterior Circulation ◽  
Medical Record Linkage ◽  
Anterior Circulation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Clinical Series ◽  
Posterior Circulation Aneurysms ◽  
Fine Print

✓ The first 48 hours after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage are critical in determining final outcome. However, most patients who die during this initial period are not included in hospital-based studies. We investigated the occurrence of subarachnoid hemorrhage in a population-based study to evaluate possible predictors of poor outcome. All patients diagnosed with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage between 1955 and 1984 were selected for analysis of mortality in the first 30 days using the medical record—linkage system employed for epidemiological studies in Rochester, Minnesota. One hundred and thirty-six patients were identified. The mean age of these 99 women and 37 men was 55 years. Rates for survival to 48 hours were 32% for the 19 patients with posterior circulation aneurysms, 77% for the 87 patients with anterior circulation aneurysms, and 70% for the 30 patients with a presumed aneurysm (p < 0.0001). Rates for survival to 30 days were 11%, 57%, and 53%, respectively, in these three patient groups (p < 0.0001). Clinical grade on admission to the hospital, the main variable predictive of death within 48 hours, was significantly worse in patients with posterior circulation aneurysms than in others (p < 0.0001). The prognosis of ruptured posterior circulation aneurysms is poor. The high early mortality explains why posterior circulation aneurysms are uncommon in most clinical series of patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage. The management of incidentally discovered intact posterior circulation aneurysms may be influenced by these findings.

Cerebral aneurysms in childhood and adolescence

1989 ◽  
Vol 70 (3) ◽  
pp. 420-425 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fredric B. Meyer ◽  
Thoralf M. Sundt ◽  
Nicolee C. Fode ◽  
Michael K. Morgan ◽  
Glen S. Forbes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽  
Vascular Malformations ◽  
Cerebral Aneurysms ◽  
Mass Effect ◽  
Posterior Circulation ◽  
Childhood And Adolescence ◽  
Postoperative Results ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Presenting Symptoms ◽  
Fine Print

✓ In this study, 24 aneurysms occurring in 23 patients under the age of 18 years (mean 12 years) are analyzed. The male:female ratio was 2.8:1, and the youngest patient was 3 months old. Mycotic lesions and those associated with other vascular malformations were excluded. Forty-two percent of the aneurysms were located in the posterior circulation, and 54% were giant aneurysms. Presenting symptoms included subarachnoid hemorrhage in 13 and mass effect in 11. Several of these aneurysms were documented to rapidly increase in size over a 3-month to 2-year period of observation. All aneurysms were surgically treated: direct clipping was performed in 14; trapping with bypass in four; trapping alone in four; and direct excision with end-to-end anastomosis in two. The postoperative results were excellent in 21 aneurysms (87%), good in two (8%), and poor in one. The pathogenesis of cerebral aneurysms is reviewed.

Clot volume and clearance rate as independent predictors of vasospasm after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

2004 ◽  
Vol 101 (2) ◽  
pp. 255-261 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher Reilly ◽  
Chris Amidei ◽  
Jocelyn Tolentino ◽  
Babak S. Jahromi ◽  
R. Loch Macdonald
Keyword(s):  
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽  
Clearance Rate ◽  
Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽  
Quantitative Imaging ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Ct Scans ◽  
Focal Neurological Deficit ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fisher Grade ◽  
Fine Print

Object. This study was conducted for two purposes. The first was to determine whether a combination of measurements of subarachnoid clot volume, clearance rate, and density could improve prediction of which patients experience vasospasm. The second was to determine if each of these three measures could be used independently to predict vasospasm. Methods. Digital files of the cranial computerized tomography (CT) scans obtained in 75 consecutive patients admitted within 24 hours of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) were analyzed in a blinded fashion by an observer who used quantitative imaging software to measure the volume of SAH and its density. Clot clearance rates were measured by quantifying SAH volume on subsequent CT scans. Vasospasm was defined as new onset of a focal neurological deficit or altered consciousness 5 to 12 days after SAH in the absence of other causes of deterioration, diagnosed with the aid of or exclusively by confirmatory transcranial Doppler ultrasonography and/or cerebral angiography. Univariate analysis showed that vasospasm was significantly associated with the SAH grade as classified on the Fisher scale, the initial clot volume, initial clot density, and percentage of clot cleared per day (p < 0.05). In multivariate analysis, initial clot volume and percentage of clot cleared per day were significant predictors of vasospasm (p < 0.05), whereas Fisher grade and initial clot density were not. Conclusions. Quantitative analysis of subarachnoid clot shows that vasospasm is best predicted by initial subarachnoid clot volume and the percentage of clot cleared per day.

Use of spiral computerized tomography angiography in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage in whom subtraction angiography did not reveal cerebral aneurysms

2000 ◽  
Vol 92 (2) ◽  
pp. 278-283 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hiroyuki Hashimoto ◽  
Jun-Ichi Iida ◽  
Yasuo Hironaka ◽  
Masato Okada ◽  
Toshisuke Sakaki
Keyword(s):  
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽  
Ct Angiography ◽  
Cerebral Aneurysms ◽  
Spiral Ct ◽  
The Other ◽  
Anterior Communicating Artery ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Spiral Ct Angiography ◽  
Spiral Computerized Tomography ◽  
Fine Print

Object. Patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in whom angiography does not demonstrate diagnostic findings sometimes suffer recurrent disease and actually harbor undetected cerebral aneurysms. The management strategy for such cases remains controversial, but technological advances in spiral computerized tomography (CT) angiography are changing the picture. The purpose of this prospective study was to examine how spiral CT angiography can contribute to the detection of cerebral aneurysms that cannot be visualized on angiography.Methods. In 134 consecutive patients with SAH, a prospective search for the source of bleeding was performed using digital subtraction (DS) and spiral CT angiography. In 21 patients in whom initial DS angiography yielded no diagnostic findings, spiral CT angiography was performed within 3 days. Patients in whom CT angiography provided no diagnostic results underwent second and third DS angiography sessions after approximately 2 weeks and 6 months, respectively.Six patients with perimesencephalic SAH were included in the 21 cases. Six of the other 15 patients had small cerebral aneurysms detectable by spiral CT angiography, five involving the anterior communicating artery and one the middle cerebral artery. Two patients in whom initial angiograms did not demonstrate diagnostic findings proved to have a ruptured dissecting aneurysm of the vertebral artery; in one case this was revealed at autopsy and in the other during the second DS angiography session. A third DS angiography session revealed no diagnostic results in 13 patients.Conclusions. Spiral CT angiography was useful in the detection of cerebral aneurysms in patients with SAH in whom angiography revealed no diagnostic findings. Anterior communicating artery aneurysms are generally well hidden in these types of SAH cases. A repeated angiography session was warranted in patients with nonperimesencephalic SAH and in whom initial angiography revealed no diagnostic findings, although a third session was thought to be superfluous.

Endovascular treatment of ruptured posterior circulation aneurysms using electrolytically detachable coils

1997 ◽  
Vol 87 (3) ◽  
pp. 374-380 ◽  
Author(s):  
Douglas A. Nichols ◽  
Robert D. Brown ◽  
Kent R. Thielen ◽  
Fredric B. Meyer ◽  
John L. D. Atkinson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endovascular Treatment ◽  
Balloon Occlusion ◽  
Additional Treatment ◽  
Posterior Circulation ◽  
Parent Artery ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Detachable Coils ◽  
Posterior Circulation Aneurysms ◽  
Fine Print

✓ The authors report their experience using electrolytically detachable coils for the treatment of ruptured posterior circulation aneurysms. Twenty-six patients with 28 posterior circulation aneurysms were treated. All patients were referred for endovascular treatment by experienced vascular neurosurgeons. Patients underwent follow-up angiography immediately after treatment, 1 to 6 weeks posttreatment, and 6 months posttreatment. Six-month follow-up angiograms obtained in 19 patients with 20 aneurysms demonstrated that 18 (90%) of the 20 aneurysms were 99 to 100% occluded, one aneurysm (5%) was approximately 90% occluded, and one aneurysm (5%) was approximately 75% occluded. The patient with the aneurysm that was approximately 75% occluded needed additional treatment, consisting of parent artery balloon occlusion, and was considered a treatment failure (3.8% of patients). There was one treatment-associated mortality (3.8%) but no treatment-associated serious neurological or nonneurological morbidity in the patient group. There was no recurrent aneurysm rupture during treatment or during the mean 27-month follow-up period. Endovascular treatment of ruptured posterior circulation aneurysms with electrolytically detachable coils can be accomplished with low morbidity and mortality rates. The primary goal of treatment—preventing recurrent aneurysm—can be achieved over the short term. Endovascular coil occlusion will play an important role in the treatment of ruptured posterior circulation aneurysms, particularly if long-term efficacy in preventing recurrent aneurysm hemorrhage can be documented.

Aneurysms of the posterior circulation: detection and treatment planning using volume-rendered three-dimensional helical computerized tomography angiography

2005 ◽  
Vol 103 (6) ◽  
pp. 1018-1029 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Pablo Villablanca ◽  
Adina Achiriolaie ◽  
Parizad Hooshi ◽  
Neil Martin ◽  
Gary Duckwiler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Planning ◽  
Ct Angiography ◽  
Computerized Tomography ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Posterior Circulation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Computerized Tomography Angiography ◽  
Posterior Circulation Aneurysms ◽  
Fine Print

Object. The aim of this study was to determine whether computerized tomography (CT) angiography could be used to identify and characterize aneurysms of the posterior circulation and guide optimal treatment selection, and how data obtained using this method compared with intraoperative findings. Methods. Patients suspected of harboring brain aneurysms underwent CT angiography and digital subtraction (DS) angiography; the results were prospectively interpreted by blinded independent evaluators. All patients with posterior circulation aneurysms were consecutively enrolled in the study. After treatment, neurosurgeons and endovascular therapists evaluated the ability of CT and DS angiography to demonstrate features of the lesions important for triage between treatment options (Wilcoxon signed-rank test) and to allow for coil or clip preselection and complete treatment planning (McNemar test of proportions), while using intraoperative findings as the basis of truth. In 242 patients overall, CT angiography detected 38 aneurysms and two aneurysmal blisters in 32 patients. The sensitivity of CT angiography in revealing posterior circulation aneurysms was 100% compared with DS angiography, with no false-positive results. Furthermore, CT angiography was sufficient as the sole study at triage for 65% of the posterior circulation aneurysms (26 of 40 lesions; p < 0.001), including 62% of the complex lesions (p < 0.001), and permitted coil or clip preselection in 74% of treated cases (20 of 27 cases; p < 0.002). Results of CT angiography revealed information about mural calcification and intraluminal thrombus not available on DS angiography, which affected patient care. Conclusions. In this study population, CT angiography was comparable to DS angiography in the detection and characterization of aneurysms of the posterior circulation. Computerized tomography angiography was used successfully to triage patients between endovascular and neurosurgical treatment options in a significant proportion of cases and permitted treatment planning in more than 70% of treated cases.

Cranial base approaches to posterior circulation aneurysms

1997 ◽  
Vol 87 (4) ◽  
pp. 544-554 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Diaz Day ◽  
Takanori Fukushima ◽  
Steven L. Giannotta
Keyword(s):  
Surgical Management ◽  
Cranial Base ◽  
Posterior Circulation ◽  
Management Options ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Technical Challenge ◽  
Complex Aneurysms ◽  
Posterior Circulation Aneurysms ◽  
Vertebrobasilar Circulation ◽  
Fine Print

✓ Aneurysms arising from the posterior circulation, especially when they are large and complex, continue to present a technical challenge. The development of cranial base strategies and principles has added to surgical management options. The authors used one of four cranial base approaches for the treatment of 30 patients with large and/or complex aneurysms arising from the vertebrobasilar circulation. These approaches included the extradural temporopolar, combined petrosal, retrolabyrinthine—transsigmoid, and the extreme-lateral inferior transtubercular exposure. The indications, technique, and results of each approach in this series are discussed, and a management paradigm is suggested for such aneurysms.

Immediate administration of tranexamic acid and reduced incidence of early rebleeding after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a prospective randomized study

2002 ◽  
Vol 97 (4) ◽  
pp. 771-778 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan Hillman ◽  
Steen Fridriksson ◽  
Ola Nilsson ◽  
Zhengquan Yu ◽  
Hans Säveland ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽  
Tranexamic Acid ◽  
Hospital Admission ◽  
Acid Treatment ◽  
Aneurysm Rupture ◽  
Clinical Findings ◽  
Ct Scans ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fisher Grade ◽  
Fine Print

Object. By pursuing a policy of very early aneurysm treatment in neurosurgical centers, in-hospital rebleeds can be virtually eliminated. Nonetheless, as many as 15% of patients with aneurysm rupture suffer ultraearly rebleeding with high mortality rates, and these individuals are beyond the reach of even the most ambitious protocol for diagnosis and referral. Only drugs given immediately after the diagnosis of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) has been established at the local hospital level can, in theory, contribute to the minimization of such ultraearly rebleeding. The object of this randomized, prospective, multicenter study was to assess the efficacy of short-term antifibrinolytic treatment with tranexamic acid in preventing rebleeding. Methods. Only patients suffering SAH verified on computerized tomography (CT) scans within 48 hours prior to the first hospital admission were included. A 1-g dose of tranexamic acid was given intravenously as soon as diagnosis of SAH had been verified in the local hospitals (before the patients were transported), followed by doses of 1 g every 6 hours until the aneurysm was occluded; this treatment did not exceed 72 hours. In this study, 254 patients received tranexamic acid and 251 patients were randomized as controls. Age, sex, Hunt and Hess and Fisher grade distributions, as well as aneurysm locations, were congruent between the groups. Outcome was assessed at 6 months post-SAH by using the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS). Vasospasm and delayed ischemic neurological deficits were classified according to clinical findings as well as by transcranial Doppler (TCD) studies. All events classified as rebleeding were verified on CT scans or during surgery. Conclusions. More than 90% of patients reached the neurosurgical center within 12 hours of their first hospital admission after SAH; 70% of all aneurysms were clipped or coils were inserted within 24 hours of the first hospital admission. Given the protocol, only one rebleed occurred later than 24 hours after the first hospital admission. Despite this strong emphasis on early intervention, however, a cluster of 27 very early rebleeds still occurred in the control group within hours of randomization into the study, and 13 of these patients died. In the tranexamic acid group, six patients rebled and two died. A reduction in the rebleeding rate from 10.8 to 2.4% and an 80% reduction in the mortality rate from early rebleeding with tranexamic acid treatment can therefore be inferred. Favorable outcome according to the GOS increased from 70.5 to 74.8%. According to TCD measurements and clinical findings, there were no indications of increased risk of either ischemic clinical manifestations or vasospasm that could be linked to tranexamic acid treatment. Neurosurgical guidelines for aneurysm rupture should extend also into the preneurosurgical phase to guarantee protection from ultraearly rebleeds. Currently available antifibrinolytic drugs can provide such protection, and at low cost. The number of potentially saved lives exceeds those lost to vasospasm.

Ultra-early surgery for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: outcomes for a consecutive series of 391 patients not selected by grade or age

2002 ◽  
Vol 97 (2) ◽  
pp. 250-258 ◽  
Author(s):  
John D. Laidlaw ◽  
Kevin H. Siu
Keyword(s):  
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽  
Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽  
Early Surgery ◽  
World Federation ◽  
Consecutive Series ◽  
Surgical Clipping ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Ruptured Aneurysms ◽  
Unselected Group ◽  
Fine Print

Object. This study was undertaken to determine the outcomes in an unselected group of patients treated with semiurgent surgical clipping of aneurysms following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Methods. A clinical management outcome audit was conducted to determine outcomes in a group of 391 consecutive patients who were treated with a consistent policy of ultra-early surgery (all patients treated within 24 hours after SAH and 85% of them within 12 hours). All neurological grades were included, with 45% of patients having poor grades (World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies [WFNS] Grades IV and V). Patients were not selected on the basis of age; their ages ranged between 15 and 93 years and 19% were older than 70 years. The series included aneurysms located in both anterior and posterior circulations. Eighty-eight percent of all patients underwent surgery and only 2.5% of the series were selectively withdrawn (by family request) from the prescribed surgical treatment. In patients with good grades (WFNS Grades I–III) the 3-month postoperative outcomes were independence (good outcome) in 84% of cases, dependence (poor outcome) in 8% of cases, and death in 9%. In patients with poor grades the outcomes were independence in 40% of cases, dependence in 15% of cases, and death in 45%. There was a 12% rate of rebleeding with all cases of rebleeding occurring within the first 12 hours after SAH; however, outcomes of independence were achieved in 46% of cases in which rebleeding occurred (43% mortality rate). Rebleeding was more common in patients with poor grades (20% experienced rebleeding, whereas only 5% of patients with good grades experienced rebleeding). Conclusions. The major risk of rebleeding after SAH is present within the first 6 to 12 hours. This risk of ultra-early re-bleeding is highest for patients with poor grades. Securing ruptured aneurysms by surgery or coil placement on an emergency basis for all patients with SAH has a strong rational argument.

Blood transfusion and increased risk for vasospasm and poor outcome after subarachnoid hemorrhage

2004 ◽  
Vol 101 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle J. Smith ◽  
Peter D. Le Roux ◽  
J. Paul Elliott ◽  
H. Richard Winn
Keyword(s):  
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽  
Blood Transfusion ◽  
Smoking Status ◽  
Ct Scans ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Poor Outcome ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Confounding Variables ◽  
Rbc Transfusion ◽  
Fine Print

Object. Nitric oxide (NO) metabolism may influence vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). It has been demonstrated in recent studies that erythrocytes carry NO for release in vessels, whereas transfused erythrocytes may lack stored NO. Several converging lines of evidence also indicate that blood transfusion may exacerbate poor outcomes in some critically ill patients. In this study the authors hypothesized that patients with SAH who received red blood cell (RBC) transfusions were at greater risk for vasospasm and poor outcome. Methods. The authors retrospectively reviewed a prospective observational database, including hospital records, computerized tomography (CT) scans, and pre- and postoperative four-vessel angiograms, in which the management methods used in 441 patients undergoing surgery for ruptured cerebral aneurysms were described. Two hundred seventy patients (61.2%) received an RBC transfusion during their hospital stay. After adjustment for Hunt and Hess grade, SAH grade on CT scans, delay between rupture and surgery, smoking status, and intraoperative aneurysm rupture, a worse outcome was more likely in patients who received intraoperative blood (odds ratio [OR] 2.44, confidence interval [CI] 1.32–4.52; 120 patients). Intraoperative RBC transfusion did not influence subsequent angiographically confirmed vasospasm (OR 0.92, CI 0.6–1.4). Worse outcome was observed in patients who received blood postoperatively (OR 1.81, CI 1.21–2.7), but not after adjustments were made for confounding variables (OR 1.48, CI 0.83–2.63). Angiographic vasospasm was observed in 217 patients and, after adjusting for confounding variables, was more frequent among patients who received postoperative RBC transfusion (OR 1.68, CI 1.02–2.75). Among patients in whom angiographically confirmed vasospasm developed there was a tendency to have received more blood than in those with no vasospasm; however, a clear dose-dependent response was not observed. Conclusions. Development of angiographically confirmed vasospasm after SAH is associated with postoperative RBC transfusion and worse outcome is associated with intraoperative RBC transfusion. Before blood is transfused, patients with SAH should be carefully assessed to determine if they are symptomatic because of anemia.

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