1
|
Collins L, Lam L, Kleinig O, Proudman W, Zhang R, Bagster M, Kovoor J, Gupta A, Goh R, Bacchi S, Schultz D, Kleinig T. Verapamil in the treatment of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome: A systematic review. J Clin Neurosci 2023; 113:130-141. [PMID: 37267876 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2023.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Extrapolating from efficacy in subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH), nimodipine has been used as a treatment for reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS). However, 4-hourly dosing is a practical limitation and verapamil has been proposed as an alternative. The potential efficacy, adverse effects, preferred dosing and formulation of verapamil for RCVS have not been systematically reviewed previously. METHOD A systematic review was conducted of the databases PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library from inception to July 2022 for peer-reviewed articles describing the use of verapamil for RCVS. This systematic review adheres to the PRISMA guidelines and was registered on PROSPERO. RESULTS There were 58 articles included in the review, which included 56 patients with RCVS treated with oral verapamil and 15 patients treated with intra-arterial verapamil. The most common oral verapamil dosing regimen was controlled release 120 mg once daily. There were 54/56 patients described to have improvement in headache following oral verapamil and one patient who died from worsening RCVS. Only 2/56 patients noted possible adverse effects with oral verapamil, with none requiring discontinuation. There was one case of hypotension from combined oral and intra-arterial verapamil. Vascular complications including ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke were recorded in 33/56 patients. RCVS recurrence was described in 9 patients, with 2 cases upon weaning oral verapamil. CONCLUSIONS While no randomised studies exist to support the use of verapamil in RCVS, observational data support a possible clinical benefit. Verapamil appears well tolerated in this setting and represents a reasonable treatment option. Randomised controlled trials including comparison with nimodipine are warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luke Collins
- Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia.
| | - Lydia Lam
- University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | | | | | - Ruyi Zhang
- Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia
| | - Michelle Bagster
- University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; Lyell McEwin Hospital, Elizabeth Vale, SA 5112, Australia
| | - Joshua Kovoor
- University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Aashray Gupta
- University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Rudy Goh
- Lyell McEwin Hospital, Elizabeth Vale, SA 5112, Australia
| | - Stephen Bacchi
- Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia; University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - David Schultz
- Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia
| | - Timothy Kleinig
- University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
RCVS: by clinicians for clinicians-a narrative review. J Neurol 2023; 270:673-688. [PMID: 36305970 PMCID: PMC9615630 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-022-11425-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome may be underdiagnosed. It can be accompanied by various complications, mainly intracerebral hemorrhage and ischemic stroke. The clinical presentation of this condition varies according to its localization. The aims of this review are to raise awareness of the disease, especially in the presence of corresponding risk factors; to connect its precipitating factors, pathophysiology, and complications; and to compare various differential diagnoses of vasoconstriction. METHODS A review of the literature in PubMed/MEDLINE and Google Scholar was conducted from May 1997 until May 2022. RESULTS Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome, which is a clinical-radiological syndrome, is mainly characterized by the occurrence of thunderclap headache and widespread vasoconstriction. The most common precipitating factors are the use of vasoactive substances and postpartum status. The pathophysiology is currently assumed to include two mechanisms: sympathetic overactivity and endothelial dysfunction. From these mechanisms, it is possible to derive potential complications as well as the most important differential diagnoses: posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, convexity subarachnoid hemorrhage, ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, and primary angiitis of the central nervous system. CONCLUSION In general, the outcome of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome is very good. Vasospasm as well as thunderclap headache attacks can be fully reversible, and > 90% of patients are functionally independent at discharge.
Collapse
|
3
|
Lin C, Zhao Y, Wan G, Zhu A, Wang H. Effects of simvastatin and taurine on delayed cerebral vasospasm following subarachnoid hemorrhage in rabbits. Exp Ther Med 2016; 11:1355-1360. [PMID: 27073449 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2016.3082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2014] [Accepted: 09/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the current study was to observe the effects of simvastatin and taurine on delayed cerebral vasospasm (DCVS) following experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in rabbits. A total of 48 New Zealand white rabbits were allocated at random into four groups (control, SAH, SAH + simvastatin and SAH + taurine groups; n=12 each). The rabbit model of DCVS was established using a double hemorrhage method, which involved injecting autologous arterial blood into the cisterna magna in the SAH groups. The SAH + simvastatin group was administered oral simvastatin (5 mg/kg) daily between days 0-6. The SAH + taurine group was administered oral taurine (50 mg/kg) daily between days 0-6. Starch (50 mg/kg) was administered orally to the animals in the other two groups (control and SAH groups). The control group were not subjected to any other injections or treatment. The internal diameter and internal diameter/wall thickness of the basilar artery (BA) were measured. The expression levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 were determined using immunohistochemical and quantitative polymerase chain reaction methods following the sacrifice of all animals on day 7. The activity of nuclear factor (NF)-κB in the BA was also measured using an electrophoretic mobility shift assay. The BA walls in the SAH + simvastatin and SAH + taurine groups exhibited reduced narrowing and corrugation of the tunica elastica interna compared with the SAH group. At the protein and cDNA levels, it was found that cerebral vasospasm of the BA in the SAH + simvastatin and SAH + taurine groups was alleviated, as indicated by the reduced expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and NF-κB compared with the SAH group (P<0.05). In conclusion, simvastatin and taurine reduced DCVS following SAH in rabbits, which suggests that these compounds may exert anti-inflammatory effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Lin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, P.R. China; Department of Neurosurgery, Civil Aviation General Hospital, Beijing 100123, P.R. China
| | - Yuanli Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, P.R. China
| | - Gang Wan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Civil Aviation General Hospital, Beijing 100123, P.R. China
| | - Anlin Zhu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Civil Aviation General Hospital, Beijing 100123, P.R. China
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Miller TR, Shivashankar R, Mossa-Basha M, Gandhi D. Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome, Part 2: Diagnostic Work-Up, Imaging Evaluation, and Differential Diagnosis. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2015; 36:1580-8. [PMID: 25614476 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a4215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The diagnostic evaluation of a patient with reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome integrates clinical, laboratory, and radiologic findings. Imaging plays an important role by confirming the presence of cerebral vasoconstriction; monitoring potential complications such as ischemic stroke; and suggesting alternative diagnoses, including CNS vasculitis and aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. Noninvasive vascular imaging, including transcranial Doppler sonography and MR angiography, has played an increasingly important role in this regard, though conventional angiography remains the criterion standard for the evaluation of cerebral artery vasoconstriction. Newer imaging techniques, including high-resolution vessel wall imaging, may help in the future to better discriminate reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome from primary angiitis of the CNS, an important clinical distinction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T R Miller
- From the Department of Diagnostic Radiology (T.R.M., R.S., D.G.), Section of Neuroradiology, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - R Shivashankar
- From the Department of Diagnostic Radiology (T.R.M., R.S., D.G.), Section of Neuroradiology, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - M Mossa-Basha
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology (M.M.-B.), Section of Neuroradiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - D Gandhi
- From the Department of Diagnostic Radiology (T.R.M., R.S., D.G.), Section of Neuroradiology, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Suzuki M, Yoneda H, Ishihara H, Shirao S, Nomura S, Koizumi H, Suehiro E, Goto H, Sadahiro H, Maruta Y, Inoue T, Oka F. Adverse events after unruptured cerebral aneurysm treatment: a single-center experience with clipping/coil embolization combined units. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2014; 24:223-31. [PMID: 25440336 DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2014.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2014] [Revised: 08/14/2014] [Accepted: 08/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Indications of clipping (Clip) or coil embolization (Coil) for unruptured cerebral aneurysms (uAN) was not elaborated because prediction of rupture and risk of treatment are difficult. This study aims to determine the risk-benefit analysis of treating uAN by a comprehensive and retrospective investigation of the adverse events and sequelae in patients treated by our Clip/Coil combined units. METHODS Clip and Coil were performed in 141 and 80 patients, respectively; Clip for middle cerebral artery AN and Coil for paraclinoid or basilar apex AN. Worsening of modified Rankin scale or mini-mental state examination was defined as major morbidity. Minor morbidity or transient morbidity was defined as other neurologic deficits. Mortality and these morbidities were considered as serious adverse events. Convulsion or events outside the brain were defined as mild adverse events. RESULTS Total mortality and major morbidity were low. Incidence of serious adverse events was not significantly different between the Clip and Coil (17 patients [12.1%] and 6 patients [7.5%]), but the number of total adverse events was significantly different (32 patients [22.7%] in Clip vs. 8 patients [10.0%] in Coil). Because mild morbidities were significantly more frequent in the Clip (20 patients [14.2%]) compared with the Coil (2 patients [2.5%]). Convulsion occurred in 11 (7.8%) patients in the Clip but none in the Coil. CONCLUSIONS Our combined unit decreased the occurrence of mortality/major morbidity; however, minor adverse effects were common, especially in the Clip group because of many intrinsic problems of Clip itself. This result suggests further consideration for the treatment modality for uAN.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michiyasu Suzuki
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Japan.
| | - Hiroshi Yoneda
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Ishihara
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Japan
| | - Satoshi Shirao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Japan
| | - Sadahiro Nomura
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Japan
| | - Hiroyasu Koizumi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Japan
| | - Eiichi Suehiro
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Japan
| | - Hisaharu Goto
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Sadahiro
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Japan
| | - Yuichi Maruta
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Japan
| | - Takao Inoue
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Japan
| | - Fumiaki Oka
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Devenney E, Neale H, Forbes RB. A systematic review of causes of sudden and severe headache (Thunderclap Headache): should lists be evidence based? J Headache Pain 2014; 15:49. [PMID: 25123846 PMCID: PMC4231167 DOI: 10.1186/1129-2377-15-49] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2014] [Accepted: 06/03/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background There are many potential causes of sudden and severe headache (thunderclap headache), the most important of which is aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage. Published academic reviews report a wide range of causes. We sought to create a definitive list of causes, other than aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage, using a systematic review. Methods Systematic Review of EMBASE and MEDLINE databases using pre-defined search criteria up to September 2009. We extracted data from any original research paper or case report describing a case of someone presenting with a sudden and severe headache, and summarized the published causes. Results Our search identified over 21,000 titles, of which 1224 articles were scrutinized in full. 213 articles described 2345 people with sudden and severe headache, and we identified 6 English language academic review articles. A total of 119 causes were identified, of which 46 (38%) were not mentioned in published academic review articles. Using capture-recapture analysis, we estimate that our search was 98% complete. There is only one population-based estimate of the incidence of sudden and severe headache at 43 cases per 100,000. In cohort studies, the most common causes identified were primary headaches or headaches of uncertain cause. Vasoconstriction syndromes are commonly mentioned in case reports or case series. The most common cause not mentioned in academic reviews was pneumocephalus. 70 non-English language articles were identified but these did not contain additional causes. Conclusions There are over 100 different published causes of sudden and severe headache, other than aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage. We have now made a definitive list of causes for future reference which we intend to maintain. There is a need for an up to date population based description of cause of sudden and severe headache as the modern epidemiology of thunderclap headache may require updating in the light of research on cerebral vasoconstriction syndromes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Raeburn B Forbes
- Department of Neurology and Medical Library, Craigavon Area Hospital, Southern HSC Trust, County Armagh, Northern Ireland BT63 5QQ, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Robert T, Kawkabani Marchini A, Oumarou G, Uské A. Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome identification of prognostic factors. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2013; 115:2351-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2013.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2013] [Revised: 08/10/2013] [Accepted: 08/14/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
|
8
|
Abstract
Recurrent thunderclap headaches, seizures, strokes, and non-aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage can all reveal reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome. This increasingly recognised syndrome is characterised by severe headaches, with or without other symptoms, and segmental constriction of cerebral arteries that resolves within 3 months. Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome is supposedly due to a transient disturbance in the control of cerebrovascular tone. More than half the cases occur post partum or after exposure to adrenergic or serotonergic drugs. Manifestations have a uniphasic course, and vary from pure cephalalgic forms to rare catastrophic forms associated with several haemorrhagic and ischaemic strokes, brain oedema, and death. Diagnosis can be hampered by the dynamic nature of clinicoradiological features. Stroke can occur a few days after initial normal imaging, and cerebral vasoconstriction is at a maximum on angiograms 2-3 weeks after clinical onset. The calcium channel blocker nimodipine seems to reduce thunderclap headaches within 48 h of administration, but has no proven effect on haemorrhagic and ischaemic complications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne Ducros
- Emergency Headache Centre, Head and Neck Clinic, Lariboisière Hospital, Paris, France.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Noda K, Fukae J, Fujishima K, Mori K, Urabe T, Hattori N, Okuma Y. Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome presenting as subarachnoid hemorrhage, reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy, and cerebral infarction. Intern Med 2011; 50:1227-33. [PMID: 21628940 DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.50.4812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) is characterized by acute severe headache with or without additional neurological symptoms and reversible cerebral vasoconstriction. Unruptured aneurysm has been reported in some cases with RCVS. We report a severe case of a 53-year-old woman with RCVS having an unruptured cerebral aneurysm and presenting as cortical subarachnoid hemorrhage, reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome, and cerebral infarction. She was successfully treated with corticosteroids and a calcium channel blocker and the aneurysm was clipped. Her various complications are due to the responsible vasoconstriction that started distally and progressed towards proximal arteries. This case demonstrates the spectrum of presentations of RCVS, a clinically complicated condition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kazuyuki Noda
- Department of Neurology, Juntendo University Shizuoka Hospital, Japan.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Hantson P, Forget P. Reversible cerebral vasospasm, multilobular intracerebral hemorrhages, and nonaneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: review of possible interrelationships. Curr Pain Headache Rep 2010; 14:228-32. [PMID: 20425193 DOI: 10.1007/s11916-010-0106-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
"Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome" (RCVS) is a recently described entity that is mainly characterized by the association of severe ("thunderclap") headaches with or without additional neurological symptoms and diffuse, multifocal, segmental narrowings involving large and medium-sized cerebral arteries. By definition, angiographic abnormalities disappear within 3 months. The clinical course is usually benign, with a higher prevalence in young women. RCVS is idiopathic in the majority of the cases. However, recent papers have outlined the role of precipitating factors, including the use of vasoactive substances. Some patients, nevertheless, have a more severe clinical course with transient or permanent ischemic events. Hemorrhagic complications appear to have been underestimated. They are usually restricted to circumscribed cortical subarachnoid hemorrhage, in the absence of any ruptured cerebral aneurysm. This limited bleeding is unlikely at the origin of the diffuse vasoconstriction. The finding of an unruptured cerebral aneurysm in RCVS patients is probably incidental. An overlap is possible between RCVS and other syndromes such as posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome. There is no standardized treatment regimen for RCVS patients. It appears rational to further investigate the efficacy and safety of the calcium-channel antagonist nimodipine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Hantson
- Department of Intensive Care, Cliniques St-Luc, Avenue Hippocrate, 10, 1200, Brussels, Belgium.
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Brami F, Domigo V, Godon-Hardy S, Trystram D, Oppenheim C, Méder JF. [Clinical and imaging features of diffuse cerebral vasoconstriction]. JOURNAL DE RADIOLOGIE 2009; 90:1731-1736. [PMID: 19953061 DOI: 10.1016/s0221-0363(09)73272-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To report clinical and imaging features of diffuse cerebral vasoconstriction and to discuss the role of non-invasive imaging modalities for the diagnosis and the follow-up. PATIENTS AND METHODS Retrospective study including 13 consecutive patients with a diffuse cerebral vasoconstriction. Evaluation of the sensitivity of Doppler US and magnetic resonance angiography for the diagnosis. RESULTS The diagnosis is based on the association of a thunderclap headache, declenching factors found in 50% of cases and of stenosis involving middle and small cerebra arteries. In some cases cerebral hemorrhage may be present. DISCUSSION Diffuse cerebral vasoconstriction is a rare cause of thunder clap headhache, which needs to exclude other causes such as subarchnoid hemorrhage from aneurysm rupture. Non contrast CT of the head, frequently normal, may be falsely reassuring. It is therefore necessary to further assess the cerebral arteries to exclude an aneurysm but also to detect the presence of stenoses that would suggest the diagnosis. Non-invasive imaging modalities (MRA and Doppler US) are favored for detection and follow-up of proximal lesions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F Brami
- Service d'Imagerie Médicale, Centre Hospitalier Sainte-Anne, Paris Cedex 14, France.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Forget P, Goffette P, van de Wyngaert F, Raftopoulos C, Hantson P. Possible overlap between reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome and symptomatic vasospasm after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. J Headache Pain 2009; 10:299-302. [PMID: 19381433 PMCID: PMC3451750 DOI: 10.1007/s10194-009-0120-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2009] [Accepted: 04/01/2009] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A 34-year-old woman with a previous history of severe headache ("thunderclap") was admitted with a diagnosis of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The patient developed symptomatic vasospasm on day 5 that resolved rapidly after having increased arterial blood pressure. She experienced also short-lasting excruciating headache. On day 12, while velocities had normalised, as revealed by transcranial Doppler (TCD), for more than 48 h, she developed aphasia and right hemiplegia associated with diffuse segmental vasospasm on the left middle cerebral artery. Intra-arterial infusion of vasodilatory agents was required. Recurrence of symptomatic vasospasm was noted on day 25, with a great number of territories involved as shown in the cerebral angiogram. A second intra-arterial treatment was needed. The patient complained of multiple episodes of extremely severe headache ("thunderclap"), with also transient dysarthria and hemiparesia on day 30. She was discharged on day 38 after full recovery. The clinical and TCD/radiological findings were consistent with a reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome overlapping SAH related symptomatic vasospasm.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrice Forget
- Department of Intensive Care, Cliniques St-Luc, Université catholique de Louvain, Avenue Hippocrate, 10, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pierre Goffette
- Department of Neuroradiology, Cliniques St-Luc, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Christian Raftopoulos
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cliniques St-Luc, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Philippe Hantson
- Department of Intensive Care, Cliniques St-Luc, Université catholique de Louvain, Avenue Hippocrate, 10, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|