Determinants of Poor Outcome After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage when both Clipping and Coiling Are Available: Prospective Registry of Subarachnoid Aneurysms Treatment (PRESAT) in Japan

A National Cohort with Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage-Patient Characteristics, Choice of Treatment, Clinical Outcome, and Factors of Prognostic Importance

OBJECTIVE

To study associations of clinical characteristics and treatment choice with functional outcome, mortality, and time to death in a national sample of aneurysmal subarachnoidal hemorrhage patients.

METHODS

Data were extracted from a prospective nationwide multicenter study performed in September 2014 to March 2018. Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended (GOSE) grade, 1-year mortality, and survival probability were assessed at one year after ictus. Logistic univariate, multivariate, and Cox regression analyses were used to study the variables' associations with the outcomes.

RESULTS

Unfavorable dichotomized GOSE (dGOSE; grades 1-4) was observed in 35.4% of patients. Microsurgery was preferred for middle cerebral artery aneurysms and Fisher grade 4. Treatment modality was not associated with any outcome measure. Dichotomized World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (dWFNS), age, and delayed ischemic neurological deficit (DIND) showed significant correlations with dGOSE and 1-year mortality in multivariate regression analyses. Pupil dilatation was associated with a 1-year mortality outcome. Cox regression analysis showed lower survival probability for pupil dilatation (hazard ratio [HR]: 3.546), poor dWFNS (HR: 3.688), higher age (HR: 1.051), and DIND occurrence (HR: 2.214).

CONCLUSIONS

The patient selection in Sweden after aneurysmal subarachnoidal hemorrhage showed similar values for dGOSE, 1-year mortality, and survival probability between patients treated with microsurgery or endovascular technique. Poor dWFNS, higher age, and DIND were significantly associated with unfavorable dGOSE, mortality, and survival probability. Pupil dilatation was significantly associated with mortality and survival probability.

Innovative prognostication: a novel nomogram for post-interventional aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage patients

Background and purpose

Spontaneous aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is a common acute cerebrovascular disease characterized by severe illness, high mortality, and potential cognitive and motor impairments. We carried out a retrospective study at Fujian Provincial Hospital to establish and validate a model for forecasting functional outcomes at 6 months in aSAH patients who underwent interventional embolization.

Methods

386 aSAH patients who underwent interventional embolization between May 2012 and April 2022 were included in the study. We established a logistic regression model based on independent risk factors associated with 6-month adverse outcomes (modified Rankin Scale Score ≥ 3, mRS). We evaluated the model's performance based on its discrimination, calibration, clinical applicability, and generalization ability. Finally, the study-derived prediction model was also compared with other aSAH prognostic scales and the model's itself constituent variables to assess their respective predictive efficacy.

Results

The predictors considered in our study were age, the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) grade of IV-V, mFisher score of 3-4, secondary cerebral infarction, and first leukocyte counts on admission. Our model demonstrated excellent discrimination in both the modeling and validation cohorts, with an area under the curve of 0.914 (p < 0.001, 95%CI = 0.873-0.956) and 0.947 (p < 0.001, 95%CI = 0.907-0.987), respectively. Additionally, the model also exhibited good calibration (Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test: X2 = 9.176, p = 0.328). The clinical decision curve analysis and clinical impact curve showed favorable clinical applicability. In comparison to other prediction models and variables, our model displayed superior predictive performance.

Conclusion

The new prediction nomogram has the capability to forecast the unfavorable outcomes at 6 months after intervention in patients with aSAH.

Global Disparities in the Presentation and Management of Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Review and Analysis

OBJECTIVE

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is associated with high mortality rates. There is a significant gap in the literature describing global disparities in demographics, management, and outcomes among patients with aSAH. We aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess global disparities in aSAH presentation and management.

METHODS

PubMed and Embase databases were queried from earliest records to November 2022 for aSAH literature. Presentation, demographics, comorbidities, treatment methods, and outcomes data were collected. Articles that did not report aSAH-specific patient management and outcomes were excluded. Pooled weighted prevalence rates were calculated. Random effects model rates were reported.

RESULTS

After screening, 33 articles representing 10,553 patients were included. The prevalence of Fisher grade 3 or 4 aSAH in high- and lower-income countries (HIC and LIC), respectively, was 79.8% (P < 0.01) and 84.1 (P < 0.01). Prevalence of male aSAH patients in HIC and LIC, respectively, was 35.8% (P < 0.01) and 45.0% (P < 0.01). Prevalence of treatment in aSAH patients was 99.5% (P < 0.01) and 99.4% (P = 0.16) in HIC and LIC, respectively. In HIC, 35% (P < 0.01) of aneurysms in aSAH patients were treated with coiling. No LIC reported coiling for aSAH treatment; LIC only reported rates of surgical clipping, with a total prevalence of 92.4% (P < 0.01) versus 65.6% (P < 0.01) in HIC.

CONCLUSION

In this analysis, we found similar rates of high-grade SAH hemorrhages in HIC and LIC but a lack of endovascular coil embolization treatments reported in LIC. Additional research and discussion are needed to identify reasons for treatment disparities and intervenable societal factors to improve aSAH outcomes worldwide.

Evaluation of flow diverters for cerebral aneurysm therapy: recommendations for imaging analyses in clinical studies, endorsed by ESMINT, ESNR, OCIN, SILAN, SNIS, and WFITN

BACKGROUND

Multiple studies and meta-analyses have described the technical and clinical outcomes in large cohorts of aneurysm patients treated with flow diverters (FDs). Variations in evaluation methodology complicate making comparisons among studies, hinder understanding of the device behavior, and pose an obstacle in the assessment of further advances in FD therapy.

METHODS

A multidisciplinary panel of neurointerventionalists, imaging experts, and neuroradiologists convened with the goal of establishing consensus recommendations for the standardization of image analyses in FD studies.

RESULTS

A standardized methodology is proposed for evaluating and reporting radiological outcomes of FD treatment of intracranial aneurysms. The recommendations include general imaging considerations for clinical studies and evaluations of longitudinal changes, such as neointimal lining and stenosis. They cover standards for classification of aneurysm location, morphology, measurements, as well as the assessment of aneurysm occlusion, wall apposition, and neck coverage. These reporting standards further define four specific braid deformation patterns: foreshortening, fish-mouthing, braid bump deformation, and braid collapse, collectively termed 'F2B2'.

CONCLUSIONS

When widely applied, standardization of methods of measuring and reporting outcomes will help to harmonize the assessment of treatment outcomes in clinical studies, help facilitate communication of results among specialists, and help enable research and development to focus on specific aspects of FD techniques and technology.

Acute-Phase Plasma Pigment Epithelium-Derived Factor Predicting Outcomes after Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in the Elderly

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) has increased with the aging of the population, but the outcome for elderly SAH patients is very poor. Therefore, predicting the outcome is important for determining whether to pursue aggressive treatment. Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) is a matricellular protein that is induced in the brain, and the plasma levels could be used as a biomarker for the severity of metabolic diseases. This study investigated whether acute-phase plasma PEDF levels could predict outcomes after aneurysmal SAH in the elderly. Plasma samples and clinical variables were collected over 1-3 days, post-SAH, from 56 consecutive elderly SAH patients ≥75 years of age registered in nine regional stroke centers in Japan between September 2013 and December 2016. The samples and variables were analyzed in terms of 3-month outcomes. Acute-phase plasma PEDF levels were significantly elevated in patients with ultimately poor outcomes, and the cutoff value of 12.6 µg/mL differentiated 3-month outcomes with high sensitivity (75.6%) and specificity (80.0%). Acute-phase plasma PEDF levels of ≥12.6 µg/mL were an independent and possibly better predictor of poor outcome than previously reported clinical variables. Acute-phase plasma PEDF levels may serve as the first biomarker to predict 3-month outcomes and to select elderly SAH patients who should be actively treated.

Superiority of Endovascular Coiling Over Surgical Clipping for Clinical Outcomes at Discharge in Patients With Poor-Grade Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Registry Study in Japan

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The differences in clinical outcomes between endovascular coiling (EC) and surgical clipping (SC) in patients with poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) are controversial. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate whether EC is superior to SC and identify risk factors in patients with poor-grade aSAH.

METHODS

We used data from the "Predict for Outcome Study of aneurysmal SubArachnoid Hemorrhage." World Federation of Neurological Societies (WFNS) grade III-V aSAH was defined as poor-grade aSAH, and unfavorable clinical outcomes (modified Rankin Scale scores 3-6) were compared between SC and EC after propensity score matching (PSM). In-hospital mortality was similarly evaluated. Predictors of unfavorable clinical outcomes were identified using multivariable analysis.

RESULTS

Ultimately, 1326 (SC: 847, EC: 479) and 632 (SC: 316, EC: 316) patients with poor-grade aSAH were included before and after PSM, respectively. Unfavorable clinical outcomes at discharge were significantly different between SC and EC before (72.0% vs 66.2%, P = .026) and after PSM (70.6% vs 63.3%, P = .025). In-hospital mortality was significantly different between groups before PSM (10.5% vs 16.1%, P = .003) but not after PSM (10.4% vs 12.7%, P = .384). Predictors of unfavorable clinical outcomes in both SC and EC were WFNS grade V, older than 70 years, and Fisher computed tomography (CT) grade 4. Predictors of unfavorable clinical outcomes only in SC were WFNS grade IV (odds ratio: 2.46, 95% CI: 1.22-4.97, P = .012) and Fisher CT grade 3 (4.90, 1.42-16.9, P = .012). Predictors of unfavorable clinical outcome only in EC were ages of 50s (3.35, 1.37-8.20, P = .008) and 60s (3.28, 1.43-7.52, P = .005).

CONCLUSION

EC resulted in significantly more favorable clinical outcomes than SC in patients with poor-grade aSAH, without clear differences in in-hospital mortality. The benefit of EC over SC might be particularly remarkable in patients with WFNS grade IV and Fisher CT grade 3.

A Systematic Review of Viscoelastic Testing in Patients with Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

OBJECTIVE

Bleeding and thromboembolic complications frequently occur after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and substantially contribute to poor outcome. Viscoelastic testing could be used for detection of coagulopathies after SAH. This review summarizes literature on the usefulness of viscoelastic testing to detect coagulopathy in patients with SAH and explores whether viscoelastic parameters are associated with SAH-related complications and clinical outcome.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar were systematically searched on August 18, 2022. Two authors independently selected studies that reported viscoelastic testing in patients with SAH and assessed the quality of studies using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale or a previously reported framework for quality assessment. Data were meta-analyzed if methodologically possible.

RESULTS

The search yielded 19 studies (1160 patients with SAH). Pooling of data including all relevant studies was not possible for any of the outcome measurements because of methodological differences. Thirteen of 19 studies evaluated the association of coagulation profiles and SAH, of which 11 studies showed a hypercoagulable profile. Rebleeding was associated with platelet dysfunction, deep venous thrombosis was associated with faster clot initiation, and both delayed cerebral ischemia and poor outcome were associated with increased clot strength.

CONCLUSIONS

This explorative review shows that patients with SAH frequently have a hypercoagulable profile. Thromboelastography (TEG) and rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) parameters are associated with rebleeding, delayed cerebral ischemia, deep venous thrombosis, and poor clinical outcome after SAH; however, more research on the subject is needed. Future studies should focus on determining the optimal time frame and cutoff values for TEG or ROTEM to predict these complications.

A 90-Day Prognostic Model Based on the Early Brain Injury Indicators after Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: the TAPS Score

This study aimed to establish a new scoring model based on the early brain injury (EBI) indicators to predict the 90-day functional outcomes in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). We retrospectively enrolled 825 patients and prospectively enrolled 108 patients with aSAH who underwent surgical clipping or endovascular coiling (derivation cohort = 640; validation cohort = 185; prospective cohort = 108) in our institute. We established a logistic regression model based on independent risk factors associated with 90-day unfavorable outcomes. The discrimination of the prognostic model was assessed by the area under the curve in a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. The Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test and a calibration plot were used to evaluate the calibration of the prediction model. The developed scoring model named "TAPS" (total score, 0-7 points) included the following admission variables: age > 55 years old, WFNS grade of 4-5, mFS grade of 3-4, Graeb score of 5-12, white blood cell count > 11.28 × 109/L, and surgical clipping. The model showed good discrimination with the area under the curve in the derivation, validation, and prospective cohorts which were 0.816 (p < 0.001, 95%CI = 0.77-0.86), 0.810 (p < 0.001, 95%CI = 0.73-0.90), and 0.803 (p < 0.001, 95%CI = 0.70-0.91), respectively. The model also demonstrated good calibration (Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test: X2 = 1.75, df = 8, p = 0.988). Compared with other predictive models, TAPS is an easy handle tool for predicting the 90-day unfavorable outcomes of aSAH patients, which can help clinicians better understand the concept of EBI and quickly identify those patients at risk of poor prognosis, providing more positive treatment strategies. Trial registration: NCT04785976. Registered 5 March 2021-retrospectively registered, http://www.clinicaltrials.gov .

An update of predictors of cerebral infarction after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Evidence about predictors of poor outcomes such as cerebral infarction (CI) after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) has not been fully elucidated.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis on studies with adults with aSAH considering RCT and non-RCT, prospective, and retrospective cohort studies describing clinical, imaging as well as angiographic studies in patients with aSAH.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

After reviewing the complete text, 11 studies were considered eligible, out of which four were ruled out. Degree of clinical severity was the most predictive factor with a higher degree at the presentation on different severity scales being associated with a statistically significant increasing the risk of suffering a CI following aSAH (OR 2.49 [95% CI 1.38-4.49] P=0.0003). Aneurysm size increased the risk of CI (OR 1.49 [95% CI 1.20-1.85] P=0.0003; I²=4%). In six studies analyzed, it was found that an important factor for the subsequent development of CI is vasospasm (OR 7.62 [2.19, 26.54], P=0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

The development of vasospasm is a risk factor for CI development after aSAH. In our review, three factors were associated with an increased risk of CI: clinical severity at presentation, vasospasm, and aneurysm size. The major limitation of this meta-analysis is that included studies were conducted retrospectively or were post hoc analyses of a prospective trial.

3D Exoscopes are Noninferior to Operating Microscopes in Aneurysm Surgery: Comparative Single-Surgeon Series of 52 Consecutive Cases

OBJECTIVE

The literature on exoscope use in cerebrovascular neurosurgery is scarce, mainly comprising small case series and focused on visualization quality and ergonomics. As these devices become widely used, direct comparison to the operating microscope regarding efficacy and patient safety is necessary.

METHODS

Fifty-two consecutive clipping procedures, performed by 1 senior vascular neurosurgeon, were analyzed. Either an operating microscope with a mouth switch (25 cases with 27 aneurysms; 13 ruptured) or a three-dimensional exoscope with a foot switch (27 cases with 34 aneurysms; 6 ruptured) were used. Durations of major surgical stages, number of device adjustments, numbers of clip repositionings and clips implanted were extracted from surgical videos. Demographic data, imaging characteristics, clinical course and outcomes were extracted from digital patient records.

RESULTS

Duration of surgery and different stages did not differ between devices, except for final site inspection. The number of device adjustments was higher with the exoscope. With progressive experience in exoscope use, the number of device adjustments increased significantly, whereas surgery duration remained unchanged. Favorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale score 0-2) was observed in 80% and 88% of patients in the microscope and exoscope groups, respectively. Ischemic events were found in 2 patients in each group; no other complications occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

In aneurysm clipping, three-dimensional exoscopes are noninferior to operating microscopes in terms of surgery duration, safety, and outcomes, based on our limited series. Progressive experience enables the surgeon to perform significantly more device adjustments within the same amount of surgical time.

Plasma Fibulin-5 Levels as an Independent Predictor of a Poor Outcome after an Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a poor-outcome disease with a delayed neurological exacerbation. Fibulin-5 (FBLN5) is one of matricellular proteins, some of which have been involved in SAH pathologies. However, no study has investigated FBLN5's roles in SAH. This study was aimed at examining the relationships between serially measured plasma FBLN5 levels and neurovascular events or outcomes in 204 consecutive aneurysmal SAH patients, including 77 patients (37.7%) with poor outcomes (90-day modified Rankin Scale 3-6). Plasma FBLN5 levels were not related to angiographic vasospasm, delayed cerebral ischemia, and delayed cerebral infarction, but elevated levels were associated with severe admission clinical grades, any neurological exacerbation and poor outcomes. Receiver-operating characteristic curves indicated that the most reasonable cut-off values of plasma FBLN5, in order to differentiate 90-day poor from good outcomes, were obtained from analyses at days 4-6 for all patients (487.2 ng/mL; specificity, 61.4%; and sensitivity, 62.3%) and from analyses at days 7-9 for only non-severe patient (476.8 ng/mL; specificity, 66.0%; and sensitivity, 77.8%). Multivariate analyses revealed that the plasma FBLN5 levels were independent determinants of the 90-day poor outcomes in both all patients' and non-severe patients' analyses. These findings suggest that the delayed elevation of plasma FBLN5 is related to poor outcomes, and that FBLN5 may be a new molecular target to reveal a post-SAH pathophysiology.

Neurocritical care management of poor-grade subarachnoid hemorrhage: Unjustified nihilism to reasonable optimism

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Historically, overall outcomes for patients with high-grade subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) have been poor. Generally, between physicians, either reluctance to treat, or selectivity in treating such patients has been the paradigm. Recent studies have shown that early and aggressive care leads to significant improvement in survival rates and favorable outcomes of grade V SAH patients. With advancements in both neurocritical care and end-of-life care, non-treatment or selective treatment of grade V SAH patients is rarely justified. Current paradigm shifts towards early and aggressive care in such cases may lead to improved outcomes for many more patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a detailed review of the current literature regarding neurointensive management strategies in high-grade SAH, discussing multiple aspects. We discussed the neurointensive care management protocols for grade V SAH patients.

RESULTS

Acutely, intracranial pressure control is of utmost importance with external ventricular drain placement, sedation, optimization of cerebral perfusion pressure, osmotherapy and hyperventilation, as well as cardiopulmonary support through management of hypotension and hypertension.

CONCLUSIONS

Advancements of care in SAH patients make it unethical to deny treatment to poor Hunt and Hess grade patients. Early and aggressive treatment results in a significant improvement in survival rate and favorable outcome in such patients.

Volumetric quantification of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage independently predicts hydrocephalus and seizures

OBJECTIVE

Hydrocephalus and seizures greatly impact outcomes of patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH); however, reliable tools to predict these outcomes are lacking. The authors used a volumetric quantitative analysis tool to evaluate the association of total aSAH volume with the outcomes of shunt-dependent hydrocephalus and seizures.

METHODS

Total hemorrhage volume following aneurysm rupture was retrospectively analyzed on presentation CT imaging using a custom semiautomated computer program developed in MATLAB that employs intensity-based k-means clustering to automatically separate blood voxels from other tissues. Volume data were added to a prospectively maintained aSAH database. The association of hemorrhage volume with shunted hydrocephalus and seizures was evaluated through logistic regression analysis and the diagnostic accuracy through analysis of the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC).

RESULTS

The study population comprised 288 consecutive patients with aSAH. The mean total hemorrhage volume was 74.9 ml. Thirty-eight patients (13.2%) developed seizures. The mean hemorrhage volume in patients who developed seizures was significantly higher than that in patients with no seizures (mean difference 17.3 ml, p = 0.01). In multivariate analysis, larger hemorrhage volume on initial CT scan and hemorrhage volume > 50 ml (OR 2.81, p = 0.047, 95% CI 1.03-7.80) were predictive of seizures. Forty-eight patients (17%) developed shunt-dependent hydrocephalus. The mean hemorrhage volume in patients who developed shunt-dependent hydrocephalus was significantly higher than that in patients who did not (mean difference 17.2 ml, p = 0.006). Larger hemorrhage volume and hemorrhage volume > 50 ml (OR 2.45, p = 0.03, 95% CI 1.08-5.54) were predictive of shunt-dependent hydrocephalus. Hemorrhage volume had adequate discrimination for the development of seizures (AUC 0.635) and shunted hydrocephalus (AUC 0.629).

CONCLUSIONS

Hemorrhage volume is an independent predictor of seizures and shunt-dependent hydrocephalus in patients with aSAH. Further evaluation of aSAH quantitative volumetric analysis may complement existing scales used in clinical practice and assist in patient prognostication and management.

HYBRID MICROSURGICAL AND ENDOVASCULAR APPROACH IN THE TREATMENT OF MULTIPLE CEREBRAL ANEURYSMS: AN ILLUSTRATIVE CASE SERIES IN CORRELATION WITH LITERATURE DATA

Contemporary cerebral aneurysm treatment has advanced due to the expansion of microsurgical and endovascular techniques having different advantages and restraints. However, some aneurysms cannot be effectively treated by a single method alone due to their specific anatomy, location, complexity, and/or multiplicity. Subsequently, multiple aneurysms sometimes necessitate a hybrid strategy integrating both methods. The study aims were to discuss indications, possibilities, and challenges of a hybrid strategy in the decision making and treatment of multiple intracranial aneurysms. A single-institution illustrative case series of multiple intracranial aneurysm patients treated by a hybrid approach was analyzed and management outcome discussed and correlated with literature data. Following the treatment, both patients from our case series recovered well, having complete and stable aneurysmal occlusion with no relapse and no postoperative procedure-related complications or long-lasting neurological symptoms. In conclusion, a hybrid approach is advised as a treatment option for multiple cerebral aneurysms when a single modality is insufficient to bring satisfactory results. It may be a suitable and safe addition to an assortment of treatments pledging clinical improvement and enabling positive management outcome in patients with ruptured and non-ruptured multiple cerebral aneurysms.

Effects of case volume and comprehensive stroke center capabilities on patient outcomes of clipping and coiling for subarachnoid hemorrhage

OBJECTIVE

Improved outcomes in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) treated at high-volume centers have been reported. The authors sought to examine whether hospital case volume and comprehensive stroke center (CSC) capabilities affect outcomes in patients treated with clipping or coiling for SAH.

METHODS

The authors conducted a nationwide retrospective cohort study in 27,490 SAH patients who underwent clipping or coiling in 621 institutions between 2010 and 2015 and whose data were collected from the Japanese nationwide J-ASPECT Diagnosis Procedure Combination database. The CSC capabilities of each hospital were assessed by use of a validated scoring system based on answers to a previously reported 25-item questionnaire (CSC score 1-25 points). Hospitals were classified into quartiles based on CSC scores and case volumes of clipping or coiling for SAH.

RESULTS

Overall, the absolute risk reductions associated with high versus low case volumes and high versus low CSC scores were relatively small. Nevertheless, in patients who underwent clipping, a high case volume (> 14 cases/yr) was significantly associated with reduced in-hospital mortality (Q1 as control, Q4 OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.55-0.90) but not with short-term poor outcome. In patients who underwent coiling, a high case volume (> 9 cases/yr) was associated with reduced in-hospital mortality (Q4 OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.53-0.90) and short-term poor outcomes (Q3 [> 5 cases/yr] OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.59-0.96 vs Q4 OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.51-0.82). A high CSC score (> 19 points) was significantly associated with reduced in-hospital mortality for clipping (OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.54-0.86) but not coiling treatment. There was no association between CSC capabilities and short-term poor outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

The effects of case volume and CSC capabilities on in-hospital mortality and short-term functional outcomes in SAH patients differed between patients undergoing clipping and those undergoing coiling. In the modern endovascular era, better outcomes of clipping may be achieved in facilities with high CSC capabilities.

Soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products as a biomarker of symptomatic vasospasm in subarachnoid hemorrhage

OBJECTIVE

The receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) is a membrane protein associated with the induction of oxidative stress and inflammation in several pathological conditions. Previous studies have demonstrated that soluble RAGE (sRAGE) acts as a decoy for RAGE and protects cells against RAGE-mediated injury. The authors and other groups have reported that the expression of RAGE increases after brain ischemia and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), and deletion of RAGE or overexpression of sRAGE improves neuronal survival. It has also been demonstrated that the plasma sRAGE level could be a predictor of the outcome after ischemic stroke. This study aimed to evaluate plasma sRAGE as a biomarker for symptomatic vasospasm (SVS) in SAH patients, as well as a rat model.

METHODS

The authors measured and compared plasma sRAGE levels in 27 SAH patients (7 with SVS and 20 without SVS) from day 5 to day 14 post-SAH. They also examined plasma sRAGE levels and expression of RAGE and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in a rat SAH model.

RESULTS

The relative plasma sRAGE levels were significantly lower in the SVS group than in the non-SVS group of patients. A cut-off value of 0.84 for predicting SVS was considered to be appropriate for the relative plasma sRAGE levels on day 7 versus day 5. In the rat SAH model, plasma sRAGE levels were significantly lower than those in sham-treated rats, and the expressions of RAGE and HO-1 were enhanced in the SAH group compared with the non-SAH group.

CONCLUSIONS

Plasma sRAGE levels can be used as a potential biomarker for predicting SVS after SAH.

The use of three-dimensional anatomical patient-specific printed models in surgical clipping of intracranial aneurysm: A pilot study

Background

In the present study, we aim to develop simulation models based on computed tomography angiography images of intracranial aneurysms (IAs) and their parent vessels using three-dimensional (3D) printing technology. The study focuses on the value of these 3D models in presurgical planning and intraoperative navigation and ultimately their impact on patient outcomes. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of its kind from a war-torn country, like Iraq.

Methods

This is a prospective study of a series of 11, consecutively enrolled, patients suffering from IAs for the period between February and September 2019. The study represents a collaboration between the two major neurosurgical centers in Baghdad/Iraq; Neurosciences Teaching Hospital and Neurosurgery Teaching Hospital. We analyzed the data of eleven patients with IAs treated by microsurgical clipping. These data include patient demographics, clinical, surgical, and outcomes along with the data of the 3D-printed replica used in these surgeries. All cases were operated on by one surgeon.

Results

Our study included 11 patients, with a total of 11 aneurysms clipped. The mean age was 44 ± 8, with a median of 42.5 and a range of 35-61 years. About 60% of our patients were female with a female-to-male ratio of 1:5. About 60% of the aneurysms were located at the anterior communicating artery (Acom) while the remaining 40% were equally distributed between the posterior communicating and internal carotid arteries bifurcation. The standard pterional approach was followed in 50% of cases, whereas the other 50% of patients were treated through the lateral supraorbital approach. About 90% (n = 9) of the patients had a Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) of 5 and 10% had a GOS of 4. The 3D-printed models successfully replicated the aneurysm size, location, and relation to the parent vessel with 100% accuracy and were used for intraoperative guidance. The average production time was 24-48 h and the production cost was 10-20 US dollars.

Conclusion

3D printing is a promising technology that is rapidly penetrating the field of neurosurgery. In particular, the use of 3D-printed patient-matched, anatomically accurate replicas of the cerebral vascular tree is valuable adjunct to the microsurgical clipping of IAs, and our study conclusions support this concept. However, both the feasibility and clinical utility of 3D printing remain the subject of much, ongoing investigations.

Cerebrovascular pathophysiology of delayed cerebral ischemia after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) remains a serious cerebrovascular disease. Even if SAH patients survive the initial insults, delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) may occur at 4 days or later post-SAH. DCI is characteristics of SAH, and is considered to develop by blood breakdown products and inflammatory reactions, or secondary to early brain injury, acute pathophysiological events that occur in the brain within the first 72 hours of aneurysmal SAH. The pathology underlying DCI may involve large artery vasospasm and/or microcirculatory disturbances by microvasospasm, microthrombosis, dysfunction of venous outflow and compression of microvasculature by vasogenic or cytotoxic tissue edema. Recent clinical evidence has shown that large artery vasospasm is not the only cause of DCI, and that both large artery vasospasm-dependent and -independent cerebral infarction causes poor outcome. Animal studies suggest that mechanisms of vasospasm may differ between large artery and arterioles or capillaries, and that many kinds of cells in the vascular wall and brain parenchyma may be involved in the pathogenesis of microcirculatory disturbances. The impairment of the paravascular and glymphatic systems also may play important roles in the development of DCI. As pathological mediators for DCI, glutamate and several matricellular proteins have been investigated in addition to inflammatory molecules. Glutamate is involved in excitotoxicity contributing to cortical spreading ischemia and epileptic activity-related events. Microvascular dysfunction is an attractive mechanism to explain the cause of poor outcomes independently of large cerebral artery vasospasm, but needs more studies to clarify the pathophysiologies or mechanisms and to develop a novel therapeutic strategy.

Role of ABO blood type in delayed cerebral ischemia onset and clinical outcomes after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage in an ethnic minority urban population

BACKGROUND

In recent years, the role of ABO blood type moved into focus through the discovery of different hemostaseologic properties with importance in many diseases including subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). However, the role of ABO blood type in delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) onset, clinical progress, and outcome after SAH is to date largely unexplored. Our aim was to explore the role of ABO blood group in DCI and clinical outcomes after aneurysmal SAH (aSAH).

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was made with data collected from patients who presented aSAH at our single- academic center from 2015 to 2018. We included demographic, clinical, and imaging variables in the univariate analysis and in the subsequent multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 204 patients were included in this study. About 17.9% of "O" type patients developed a DCI while DCI was reported in only 8.2% of non-O type patients (P = 0.04). "O" type was an independent risk after in the logistic regression after adjusting for significant factors in the univariate analysis (OR=2.530, 95% CI: 1.040- 6.151, P = 0.41). Compared to "non-O" type patients, "O" type patients had a trend to have poorer outcomes at discharge (25.5% vs. 21.3%, P = 0.489) and at 12-18 months (21.1% vs. 19.5%, P = 0.795). However, there were no significant differences.

CONCLUSION

Our study evidenced that patients with "O" blood type have higher risk of DCI onset after aSAH. Although these findings need to be confirmed, they may aid to improve DCI prevention and outcome predictions.

Lower Serum Iron and Hemoglobin Levels are Associated with Acute Seizures in Patients with Ruptured Cerebral Aneurysms

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study is to investigate the value of serum iron and hemoglobin levels for predicting acute seizures following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH).

METHODS

Clinical and laboratorial data from patients with ruptured intracranial aneurysms were collected in the retrospective study. Age, sex, symptom onset, history of diabetes and hypertension, history of coronary artery disease, temperature, Hunt-Hess grade, Fisher grade, aneurysm location, hemoglobin, serum potassium, sodium, calcium, phosphorus, and iron were collected. Acute seizures were determined as seizures within 1 week following aSAH. Propensity score matching (PSM) analyses were performed to correct imbalances in patient characteristics between seizure and non-seizure groups.

RESULTS

A total of 760 patients were included. Incidence of acute seizures following aSAH was 6.4%. In the univariate analysis, significant differences were detected in age, admission Hunt-Hess grade, Fisher grade, hemoglobin, serum sodium, and serum iron between seizure and non-seizure groups. In multivariate logistic regression model, lower serum iron was considered as a risk factor for acute seizures (OR 0.182, 95% CI 0.084-0.393, p = 0.000), as well as lower hemoglobin (OR 0.977, 95% CI 0.962-0.993, p = 0.004) and higher serum sodium (OR 1.072, 95% CI 1.003-1.145, p = 0.039). After PSM, there were no significant differences in age, admission Hunt-Hess grade, Fisher grade, and serum sodium between seizure and non-seizure groups. The matched seizure group had lower serum iron and hemoglobin levels compared with the matched non-seizure group (p < 0.05). The optimal cutoff value for serum iron and hemoglobin levels as a predictor of acute seizure after aSAH was determined as 9.9 mmol/L (sensitivity was 81.63% and the specificity was 65.40%) and 119 g/L (sensitivity was 63.27% and the specificity was 70.18%), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Serum iron and hemoglobin levels were inversely associated with a high risk of acute seizures following aSAH.

Comparison of Minimally Invasive and Pterional Craniotomies for Ruptured Anterior Circulation Aneurysms: A Propensity Score Matched Analysis

BACKGROUND

Minimally invasive craniotomy (MIC) for ruptured aneurysm remains a debatable issue because of unclear information regarding its safety and efficacy compared with standard approaches. Here, we compared the outcomes between MIC and pterional craniotomy (PTC) for the treatment of ruptured anterior circulation aneurysms.

METHODS

A database of patients with ruptured anterior circulation aneurysm who were treated with surgical clipping was reviewed. With the use of propensity score matching to balance the baseline characteristics of MIC and PTC groups, outcomes of the 2 groups were compared. Clinical predictors of favorable outcomes (modified Rankin scale score 0-2) were evaluated by using uni- and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

A total of 102 matched pairs were identified. MIC resulted in a significantly shorter operative time (2.8 ± 0.9 vs. 4.2 ± 0.7 hours; P = 0.004) and hospital stay (14.2 ± 5.9 vs. 19.2 ± 9.1 days; P < 0.001), respectively. Both MIC and PTC had similar mortality and complication rates except for the incidences of intracranial hemorrhage (2% vs. 9.8%; P = 0.039) and brain injury (9.8% vs. 27.5%; P = 0.036), respectively. Use of MIC instead of standard surgery and lower World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) grade and absence of hydrocephalus were significant predictors of favorable outcome at 1 month, whereas higher WFNS grade and higher Fisher grade were significantly associated with a poor outcome at 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS

For the treatment of ruptured anterior circulation aneurysms, MIC was comparable with PTC and presented additional advantage in terms of earlier recovery. Therefore, MIC can be considered an alternative surgical treatment in this setting.

Predictors of Outcomes and Complications After Microsurgical and Endovascular Treatment of 1300 Intracranial Aneurysms

BACKGROUND

We performed a rigorous statistical analysis of the complications and outcomes of patients with ruptured or unruptured intracranial aneurysms. Our emphasis was on the potential predictive factors when both surgical and endovascular management are offered by a team with balanced microsurgical and endovascular expertise.

METHODS

From January 2005 to December 2011, 1297 consecutive patients presenting with ruptured (n=829) or unruptured (n=468) aneurysms were prospectively enrolled in our vascular database. The treatment modality was determined by consensus of the endovascular and microsurgical teams. The patients' medical and neurological conditions and aneurysm characteristics were compared against the postintervention complication rates and outcomes using multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

The patients mostly underwent clipping for ruptured (63.7%) or unruptured (56.6%) aneurysms. For ruptured aneurysms, higher Hunt and Hess and Fisher grades on admission were key predictors of increased neurological (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively) and medical (P < 0.001 and P=0.041, respectively) complication rates. No significant differences in the outcomes were observed between the coiling or clipping groups during the follow-up period. For the unruptured group, a family history of intracranial aneurysms was the most relevant predictor for reducing neurological complication rates and increasing survival at 6 months. Hypertension was, however, the strongest factor associated with complications negatively affecting the outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

For the ruptured and unruptured groups both, the outcomes were generally good, although neurological and medical complications were reasonably more frequent for the ruptured aneurysms. Coiling provided a sustained benefit in lowering the complication rates only in the short term for the unruptured aneurysms. Smoking was associated, paradoxically, with improved outcomes.

Clinical Efficacy Between Microsurgical Clipping and Endovascular Coiling in the Treatment of Ruptured Poor-Grade Anterior Circulation Aneurysms

BACKGROUND

The treatment for patients with poor-grade aneurysms defined as World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) grade IV-V is still unclear and controversial. In this research, we compared the clinical efficacy and safety between clipping and coiling in the treatment of ruptured poor-grade anterior circulation aneurysms.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of a hospital database. From January 2013 to May 2018, 94 patients who presented with poor-grade anterior circulation aneurysms were included. Preoperative baseline, postprocedure complications, and outcome (3-month and 6-month modified Rankin Scale scores) were analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify risk factors of short-term (in-hospital, 30-day) mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 21 (22%) patients died during short-term follow-up; there was a greater short-term mortality in coiling group (38% vs. 15%, P = 0.015). The incidence of delayed cerebral ischemia and intracranial infection in the clipping group was significantly greater than the coiling group: (33% vs. 14%, P = 0.045) and (68% vs. 41%, P = 0.016). However, coiling group had a greater rate of shunt-dependent hydrocephalus (21% vs. 6%, P = 0.035). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed cerebral vasospasm (odds ratio [OR], 9.22; P < 0.01), admission WFNS grade V (OR, 15.43; P < 0.01), coiling (OR, 5.92; P = 0.013), and postoperative aneurysm rebleeding (OR, 40.04; P = 0.01) would influence the mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with ruptured poor-grade anterior circulation aneurysms who undergo microsurgical clipping seem to have a lower short-term mortality. Cerebral vasospasm, WFNS grade V, and postoperative aneurysm rebleeding are associated with short-term mortality.

Poor-Grade Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Risk Factors Affecting Clinical Outcomes in Intracranial Aneurysm Patients in a Multi-Center Study

Objective: Patients with poor-grade aneurysm subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) have commonly been considered to have a poor prognosis. The objective of this study was to investigate the independent risk factors affecting clinical outcomes in intracranial aneurysm patients with poor-grade aneurysm subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) underwent different intervention therapies. Methods: A multicenter observational registry of 324 poor-grade aSAH patients treated at tertiary referral centers from October 2010 to March 2012 were enrolled in this study. The clinical data including patient characteristics on admission and during treatment course, treatment modality, aneurysm size and location, radiologic features, signs of cerebral herniation (dilated pupils), and functional neurologic outcome were collected. Clinical outcomes were assessed via a modified Rankin Scale at 12 months. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to develop prognostic models. The area under the receiver operator characteristic curves (AUC) and Hosmer-Lemeshow tests were used to assess discrimination and calibration. WAP score was developed to predict risk of poor outcome. Results: Older age, female gender, ventilated breathing status, non-reactive pupil response, pupil dilation, lower GCS score, a WFNS grade of V, intraventricular hemorrhage, a higher Fisher grade, a higher modified Fisher grade, and conservative treatment were calculated to be associated with a relatively poor outcome. Multivariate analyses revealed that older age, lower Glasgow coma scale score (GCS), the absence of pupillary reactivity, higher modified Fisher grade, and conservative treatment were independent predictors of poor outcome, showed good discrimination and calibration. Patients with WFNS grade V, older age and non-reactive pupillary reactivity were predicted to have a poor outcome by WAP risk score. Conclusions: A simple WAP risk score had good discrimination and calibration in the prediction of outcome. The risk score can be easily measured and may complement treatment decision-making.

Prediction of Delayed Cerebral Ischemia with Cerebral Angiography: A Meta-Analysis

OBJECT

Cerebral catheter angiography is the gold standard for diagnosing cerebral artery vasospasm (vasospasm) in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). We have previously published a meta-analysis of prediction of delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) from transcranial Doppler (TCD) evidence of vasospasm. Analogous data relating to prediction of DCI have not been previously collated for cerebral angiography nor reconciled against TCD.

METHODS

We searched PUBMED, the Cochrane database, and clinicaltrials.gov for studies that used cerebral angiography for diagnosis of vasospasm and evaluated DCI in patients with SAH. We performed a random-effects meta-analysis of prediction of DCI with cerebral angiography, reconciling its accuracy against that of TCD. We also report quality of evidence for the value of cerebral angiography and TCD in SAH based on pooled data from our meta-analyses.

RESULTS

A total of 15 studies (n = 5463) were included in the meta-analysis. Sensitivity (SN), specificity (SP), positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of cerebral angiography for prediction of DCI are 57, 68, 32, and 90%. These metrics for TCD, based on our previous meta-analysis, are 90, 71, 57, and 92%. We report that test accuracy estimates are "moderate" for TCD and "low" for angiography based on pooled data from our meta-analyses.

CONCLUSION

TCD evidence of vasospasm is a better predictor of DCI than angiographic vasospasm. Future comparative effectiveness studies can better define the value of these diagnostic tools in patients with SAH.

Outcome of Ruptured Posterior Communicating Artery Aneurysm Treatment Comparing Between Clipping and Coiling Techniques

BACKGROUND

Very few data stratify the functional outcome of ruptured posterior communicating artery (PCoA) aneurysm treatment based on each treatment strategy. Therefore, the authors aimed to evaluate the outcome of PCoA aneurysm treatment to compare the clipping and coiling techniques and find the factors that determined the treatment outcomes.

METHODS

Patients with ruptured PCoA aneurysm at Songklanagarind Hospital between November 2002 and March 2018 were retrospectively reviewed and classified into the clipping group or the coiling group. The primary outcome was the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 6 months after treatment, and the patients were stratified into "good outcome" (mRS 0-2) and "poor outcome" (mRS 3-6). Using logistic regression analysis, various factors were analyzed for association with the treatment outcome.

RESULTS

This study included 189 patients: 104 and 85 patients in the clipping and coiling groups, respectively. Patients in the coiling group were significantly older, with more underlying diseases. However, the treatment outcomes at 6 months were not significantly different between the 2 groups. The percentages of poor outcomes in the clipping and coiling groups were 28% and 31%, respectively (P = 0.734). Older age, seizure, higher Hunt and Hess grade, deterioration before aneurysm obliteration, an aneurysm on the left side, and a medially projected PCoA aneurysm were statistically significantly correlated with poor outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Neurosurgical clipping and endovascular coiling are effective treatments for aneurysm obliteration in ruptured PCoA aneurysm. An aneurysm on the left side and a medially projected PCoA aneurysm were the factors correlated with poor outcome.

Factors associated with clinical and radiological status on admission in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

Grading scales yield objective measure of the severity of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage and serve as to guide treatment decisions and for prognostication. The purpose of this cohort study was to determine what factors govern a patient's disease-specific admission scores in a representative Central European cohort. The Swiss Study of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage includes anonymized data from all tertiary referral centers serving subarachnoid hemorrhage patients in Switzerland. The 2009-2014 dataset was used to evaluate the impact of patient and aneurysm characteristics on the patients' status at admission using descriptive and multivariate regression analysis. The primary/co-primary endpoints were the GCS and the WFNS grade. The secondary endpoints were the Fisher grade, the presence of a thick cisternal or ventricular clot, the presence of a new focal neurological deficit or cranial nerve palsy, and the patient's intubation status. In our cohort of 1787 consecutive patients, increasing patient age by 10 years and low pre-ictal functional status (mRS 3-5) were inversely correlated with "high" GCS score (GCS ≥ 13) (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.84-0.97 and OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.31-1.46), "low" WFNS grade (grade VI-V) (OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.04-1.20 and OR 1.47, 95% CI 0.66-3.27), and high Fisher grade (grade III-IV) (OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.00-1.17 and OR 1.54, 95% CI 0.55-4.32). Other independent predictors for the patients' clinical and radiological condition at admission were the ruptured aneurysms' location and its size. In sum, chronological age and pre-ictal functional status, as well as the ruptured aneurysm's location and size, determine the patients' clinical and radiological condition at admission to the tertiary referral hospital.

Increased Plasma Galectin-3 Preceding the Development of Delayed Cerebral Infarction and Eventual Poor Outcome in Non-Severe Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

A matricellular protein galectin-3 is involved in tissue injury and inflammation, but the role of galectin-3 remains unclear in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The purpose of this study was to assess whether acute-stage galectin-3 levels were associated with the subsequent development of neurovascular events and outcome after SAH. This study included 83 consecutive patients diagnosed with aneurysmal SAH of resuscitated World Federation of Neurological Surgeons (WFNS) grades 1-3. Plasma galectin-3 levels were once measured on days 1-3 (the day after clipping or coiling). Fifteen patients had poor outcomes, which were associated with increasing age, female, pre-onset morbidity, worse WFNS grade, modified Fisher computed tomography scale, acute hydrocephalus, and higher galectin-3 levels compared with good outcomes. Multivariate analyses revealed that plasma galectin-3 was an independent determinant for poor outcome (odds ratio, 3.08; 95% confidence interval, 1.58-6.00; p = 0.001). Among post-SAH neurovascular events occurring on day 4 and thereafter, delayed cerebral ischemia and infarction, but not angiographic vasospasm and shunt-dependent hydrocephalus, showed significantly higher plasma galectin-3 levels on days 1-3. The receiver operating characteristic curve indicated that plasma galectin-3 with a cutoff value of 3.30 or 3.48 ng/ml predicted delayed cerebral infarction development or poor outcome (specificity, 62.5%, 70.6%; sensitivity, 90.9%, 73.3%, respectively). The findings suggest that plasma galectin-3 levels on days 1-3 would be a useful biomarker for predicting subsequent development of delayed cerebral infarction and eventual poor outcome and provide a new candidate, which may mediate between post-SAH early brain injury or inflammation and delayed cerebral infarction without vasospasm.

Effect of treatment modality on in-hospital outcome in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage: a nationwide study in Japan (J-ASPECT Study)

OBJECTIVE Although heterogeneity in patient outcomes following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) has been observed across different centers, the relative merits of clipping and coiling for SAH remain unknown. The authors sought to compare the patient outcomes between these therapeutic modalities using a large nationwide discharge database encompassing hospitals with different comprehensive stroke center (CSC) capabilities. METHODS They analyzed data from 5214 patients with SAH (clipping 3624, coiling 1590) who had been urgently hospitalized at 393 institutions in Japan in the period from April 2012 to March 2013. In-hospital mortality, modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score, cerebral infarction, complications, hospital length of stay, and medical costs were compared between the clipping and coiling groups after adjustment for patient-level and hospital-level characteristics by using mixed-model analysis. RESULTS Patients who had undergone coiling had significantly higher in-hospital mortality (12.4% vs 8.7%, OR 1.3) and a shorter median hospital stay (32.0 vs 37.0 days, p < 0.001) than those who had undergone clipping. The respective proportions of patients discharged with mRS scores of 3-6 (46.4% and 42.9%) and median medical costs (thousands US$, 35.7 and 36.7) were not significantly different between the groups. These results remained robust after further adjustment for CSC capabilities as a hospital-related covariate. CONCLUSIONS Despite the increasing use of coiling, clipping remains the mainstay treatment for SAH. Regardless of CSC capabilities, clipping was associated with reduced in-hospital mortality, similar unfavorable functional outcomes and medical costs, and a longer hospital stay as compared with coiling in 2012 in Japan. Further study is required to determine the influence of unmeasured confounders.

The effect of fenestration of the lamina terminalis on the incidence of shunt-dependent hydrocephalus after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (FISH): Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Shunt-dependent hydrocephalus (SDH) is a well-known sequela following aneurysmal hemorrhage, adversely affecting the outcome after securing ruptured aneurysm. Fenestration of lamina terminalis (FLT) creates an anterior ventriculostomy, facilitates cerebrospinal fluid circulation and clot clearance in the basal cistern. However, controversy exists over whether microsurgical FLT during aneurysm repair can decrease the incidence of SDH.

AIMS

The study is designed to determine the efficacy of lamina terminalis fenestration on the reduction of SDH after aneurysm clipping.

METHODS/DESIGN

A total of 288 patients who meet the inclusion criteria will be randomized into single aneurysm clipping or aneurysm clipping plus FLT in the Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital. Follow-up was performed 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after aneurysm clipping. The primary outcome is the incidence of SDH and the secondary outcomes include cerebral vasospasm, functional outcome evaluated by the modified Rankin Scale and Extended Glasgow Outcome Scale, and mortality.

DISCUSSION

The FISH trial is a large randomized, parallel controlled clinical trial to define the therapeutic value of FLT, the results of which will help to guide the surgical procedure and resolve the long-puzzled debate in the neurosurgical community.

CONCLUSIONS

This protocol will determine the efficacy of FLT in the setting of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

TRIAL REGISTRATION IDENTIFIER

CHINESE CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY:: ChiCTR-INR-16009249.

Effects of Toll-Like Receptor 4 Antagonists Against Cerebral Vasospasm After Experimental Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in Mice

Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling may play a crucial role in the occurrence of cerebral vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The main purpose of this study was to assess if selective blockage of TLR4 on cerebral arteries prevents cerebral vasospasm development and neurological impairments after SAH in mice. One hundred fourteen mice underwent endovascular perforation SAH or sham operation and were randomly divided into the following 6 groups: sham+vehicle, sham+LPS-RS ultrapure 8 μg, sham+LPS-RS ultrapure 40 μg, SAH+vehicle, SAH+LPS-RS ultrapure 8 μg, and SAH+LPS-RS ultrapure 40 μg. A selective TLR4 antagonist, LPS-RS ultrapure (8 or 40 μg), was administered intracerebroventricularly to mice at 30 min, and the effects were evaluated by neurobehavioral tests and India-ink angiography at 24-48 h, and Western blotting and immunohistochemistry on cerebral arteries at 24 h post-SAH. Higher but not lower dosages of LPS-RS ultrapure significantly prevented post-SAH neurological impairments and ameliorated cerebral vasospasm. SAH caused TLR4 activation and cyclooxygenase-1 (COX1) upregulation in the endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells of spastic cerebral arteries, both of which were significantly suppressed by LPS-RS ultrapure. Another selective TLR4 antagonist, IAXO-102, which has a different binding site from LPS-RS ultrapure, also showed similar protective effects to LPS-RS ultrapure. These findings suggest that TLR4 signaling is implicated in cerebral vasospasm development at least partly via COX1 upregulation, and that TLR4 antagonists have therapeutic potential as a new therapy against cerebral vasospasm.

Higher Cerebrospinal Fluid pH may Contribute to the Development of Delayed Cerebral Ischemia after Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Recent investigations have shown that many factors may cause delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). To find new potential contributors to DCI, this retrospective study compared gas data in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) between patients with and without DCI. The subjects were 61 consecutive patients with SAH classified as Fisher group III on admission computed tomography scans, whose aneurysms were obliterated by clipping or coiling within 24 h post-SAH. Thirty-three patients were treated with CSF drainage. CSF samples were chronologically obtained from CSF drains or lumbar taps. Patients with DCI were more frequently treated with CSF drainage, especially cisternal drainage, and were associated with significantly higher pH and lower partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO₂) in the CSF compared with patients without DCI, although CSF concentrations of bicarbonate ion as well as arterial blood gas data were not different between the two groups. Total hemoglobin concentrations in the drained or tapped CSF were higher in patients with no DCI compared with patients with DCI at any sampling time, suggesting that CSF hemoglobin was not efficiently removed in patients with DCI. This study revealed higher CSF pH and lower CSF PCO₂ as new potential contributors to the development of DCI, which might result from inappropriate CSF drainage that failed to remove clot and acid metabolites in it efficiently. Both of the disturbed CSF gas and inappropriate CSF drainage may cause constriction of the arteries and arterioles, leading to DCI.

Clinical outcome after surgical clipping or endovascular coiling for cerebral aneurysms: a pragmatic meta-analysis of randomized and non-randomized trials with short- and long-term follow-up

BACKGROUND

Two randomized trials have evaluated clipping and coiling in patients with ruptured aneurysms. Aggregated evidence for management of ruptured and unruptured aneurysms is missing.

OBJECTIVE

To conduct a meta-analysis evaluating clinical outcome after aneurysm treatment.

METHODS

PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Clinicaltrials.gov were searched for studies evaluating aneurysm treatment. The primary outcome measure was an independent clinical outcome (modified Rankin scale 0-2, Glasgow Outcome Scale 4-5, or equivalent). Secondary outcomes were poor outcome and mortality. ORs were calculated on an intention-to-treat basis with 95% CIs. Outcome heterogeneity was evaluated with Cochrane's Q test (significance level cut-off value at <0.10) and I² (significance cut-off value >50%) with the Mantel-Haenszel method for dichotomous outcomes. A p value <0.05 was regarded as statistically significant.

RESULTS

Searches yielded 18 802 articles. All titles were assessed, 403 abstracts were evaluated, and 183 full-text articles were read. One-hundred and fifty articles were qualitatively assessed and 85 articles were included in the meta-analysis. Patients treated with coiling (randomized controlled trials (RCTs)) had higher independent outcome at short-term follow-up (OR=0.67, 95% CI 0.57 to 0.79). Independent outcome was favored for coiling at intermediate and long-term follow-up (RCTs and observational studies combined-OR=0.80, 0.68 to 0.94 and OR=0.81, 0.71 to 0.93, respectively). Independent outcome and lower mortality was favored after coiling in unruptured aneurysms (database registry studies) at short-term follow-up (OR=0.34, 0.29 to 0.41 and OR=1.74, 1.52 to 1.98, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis evaluating clinical outcome after coiling or clipping for intracranial aneurysms, indicates a higher independent outcome and lower mortality after coiling.

Analysis of Factors That Influence Long-Term Independent Living for Elderly Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Patients

BACKGROUND

The number of elderly subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) patients has been increasing. The aim of this study was to analyze long-term outcome for elderly (≥75 years) SAH patients and to establish a treatment strategy.

METHODS

From January 2005 to December 2013, 86 consecutive cases were treated. We used a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at the outpatient clinic or a telephone interview of patients and/or families. Kaplan-Meier plots were done for mortality and independent (mRS 0 ∼ 2) state. Multivariate analysis was done to distinguish factors that influence on outcome.

RESULTS

Median age was 79, Hunt-Kosnik grade 1 ∼ 3 was 79%, and the radical intervention (clipping or coiling) rate was 78%. Mean follow-up period was 28.7 ± 3.4 standard error months. Half of deaths occurred during the first two months. The number of cases of independent living gradually decreased to 50% at 28 months after SAH. Half of patients lived independently for 36 months at HK grades 1 to 3, and 3 months at HK grades 4 to 5 (p < 0.05). Half of patients lived independently for 40 months in the radical intervention group, and 14 months in the conservative treatment group (p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis for independent living revealed that gender, pre-morbid condition, HK grade, and postoperative complication were significant (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Good-grade elderly SAH cases that were independent pre-stroke should have radical intervention performed for aneurysm. Avoiding perioperative complications have a positive influence on long-term independent living.

Cerebral Infarction After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Predictors for cerebral infarction, an important cause of poor outcome after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), were examined. This study used data from the Prospective Registry of Subarachnoid Aneurysms Treatment (PRESAT) cohort, which included 579 patients whose ruptured aneurysms were treated with either clipping or coiling within 12 days of onset. Patient, clinical, radiographic, and treatment variables associated with cerebral infarction were determined. Ruptured aneurysms were clipped in 282 patients and coiled in 297 patients. Cerebral infarction occurred in 162 patients (28.0 %): 101 patients by cerebral vasospasm, 34 patients by clipping, and 33 patients by coiling. Univariate analyses showed that significant factors associated with cerebral infarction development were Fisher computed tomography (CT) group 3 on admission, premature aneurysm rupture during clipping procedure, cerebrospinal fluid drainage, symptomatic vasospasm, endovascular treatment for vasospasm, and shunt-dependent hydrocephalus. Multivariable logistic regression analyses showed that cerebral infarction was significantly associated with Fisher CT group 3 on admission, larger aneurysm dome size, ruptured posterior circulation aneurysms, premature aneurysm rupture during clipping procedure, symptomatic vasospasm, and infection, while endovascular treatment for vasospasm significantly decreased the development of cerebral infarction. The most important potentially treatable factor associated with cerebral infarction was symptomatic vasospasm.

Neuroimaging characteristics of ruptured aneurysm as predictors of outcome after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: pooled analyses of the SAHIT cohort

OBJECT Neuroimaging characteristics of ruptured aneurysms are important to guide treatment selection, and they have been studied for their value as outcome predictors following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Despite multiple studies, the prognostic value of aneurysm diameter, location, and extravasated SAH clot on computed tomography scan remains debatable. The authors aimed to more precisely ascertain the relation of these factors to outcome. METHODS The data sets of studies included in the Subarachnoid Hemorrhage International Trialists (SAHIT) repository were analyzed including data on ruptured aneurysm location and diameter (7 studies, n = 9125) and on subarachnoid clot graded on the Fisher scale (8 studies; n = 9452) for the relation to outcome on the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) at 3 months. Prognostic strength was quantified by fitting proportional odds logistic regression models. Univariable odds ratios (ORs) were pooled across studies using random effects models. Multivariable analyses were adjusted for fixed effect of study, age, neurological status on admission, other neuroimaging factors, and treatment modality. The neuroimaging predictors were assessed for their added incremental predictive value measured as partial R(2). RESULTS Spline plots indicated outcomes were worse at extremes of aneurysm size, i.e., less than 4 or greater than 9 mm. In between, aneurysm size had no effect on outcome (OR 1.03, 95% CI 0.98-1.09 for 9 mm vs 4 mm, i.e., 75th vs 25th percentile), except in those who were treated conservatively (OR 1.17, 95% CI 1.02-1.35). Compared with anterior cerebral artery aneurysms, posterior circulation aneurysms tended to result in slightly poorer outcome in patients who underwent endovascular coil embolization (OR 1.13, 95% CI 0.82-1.57) or surgical clipping (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.10-1.57); the relation was statistically significant only in the latter. Fisher CT subarachnoid clot burden was related to outcome in a gradient manner. Each of the studied predictors accounted for less than 1% of the explained variance in outcome. CONCLUSIONS This study, which is based on the largest cohort of patients so far analyzed, has more precisely determined the prognostic value of the studied neuroimaging factors. Treatment choice has strong influence on the prognostic effect of aneurysm size and location. These findings should guide the development of reliable prognostic models and inform the design and analysis of future prospective studies, including clinical trials.

Surgical Treatment of Middle Cerebral Artery Aneurysms Without Using Indocyanine Green Videoangiography Assistance: Retrospective Monocentric Study of 263 Clipped Aneurysms

INTRODUCTION

Middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms represent 20% of intracranial aneurysms. Most (80%) of them are located on the sylvian bifurcation, the seat of hemodynamic turbulence flow. Morbidity and mortality related to surgery of MCA aneurysms are not negligible. MCA vascularization areas are important eloquence functional territorial of Brain tissue. Indocyanine green videoangiography assistance (ICG-VA) is an emergent tool for intraoperative assessment of aneurysmal occlusion and for checking a possible stenosant clip in vascular area. The purposes of this study were to evaluate the safety of clipping procedure in terms of morbidity, mortality, and efficiency of aneurysm occlusion without using ICG-VA, recurrence and bleeding/rebleeding at short and long terms, and angiographic and clinical follow-ups.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This study is a monocentric retrospective study performed at Pitié-Salpêtrière-Charles Foix Hospital Center, reporting clinical and angiographic follow-up of consecutive patients treated for MCA aneurysms (ruptured and unruptured) by clipping procedures. From 2002-2012, 251 consecutive patients were admitted at the author's institution for treatment of 263 MCA aneurysms (163 ruptured and 100 unruptured). Procedure-related death and complications were systematically assessed without video-angiography availability. The degree of aneurysms exclusion was evaluated according to the Raymond-Roy scale after the procedure and at long-term angiographic follow-up (mean delay = 36 months).

RESULTS

The death rate related to aneurysmal exclusion procedure was 1.2%. The major complication rate related to surgery was 5.3%. Postprocedure, an aneurysm occlusion rate Raymond-Roy grade A or B was 95.6%. Neither recanalization controlled clipped aneurysms nor re-aneurysmal rupture was observed in the long-term clinical follow-up (mean time = 83.5 months). The institution's series of surgical outcomes reported 95.6% of complete exclusion and 4.5% incomplete procedures without ICG-VA. A clip of repositioning rate was estimated at 15% when ICG-VA was used.

CONCLUSION

Surgical management is relatively safe for patients, with an acceptable complication rate in the era when ICG-VA was not yet available. Indeed, the main source of procedural ischemia microsurgery is stenosant clip. To limit the occurrence of malposition, the author's center began using ICG-VA a few months ago and expects to reduce its rate of incomplete occlusion.

Risk factors for vasospasm-induced cerebral infarct when both clipping and coiling are equally available

INTRODUCTION

Vasospasm-induced cerebral infarct is still a significant cause of poor outcome after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In 537 patients of the Prospective Registry of Subarachnoid Aneurysms Treatment cohort, ruptured aneurysms were treated either microsurgically or endovascularly judged by the attending neurosurgeon to be appropriate for the individual patient within 3 days of onset. Factors for vasospasm-induced cerebral infarct were examined.

RESULTS

Clipping (273 patients) was preferably performed for middle cerebral artery aneurysms, while coiling (264 patients) was preferred for larger, internal carotid artery and posterior circulation aneurysms. After aneurysmal obliteration, cerebrospinal fluid drainage was performed more in clipped patients, and antithrombotic treatment was performed more in coiled patients. Vasospasm-induced cerebral infarct occurred in 17.7 %, and multivariable logistic regression showed that vasospasm-induced cerebral infarct increased the odds of poor outcome by a factor of 5.2 (adjusted odds ratio, 5.2; 95 % confidence interval, 2.8-9.8; P < 0.001). Multivariate analyses showed that vasospasm-induced cerebral infarct was significantly associated with admission World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies grade IV-V, Fisher computed tomography (CT) group 3-4, and ruptured middle cerebral artery aneurysms.

CONCLUSIONS

New treatment strategies for vasospasm-induced cerebral infarct are needed, especially for ruptured middle cerebral artery aneurysm cases associated with massive SAH.

Neurosurgical versus endovascular treatment of subarachnoid haemorrhage caused by ruptured cerebral aneurysm: comparison of patient outcomes

The aim of this critical review is to determine whether endovascular treatment (EVT) of a subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) has better patient outcomes than neurosurgical treatment (NST). A review of six cohort studies (listed in Table 1) was carried out and the main findings were summarised in the conclusion. In addition the list of author's recommendations is included at the end of the paper. Theatre practitioners involved in neurosurgery might find this review useful in enhancing their understanding of how SAH is currently treated. It could also bring some insights about the reasons why a particular modality of the treatment was chosen for their patient.

Vasoconstrictive effect of tenascin-C on cerebral arteries in rats

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The authors have reported that tenascin-C (TNC), a matricellular protein, is induced after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), associated with cerebral vasospasm. In this study, we examined whether TNC alone causes cerebral vasospasm-like constriction of the intracranial internal carotid arteries (ICAs) in rats, focusing on the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-mediated mechanisms.

METHODS

First, we injected 10 μg of TNC into the cisterna magna of healthy rats and studied morphologically whether TNC caused constriction of the left ICA at 24-72 h after administration. Second, we examined the effect of SB203580 (a p38 MAPK inhibitor) on the vessel diameter of the left ICA in healthy rats at 24 h. Third, we evaluated the effect of SB203580 on TNC-induced constriction of the left ICA in healthy rats at 24 h.

RESULTS

TNC significantly induced cerebral vasospasm-like angiographic constriction of the left ICAs, which continued at least for 72 h. SB203580 itself had no effect on the diameter of normal ICAs, but abolished the TNC-induced vasoconstrictive effect on the left ICA.

CONCLUSION

These findings show that TNC causes left ICA constriction via activation of p38 MAPK, resembling post-SAH vasospasm, and suggest the possible involvement of TNC in the pathogenesis of cerebral vasospasm.

Endovascular and surgical options for ruptured middle cerebral artery aneurysms: review of the literature

Middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms are common entities, and those of the bifurcation are the most frequently encountered sublocation of MCA aneurysm. MCA bifurcation (MBIF) aneurysms commonly present with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), are devastating, and are often lethal. At the present time, the treatment of ruptured MBIF aneurysms entails either endovascular or open microneurosurgical methods to permanently secure the aneurysm(s). The purpose of this report is to review the current available data regarding the relative superiority of endovascular versus open microneurosurgical clipping for the treatment of ruptured middle cerebral artery bifurcation aneurysms.