Continuous selective intra-arterial application of nimodipine in refractory cerebral vasospasm due to aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

Is Stent Retraction to ReLieve Arterial Cerebral VaSospasm Caused by SAH (Stent-ReLACSS) Using PRELAX the Long-awaited Solution for Treatment of Posthemorrhagic Cerebral Vasospasm? : Treatment of Posthemorrhagic Cerebral Vasospasm with PRESET and PRELAX: Technical Aspects, Efficacy, and Safety Margins in a Case Series

PURPOSE

Recent observational studies have indicated the efficacy of stent retriever devices for the treatment of posthemorrhagic cerebral vasospasm (CVS), both by deployment and on-site withdrawal into the microcatheter (stent angioplasty, SA) and deployment followed by retraction through the target vessel similar to thrombectomy (Stent Retraction to reLieve Arterial Cerebral vaSospasm caused by SAH, Stent-ReLACSS). This article reports the findings with each application of pRESET and pRELAX in the treatment of CVS.

METHODS

We retrospectively enrolled 25 patients with severe CVS following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. For the SA group, a stent retriever or a pRELAX was temporarily deployed into a narrow vessel segment and retrieved into the microcatheter after 3 min. For the Stent-ReLACSS group, a pRELAX was temporarily deployed into a narrow vessel and pulled back unfolded into the internal carotid artery. If intra-arterial vasodilators were administered, they were given exclusively after mechanical vasospasmolysis to maximize the effectiveness of the stent treatment.

RESULTS

In this study fifteen patients and 49 vessels were treated with SA. All were technically successful without periprocedural complications; however, 8/15 patients (53.3%) required additional treatment of the CVS. A total of 10 patients and 23 vessel segments were treated with Stent-ReLACSS. All maneuvers were technically successful without periprocedural complications and all vessels showed significant angiographic improvement. No recurrent CVS requiring further endovascular treatment occurred in-hospital, and neither territorial ischemia in the treated vessels nor vascular injury were observed in follow-up angiography.

CONCLUSION

Based on the presented data it appears that Stent-ReLACSS with pRELAX does not pose any additional risks when used to treat CVS and might be superior to SA, especially concerning mid-term and long-term efficacy. The mechanism of action may be an effect on the endothelium rather than mechanical vasodilation. As many patients with CVS are diagnosed too late, prophylactic treatment of high-risk patients (e.g., poor grade, young, female) is potentially viable.

Combined stent retriever angioplasty and continuous intra-arterial nimodipine infusion as salvage therapy for cerebral vasospasm and delayed cerebral ischemia after subarachnoid hemorrhage: illustrative case

BACKGROUND

Delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) and cerebral vasospasm (CV) are severe complications of spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) contributing to an inferior outcome. Rescue therapies include intra-arterial balloon angioplasty and repetitive and finally continuous intra-arterial nimodipine infusion.

OBSERVATIONS

In the presented case, a young female patient with fulminant refractory DCI and CV, despite induced hypertension and nimodipine application, was treated with three-vessel continuous intra-arterial infusion and additional repetitive angioplasty of the basilar and middle cerebral arteries using a stent retriever, leading to a good clinical outcome. Additional stent retriever dilatation to continuous intra-arterial nimodipine application in three vessel territories may represent a further escalation step in the rescue therapy for severe CV and DCI after SAH. Montreal Cognitive Assessment and SF-36 testing showed satisfactory results 3 months after initial treatment with intra-arterial nimodipine catheters in three vessel territory circulations and additional stent retriever vasodilation of severe CV.

LESSONS

We report a unique rescue strategy involving implantation of an additional intra-arterial catheter into the vertebral artery and repetitive stent retriever dilatations of the middle cerebral and basilar arteries as an extra therapy for continuous intra-arterial nimodipine vaspospasmolytic therapy in three vessel territories, resulting in a very good clinical outcome.

DSA-Based 2D Perfusion Measurements in Delayed Cerebral Ischemia to Estimate the Clinical Outcome in Patients with Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Technical Feasibility Study

(1) Background: To predict clinical outcomes in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) and delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) by assessment of the cerebral perfusion using a 2D perfusion angiography (2DPA) time-contrast agent (CA) concentration model. (2) Methods: Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) data sets of n = 26 subjects were acquired and post-processed focusing on changes in contrast density using a time-concentration model at three time points: (i) initial presentation with SAH (T0); (ii) vasospasm-associated acute clinical impairment (T1); and (iii) directly after endovascular treatment (T2) of SAH-associated large vessel vasospasm (LVV), which resulted in n = 78 data sets. Maximum slope (MS in SI/ms), time-to-peak (TTP in ms), and maximum amplitude of a CA bolus (dSI) were measured in brain parenchyma using regions of interest (ROIs). First, acquired parameters were standardized to the arterial input function (AIF) and then statistically analyzed as mean values. Additionally, data were clustered into two subsets consisting of patients with regredient or with stable/progredient symptoms (or Doppler signals) after endovascular treatment (n = 10 vs. n = 16). (3) Results: Perfusion parameters (MS, TTP, and dSI) differed significantly between T0 and T1 (p = 0.003 each). Significant changes between T1 and T2 were only detectable for MS (0.041 ± 0.016 vs. 0.059 ± 0.026; p = 0.011) in patients with regredient symptoms at T2 (0.04 ± 0.012 vs. 0.066 ± 0.031; p = 0.004). For dSI, there were significant differences between T0 and T2 (5095.8 ± 2541.9 vs. 3012.3 ± 968.3; p = 0.001), especially for those with stable symptoms at T2 (5685.4 ± 2967.2 vs. 3102.8 ± 1033.2; p = 0.02). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that a) the difference in MS between T1 and T2 and b) patient's age (R = 0.6; R² = 0.34; p = 0.009) strongly predict the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at discharge. (4) Conclusions: 2DPA allows the direct measurement of treatment effects in SAH associated DCI and may be used to predict outcomes in these critically ill patients.

Inflammation and immune cell abnormalities in intracranial aneurysm subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH): Relevant signaling pathways and therapeutic strategies

Intracranial aneurysm subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a cerebrovascular disorder associated with high overall mortality. Currently, the underlying mechanisms of pathological reaction after aneurysm rupture are still unclear, especially in the immune microenvironment, inflammation, and relevant signaling pathways. SAH-induced immune cell population alteration, immune inflammatory signaling pathway activation, and active substance generation are associated with pro-inflammatory cytokines, immunosuppression, and brain injury. Crosstalk between immune disorders and hyperactivation of inflammatory signals aggravated the devastating consequences of brain injury and cerebral vasospasm and increased the risk of infection. In this review, we discussed the role of inflammation and immune cell responses in the occurrence and development of aneurysm SAH, as well as the most relevant immune inflammatory signaling pathways [PI3K/Akt, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), STAT, SIRT, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), NLRP3, TLR4/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), and Keap1/nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2)/ARE cascades] and biomarkers in aneurysm SAH. In addition, we also summarized potential therapeutic drugs targeting the aneurysm SAH immune inflammatory responses, such as nimodipine, dexmedetomidine (DEX), fingolimod, and genomic variation-related aneurysm prophylactic agent sunitinib. The intervention of immune inflammatory responses and immune microenvironment significantly reduces the secondary brain injury, thereby improving the prognosis of patients admitted to SAH. Future studies should focus on exploring potential immune inflammatory mechanisms and developing additional therapeutic strategies for precise aneurysm SAH immune inflammatory regulation and genomic variants associated with aneurysm formation.

Intracranial stenting as a bail-out option for posthemorrhagic cerebral vasospasm: a single-center experience with long-term follow-up

Background

Cerebral vasospasm (CVS) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Endovascular treatment, including intraarterial infusion of drugs with vasodilation effects, and balloon- and stentriever angioplasty, are helpful but may achieve only short-term effects. There is a clinical need for long-lasting treatment of refractory recurrent vasospasm. We report our experience in stent implantation as a treatment for recurrent severe post-SAH vasospasm.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of our institutional database of 883 patients with SAH, managed between January 2010 and December 2021, was performed. Six patients were identified as having received intracranial stenting in the context of post-SAH cerebral vasospasm. All patients were initially treated with intra-arterial infusion of nimodipine and/or milrinone. Self-expanding intracranial stents were implanted during endovascular aneurysm treatment to enable access despite impaired perfusion (Group 1) or as a bail-out strategy after failed intraarterial drug infusion or mechanical treatment (Group 2). All stented patients received dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) for 6 months.

Results

Nine vessels in six patients with severe post-SAH vasospasm were stented. The stents were deployed in 16 vessel segments. All attempted implantations were technically successful. All patients demonstrated radiographic and clinical improvement of the vessel narrowing. No recurrent vasospasm or permanent vessel occlusion of the stented vessels was encountered. A thrombus formation in a Group 1 patient resolved under 4 mg eptifibatide IA infusion. During long-term angiographic follow-up, neither in-stent stenosis nor stent occlusion was found.

Conclusions

Endovascular implantation of self-expanding stents is a potential ultima ratio strategy for patients with severe refractory post-SAH cerebral vasospasm. Stents with reduced thrombogenicity (avoiding DAPT) and bioabsorbable self-expanding stents might further advance this concept.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12883-022-02862-4.

Vasospasm-Related Death after Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Retrospective Case–Control Study

Background: Vasospasm after the rupture of an intracranial aneurysm is a frequent phenomenon and is the main cause of morbidity and mortality in patients who have survived intracranial hemorrhage and aneurysm treatment. We analyzed the diagnosis and management of patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage who eventually died from ischemic brain damage due to vasospasm. Methods: Between January 2007 and December 2021 (15 years), a total of 1064 patients were diagnosed with an aneurysmal intracranial hemorrhage in a single comprehensive neurovascular center. Vasospasm was diagnosed in 408 patients (38.4%). A total of 187 patients (17.6%) died within 90 days of the aneurysm rupture. In 64 of these 187 patients (33.7%), vasospasm was considered to be the cause of death. In a retrospective analysis, demographic and clinical data for patients without, with non-fatal, and with fatal vasospasm were compared. The patients with fatal vasospasm were categorized into the following subgroups: “no diagnosis and treatment” (Group a), “delayed diagnosis” (Group b), “cardiovascular complications” (Group c), and “vasospasm-treatment complications” (Group d). Results: Among the patients with fatal vasospasm, 31 (48.4%) were assigned to group a, 26 (40.6%) to group b, seven (10.9%) to group c, and none (0%) to group d. Conclusion: The early recognition of severe posthemorrhagic vasospasm is a prerequisite for any treatment and requires routine diagnostic imaging in all unconscious patients. Aggressive endovascular vasospasm treatment may fail to prevent death but is infrequently the cause of a fatal outcome.

The Impact of Endovascular Rescue Therapy on the Clinical and Radiological Outcome After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Safe and Effective Treatment Option for Hemodynamically Relevant Vasospasm?

Objective

Cerebral vasospasm (CVS) represents one of the multiple contributors to delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Especially the management of CVS, refractory to medical treatment, is a challenging task during the acute phase after aSAH. Endovascular rescue therapies (ERT), such as medical and mechanical dilation, are possible treatment options on an individual basis. However, data about the influence on the patients' functional outcomes are limited. This study aims to assess the impact of ERT on the long-term functional outcome in aSAH-patients with refractory CVS.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of aSAH patients treated between 2012 and 2018. CVS was considered refractory, if it persisted despite oral/intravenous nimodipine application and induced hypertension. The decision to perform ETR was made on an individual basis, according to the detection of “tissue at risk” on computed tomography perfusion (CTP) scans and CVS on computed tomography angiography (CTA) or digital subtraction angiography (DSA). The functional outcome was assessed according to the modified Rankin scale (mRS) 3 months after the ictus, whereas an mRS ≤ 2 was considered as a good outcome.

Results

A total of 268 patients were included. Out of these, 205 patients (76.5%) were treated without ERT (group 1) and 63 patients (23.5%) with ERT (group 2). In 20 patients (31.8%) balloon dilatation was performed, in 23 patients (36.5%) intra-arterial nimodipine injection alone, and in 20 patients (31.8%) both procedures were combined. Considering only the patient group with DCI, the patients who were treated with ERT had a significantly better outcome compared to the patients without ERT (Mann–Whitney test, p = 0.02).

Conclusion

Endovascular rescue therapies resulted in a significantly better functional outcome in patients with DCI compared to the patient group treated without ETR. CTP and CTA-based identification of “tissue at risk” might be a reliable tool for patient selection for performing ERT.

Continuous Intraarterial Nimodipine Infusion for the Treatment of Delayed Cerebral Ischemia After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Retrospective, Single-Center Cohort Trial

Background

Delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) occurs after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Continuous intraarterial nimodipine infusion (CIAN) is a promising approach in patients with intracranial large vessel vasospasm (LVV). The objective of this retrospective single-center cohort study was to evaluate the outcome in aSAH-patients treated with CIAN.

Methods

CIAN was initiated and ended based on the clinical evaluation and transcranial Doppler (TCD), CT-angiography, CT-perfusion (PCT), and digital subtraction angiography (DSA). Nimodipine (0.5–2.0 mg/h) was administered continuously through microcatheters placed in the extracranial internal carotid and/or vertebral artery. Primary outcome measures were Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) at discharge and within 1 year after aSAH, and the occurrence of minor and major (<⅓ and >⅓ of LVV-affected territory) DCI-related infarctions in subsequent CT/MRI-scans. Secondary outcome measures were CIAN-associated complications.

Results

A total of 17 patients underwent CIAN. Median onset of CIAN was 9 (3–13) days after aSAH, median duration was 5 (1–13) days. A favorable outcome (GOS 4–5) was achieved in 9 patients (53%) at discharge and in 13 patients within 1 year (76%). One patient died of posthemorrhagic cerebral edema. Minor cerebral infarctions occurred in five and major infarctions in three patients. One patient developed cerebral edema possibly due to CIAN. Normalization of PCT-parameters within 2 days was observed in 9/17 patients. Six patients showed clinical response and thus did not require PCT imaging.

Conclusion

The favorable outcome in 76% of patients after 1 year is in line with previous studies. CIAN thus may be used to treat patients with severe therapy-refractory DCI.

Adverse Events and Complications in Continuous Intra-arterial Nimodipine Infusion Therapy After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Objective

To determine the frequency and severity of complications associated with the continuous intra-arterial infusion of nimodipine (CIANI) as a new treatment of delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).

Methods

Patients from two centers (n = 718) treated for SAH between 2008 and 2016 were included. Demographic and SAH-related parameters were evaluated, and also the frequency of adverse events (AEs) and complications including their severity (mild, moderate, and severe). Clinical outcome was analyzed using Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS). The unfavorable outcome was defined as GOS 1 to 3, and favorable outcome as GOS 4 to 5. The Short-Form 36 (SF-36) health-related quality-of-life (QoL) questionnaire served as a QoL measurement.

Results

Of 718 patients, 65 (9%) were treated by CIANI and had a higher clinical or imaging grade of bleeding severity. Clinical deterioration while on treatment happened more often in patients who were treated with CIANI than in others. In patients with CIANI, 67% had AEs and/or complications during the treatment. Nimodipine-associated hypotension was seen in 8% (mild). Catheter-associated thrombus occurred in 9% (moderate). New intracerebral hemorrhage was found in 14% (moderate). A total of 6% treated by CIANI died during the treatment period (severe). More than one-third (39%) of patients of CIANI reached at least moderate disability, and 23% showed good recovery. Patients who received CIANI showed reduced QoL, but differences in mental and general health, and also pain were minimal.

Conclusion

Patients who received CIANI had higher rates of AEs and complications. However, this does not exclude the possibility that the use of CIANI might be helpful in patients with severe and therapy-refractory CV and DCI. Controlled and randomized studies would be helpful to clarify this question but they are methodologically and ethically challenging.

Continuous intra-arterial nimodipine infusion as rescue treatment of severe refractory cerebral vasospasm after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

Severe refractory cerebral vasospasm (CV) is a major cause of disability and death in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). One rescue therapy in selected patients is intra-arterial nimodipine, either given as a single shot or as continuous infusion. To evaluate treatment efficacy, we analyzed outcome factors such as the incidence of craniectomy, ventriculo-peritonial (VP) shunting, and tracheotomy after intra-arterial nimodipine infusion. We retrospectively analyzed the rates of cerebral infarction, decompressive craniectomy, VP shunting, and tracheotomy in patients with severe CV after SAH. Three different patient groups were compared: group 1 had only been treated with oral nimodipine and hypervolemic hypertensive therapy (HHT) (2006-2010), group 2 with a single shot of intra-arterial nimodipine (SSN) in addition to oral conservative treatment (2006-2010), and group 3 with continuous intra-arterial nimodipine (CIAN) (2011-2017). The incidence of cerebral infarction was significantly lower in CIAN group (p = 0.005) than in conservative and SSN group. The indication for consecutive decompressive craniectomy was significantly lower in CIAN group in comparison with the conservative group (p = 0.018). The rates of VP shunting and tracheotomy were significantly higher in the CIAN group than in the conservative group (p = 0.028 for VP, and p = 0.003 for tracheotomy). The significantly lower rate of craniectomy in the CIAN group was most probably attributable to the significantly lower rate of CV-induced infarction. The higher rate of tracheotomy reflects more extensive sedation and the need of longer stays on the intensive care unit. Thus, the effect on long-term neurological outcome and quality of life has to be evaluated separately.

Side effects of continuous intra-arterial infusion of nimodipine for management of resistant cerebral vasospasm in subarachnoid hemorrhage patients: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Cerebral vasospasm is a common complication of subarachnoid hemorrhage. Nimodipine is the most frequently used drug for cerebral vasospasm management and is the only approved medication that has been demonstrated to reduce ischemic complications, infarct size and improve neurological outcome after aneurismal subarachnoid hemorrhage. The main purpose of this systematic review was to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the main cerebral and extracerebral side effects of continuous intra-arterial infusion of nimodipine in management of delayed cerebral ischemia in subarachnoid hemorrhage patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A protocol with the inclusion and exclusion criteria for matched cases and the method of analysis were established and agreed by all authors. We defined the scope of this review to include articles (prospective and retrospective) reporting the side effects of continuous intra-arterial infusion of nimodipine in human subjects. PRISMA guidelines were used to conduct this systematic review.

RESULTS

A total of 8 articles reporting 136 patients were included in the review and analyzed. The side effects associated with continuous intra-arterial infusion of nimodipine were arterial hypotention, heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, atrial fibrillation or flutter, infections, acute kidney injury, hepatic and gastro-intestinal side effects.

CONCLUSION

The most frequent side effects reported in the articles included in this systematic review associated with the continuous intra-arterial infusion of nimodipine were arterial hypotension and heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. Intracerebral hemorrhage, the elevation of ICP, heart rhythm disorders, infectious complications, and thrombosis of the catheter might be also associated with CIAN. Future prospective studies are warranted to establish the risks and incidence of procedure-related side effects.

The Impact of Intra-Arterial Papaverine-Hydrochloride on Cerebral Metabolism and Oxygenation for Treatment of Delayed-Onset Post-Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Vasospasm

BACKGROUND

Delayed posthemorrhagic vasospasm remains among the major complications after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and can result in devastating ischemic strokes. As rescue therapy, neurointerventional procedures are used for selective vasodilatation.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of intra-arterial papaverine-hydrochloride on cerebral metabolism and oxygenation.

METHODS

A total of 10 consecutive patients, suffering from severe aneurysmal SAH were prospectively included. Patients were under continuous multimodality neuromonitoring and required intra-arterial papaverine-hydrochloride for vasospasm unresponsive to hypertensive therapy. Cerebral metabolism (microdialysis), brain tissue oxygen tension (ptiO2), intracranial pressure (ICP), and cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) were analyzed for a period of 12 h following intervention.

RESULTS

A median dose of 125 mg papaverine-hydrochloride was administered ipsilateral to the multimodality probe. Angiographic improvement of cerebral vasospasm was observed in 80% of patients. During intervention, a significant elevation of ICP (13.7 ± 5.2 mmHg) and the lactate-pyruvate ratio (LPR) (54.2 ± 15.5) was observed, whereas a decrease in cerebral glucose (0.9 ± 0.5 mmol/L) occurred. Within an hour, an increase of cerebral lactate (5.0 ± 2.0 mmol/L) and glycerol (104.4 ± 89.8 μmol/L) as well as a decrease of glucose (0.9 ± 0.4 mmol/L) were measured. In 2 to 5 h after treatment, the LPR significantly decreased (pretreatment: 39.3 ± 15.3, to lowest 30.5 ± 6.7). Cerebral pyruvate levels increased in 1 to 10 h (pretreatment: 100.1 ± 33.1 μmol/L, to highest 141.4 ± 33.7 μmol/L) after intervention. No significant changes in ptiO2 or CPP occurred.

CONCLUSION

The initial detrimental effects of the endovascular procedure itself were outweighed by an improved cerebral metabolism within 10 h thereafter. As the effect was very limited, repeated interventions or continuous application should be considered.

Endovascular Rescue Treatment for Delayed Cerebral Ischemia After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Is Safe and Effective

Background: The implementation of rescue efforts for delayed cerebral ischemia after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage remains largely empirical for a lack of supporting evidence, while the associated risk profile is also unclear. Objective: The present study evaluates the safety and efficacy of endovascular rescue treatment (ERT, continuous intraarterial nimodipine; IAN, transcutaneous balloon angioplasty, TBA). Methods: In this prospective observational study, we assessed periprocedural complications and side effects in context of ERT. We evaluated neurological status, multimodal neuromonitoring (p_tiO₂, lactate/pyruvate ratio, transcranial doppler), and cranial imaging (CTP, DSA). All parameters were included into multivariate analysis to determine predictors for the need of retreatment. Results: We included 33 consecutive patients with 54 ERT (IAN n = 35; TBA n = 13; TBA + IAN n = 6). We recorded no serious complications and initial improvement in all parameters (neurostatus 72.3% of patients; p_tiO₂ 15.0 ± 11.7 to 25.8 ± 15.5 mmHg, p < 0.0001; lactate/pyruvate ratio 46.3 ± 27.5 to 31.0 ± 9.7, p <0.05; transcranial doppler 139.0 ± 46.3 to 98.9 ± 29.6 cm/s, p < 0.05; CTP 81.6% of patients; DSA 93.1% of patients). Retreatment (n = 16, 48.5%) was independently associated with preinterventional p_tiO₂ < 5 mmHg (p <0.01) and early (<72 h) discontinuation of IAN treatment (p = 0.08). DCI related cerebral infarction was noted in n = 8 patients (24.2%). At 3 months after discharge, favorable outcome was noted for n = 11 (35.5%) patients. Conclusion: Provided a detailed decision tree, timely ERT can provide a relatively safe and effective treatment option in those highly-selected patients undergoing multimodality monitoring where conservative treatment options are exhausted. Continuous treatment in particular may be suitable to surpass sustained DCI and was associated with a low rate of DCI related infarction and comparably high percentage of good outcome.

Intra-Arterial Papaverine-Hydrochloride and Transluminal Balloon Angioplasty for Neurointerventional Management of Delayed-Onset Post-Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Vasospasm

OBJECTIVE

After subarachnoid hemorrhage, delayed onset vasospasm can result in devastating ischemic stroke. The phenomenon of delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) is not yet fully understood, and the correlation of angiographic vasospasm and cerebral infarction is still unclear. Therefore, we investigated the effect of endovascular treatment on the angiographic response and occurrence of DCI.

METHODS

Eighty patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage and serious cerebral vasospasm underwent endovascular treatment using intra-arterial papaverine-hydrochloride (IAP) or transluminal balloon angioplasty (TBA). The angiographic response and infarction rate were classified using the pre- and postinterventional angiographic images and computed tomography scans.

RESULTS

In 90% of patients, vasospasm could be improved. In most cases (78.8%), IAP was used. Retreatment after IAP was necessary in 32.9% of patients but never after TBA. A total of 233 vascular territories were treated in 128 procedures. Angiographic improvement was observed in 66.5% of territories, which was significantly associated with early intervention (P = 0.02), the use of TBA (P = 0.01), and the dose of papaverine-hydrochloride (P = 0.01). DCI occurred in 47.5% of the patients. Territorial infarction was associated with a poor Hunt and Hess grade (P = 0.03), day of aneurysm treatment (P = 0.01), severe vasospasm before (P = 0.02) and after (P = 0.03) treatment, and number of interventions (P = 0.01). However, the infarction rate was independent of the angiographic response.

CONCLUSION

The discrepancy of excellent angiographic results and the high incidence of DCI might stem from an inaccurate or a delayed diagnosis of impending ischemia. In view of the limited time window, optimized peri-interventional management and continuous cerebral multimodality neuromonitoring might be crucial for the ideal timing of endovascular procedures to prevent cerebral infarctions.

Endovascular Rescue Therapies for Refractory Vasospasm After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Prospective Evaluation Study Using Multimodal, Continuous Event Neuromonitoring

BACKGROUND

Critical hypoperfusion and metabolic derangement are frequently encountered with refractory vasospasm. Endovascular rescue therapies (ERT) have proven beneficial in selected cases. However, angioplasty (AP) and intraarterial lysis (IAL) are measures of last resort and prospective, quantitative results regarding the efficacy (cerebral oxygenation, metabolism) are largely lacking.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of ERTs for medically refractory vasospasm using multimodal, continuous event neuromonitoring.

METHODS

To detect cerebral compromise in a timely fashion, sedated patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage received continuous neuromonitoring (p ti O 2 measurement, intraparenchymal microdialysis). ERT (AP and/or IAL) was considered in cases of clinically relevant vasospasm refractory to conservative treatment measures. Oxygen saturation and cerebral and systemic metabolism before and after events of ERT was recorded.

RESULTS

We prospectively included 13 consecutive patients and recorded a total of 25 ERT events: AP (n = 10), IAL (n = 11), or both (AP + IAL, n = 4). Average cerebral p ti O 2 was 10 ± 11 torr before and 49 ± 22 torr after ERT ( P < .001), with a lactate-pyruvate ratio decreasing from 146.6 ± 119.0 to 27.9 ± 10.7 after ERT ( P < .001). Comparable improvement was observed for each type of intervention (AP, IAL, or both). No significant alterations in systemic metabolism could be detected after ERT.

CONCLUSION

Multimodal event neuromonitoring is able to quantify treatment efficacy in subarachnoid hemorrhage-related vasospasm. In our small cohort of highly selected cases, ERT was associated with improvement in cerebral oxygenation and metabolism with reasonable outcome. Event neuromonitoring may facilitate individual and timely optimization of treatment modality according to the individual clinical course.

Higher dose intra-arterial milrinone and intra-arterial combined milrinone-nimodipine infusion as a rescue therapy for refractory cerebral vasospasm

Background Cerebral vasospasm (CV) is a major cause of delayed morbidity and mortality in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Various cerebral protectants have been tested in patients with aneurysmal SAH. We aimed to research the success rate of treatment of CV via intra-arterial milrinone injection and aggressive pharmacological therapy for refractory CV. Methods A total of 25 consecutive patients who received intra-arterial milrinone and nimodipine treatment for CV following SAH between 2014 and 2017 were included in the study. Patients who underwent surgical clipping were excluded. Refractory vasospasm was defined as patients with CV refractory to therapies requiring ≥3 endovascular interventions. Overall, six patients had refractory CV. Long-term neurological outcome was assessed 6-18 months after SAH using a modified Rankin score and Barthel index. Results The median modified Rankin scores were 1 (min: 0, max: 3) and Barthel index scores were 85 (min: 70, max: 100) From each vasospastic territory maximal 10-16 mg milrinone was given to patients; a maximum of 24 mg milrinone was given to each patient in a session and a maximum of 42 mg milrinone was given to a patient in a day. Both milrinone and nimodipine were given to three patients. There was a large vessel diameter increase after milrinone and nimodipine injections. No patient died due to CV; only one patient had motor dysfunction on the right lower extremity. Conclusion Higher doses of milrinone can be used effectively to control refractory CV. For exceptional patients with refractory CV, high dose intra-arterial nimodipine and milrinone infusion can be used as a rescue therapy.

Discovery and Development of Calcium Channel Blockers

In the mid 1960s, experimental work on molecules under screening as coronary dilators allowed the discovery of the mechanism of calcium entry blockade by drugs later named calcium channel blockers. This paper summarizes scientific research on these small molecules interacting directly with L-type voltage-operated calcium channels. It also reports on experimental approaches translated into understanding of their therapeutic actions. The importance of calcium in muscle contraction was discovered by Sidney Ringer who reported this fact in 1883. Interest in the intracellular role of calcium arose 60 years later out of Kamada (Japan) and Heibrunn (USA) experiments in the early 1940s. Studies on pharmacology of calcium function were initiated in the mid 1960s and their therapeutic applications globally occurred in the the 1980s. The first part of this report deals with basic pharmacology in the cardiovascular system particularly in isolated arteries. In the section entitled from calcium antagonists to calcium channel blockers, it is recalled that drugs of a series of diphenylpiperazines screened in vivo on coronary bed precontracted by angiotensin were initially named calcium antagonists on the basis of their effect in depolarized arteries contracted by calcium. Studies on arteries contracted by catecholamines showed that the vasorelaxation resulted from blockade of calcium entry. Radiochemical and electrophysiological studies performed with dihydropyridines allowed their cellular targets to be identified with L-type voltage-operated calcium channels. The modulated receptor theory helped the understanding of their variation in affinity dependent on arterial cell membrane potential and promoted the terminology calcium channel blocker (CCB) of which the various chemical families are introduced in the paper. In the section entitled tissue selectivity of CCBs, it is shown that characteristics of the drug, properties of the tissue, and of the stimuli are important factors of their action. The high sensitivity of hypertensive animals is explained by the partial depolarization of their arteries. It is noted that they are arteriolar dilators and that they cannot be simply considered as vasodilators. The second part of this report provides key information about clinical usefulness of CCBs. A section is devoted to the controversy on their safety closed by the Allhat trial (2002). Sections are dedicated to their effect in cardiac ischemia, in cardiac arrhythmias, in atherosclerosis, in hypertension, and its complications. CCBs appear as the most commonly used for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. As far as hypertension is concerned, globally the prevalence in adults aged 25 years and over was around 40% in 2008. Usefulness of CCBs is discussed on the basis of large clinical trials. At therapeutic dosage, they reduce the elevated blood pressure of hypertensive patients but don't change blood pressure of normotensive subjects, as was observed in animals. Those active on both L- and T-type channels are efficient in nephropathy. Alteration of cognitive function is a complication of hypertension recognized nowadays as eventually leading to dementia. This question is discussed together with the efficacy of CCBs in cognitive pathology. In the section entitled beyond the cardiovascular system, CCBs actions in migraine, neuropathic pain, and subarachnoid hemorrhage are reported. The final conclusions refer to long-term effects discovered in experimental animals that have not yet been clearly reported as being important in human pharmacotherapy.

Treatment of cerebral vasospasm following aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

To examine the clinical outcome of aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH) patients exposed to cerebral vasospasm (CVS)-targeted treatments in a meta-analysis and to evaluate the efficacy of intra-arterial (IA) approaches in patients with severe/refractory vasospasm.

METHODS

Randomised controlled trials, prospective and retrospective observational studies reporting clinical outcomes of aSAH patients exposed to CVS targeted treatments, published between 2006-2016 were searched using PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library. The main endpoint was the proportion of unfavourable outcomes, defined as a modified Rankin score of 3-6 at last follow-up.

RESULTS

Sixty-two studies, including 26 randomised controlled trials, were included (8,976 patients). At last follow-up 2,490 of the 8,976 patients had an unfavourable outcome, including death (random-effect weighted-average, 33.7%; 99% confidence interval [CI], 28.1-39.7%; Q value, 806.0; I ² = 92.7%). The RR of unfavourable outcome was lower in patients treated with Cilostazol (RR = 0.46; 95% CI, 0.25-0.85; P = 0.001; Q value, 1.5; I ² = 0); and in refractory CVS patients treated by IA intervention (RR = 0.68; 95% CI, 0.57-0.80; P < 0.0001; number needed to treat with IA intervention, 6.2; 95% CI, 4.3-11.2) when compared with the best available medical treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Endovascular treatment may improve the outcome of patients with severe-refractory vasospasm. Further studies are needed to confirm this result.

KEY POINTS

• 33.7% of patients with cerebral Vasospasm following aneurysmal subarachnoid-hemorrhage have an unfavorable outcome. • Refractory vasospasm patients treated using endovascular interventions have lower relative risk of unfavourable outcome. • Subarachnoid haemorrhage patients with severe vasospasm may benefit from endovascular interventions. • The relative risk of unfavourable outcome is lower in patients treated with Cilostazol.

Continuous intra-arterial nimodipine infusion in refractory symptomatic vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage

Introduction

Vasospasm still is a major cause of morbidity after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. The purpose of this report is to describe the successful management of severe refractory vasospasm with continuous intra-arterial nimodipine (IAN) treatment.

Case description

A 72-year old right handed woman was admitted with non-traumatic SAH WFNS grade 1. Cerebral computed tomography demonstrated thick blood filling of the basal cisterns, and intraventricular hemorrhage. Cerebral angiogram failed to detect a vascular abnormality. After an uneventful initial course the patient developed symptomatic left middle cerebral artery vasospasm with aphasia and corresponding restriction in diffusion weighted images in the left frontal lobe. Bolus IAN only transiently improved cerebral circulation and clinical signs and symptoms. Continuous-IAN was started and led to full clinical recovery and normalisation of MRI diffusion restrictions.

Discussion and conclusions

Continuous selective intra-arterial infusion of nimodipine may be an option in selected patients with symptomatic vasospasm refractory to conventional treatment after careful consideration of benefits and procedure-related risks.

Cerebral Vasospasm in Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Through Aneurysm Rupture - Clinical Considerations and Case Report

Arterial aneurysm ruptures of the circle of Willis determine subarachnoid hemorrhage, which evolving due to the irritating effect of the blood in the subarachnoid space may lead to complications such as large arterial vasospasm in the origin of the large cerebral arteries, from the base of the brain.

Cerebral vasospasm causes a downstream cerebral ischemia, that may lead to the establishment of an ischemic stroke which is life threatening.

Early treatment against the vasospasm with calcium channels blockers should prevent occurrence of ischemia. However, the effectiveness of this treatment is not fully confirmed, fact that was mentioned even in the presentation of our case.

Long-Term, Continuous Intra-Arterial Nimodipine Treatment of Severe Vasospasm After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

BACKGROUND

Secondary vasospasm and disturbances in cerebrovascular autoregulation are associated with the development of delayed cerebral ischemia after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. An intra-arterial application of nimodipine has been shown to increase the vessel diameter, although this effect is transient. The feasibility of long-term, continuous, intra-arterial nimodipine treatment and its effects on macrovasospasm, autoregulation parameters, and outcome were evaluated in patients with refractory severe macrovasospasm.

METHODS

Ten patients were included with refractory macrovasospasm despite bolus nimodipine application (n = 4) or with primary severe vasospasm (n = 6). The patients were assessed with continuous multimodal neuromonitoring (mean arterial pressure, intraceranial pressure, cerebral perfusion pressure, brain tissue oxygen tension probe), daily transcranial Doppler examinations, and computed tomography angiography/perfusion. Autoregulation indices, the pressure reactivity index, and oxygen reactivity index were calculated. Indwelling microcatheters were placed in the extracranial internal carotid arteries and 0.4 mg nimodipine was continuously infused at 50 mL/hour.

RESULTS

The duration of continuous, intra-arterial nimodipine ranged from 9 to 15 days. During treatment intracranial pressure remained stable, transcranial Doppler flow velocity decreased, and brain tissue oxygen tension improved by 37%. Macrovasospasm, as assessed via computed tomography angiography, had improved (n = 5) or disappeared (n = 5) at the end of treatment. Cerebrovascular autoregulation according to the pressure reactivity index and oxygen reactivity index significantly worsened during treatment. All patients showed a favorable outcome (median Glasgow Outcome Scale 5) at 3 months.

CONCLUSIONS

In well-selected patients with prolonged severe macrovasospasm, continuous intra-arterial nimodipine treatment can be applied as a rescue therapy with relative safety for more than 2 weeks to prevent secondary cerebral ischemia. The induced impairment of cerebrovascular autoregulation during treatment seems to have no negative effects.

Clinical Variables Correlated with Numbers of Intra-arterial Nimodipine Infusion in Patients with Medically Refractory Cerebral Vasospasm

Objective

The objective of this study was to find out the clinical variables correlated with repeated intra-arterial (IA) nimodipine infusions in patients with medically refractory cerebral vasospasm (CV) following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).

Materials and Methods

During the 36 months between January 2011 and December 2013, 275 patients were treated at our institute for SAH due to a ruptured intracranial aneurysm. Of the 275 patients, 26 patients (9.5%) met the inclusion criteria. For each patient, a retrospective review of their medical records was conducted.

Results

Eleven patients underwent a single IA nimodipine infusion and 15 patients underwent more than two IA nimodipine infusions. Multiple IA nimodipine infusion patients had poor improvement (2 of 15 patients, 13.3%) in Glasgow coma scale (GCS) scores after the first IA nimodipine infusion compared to patients of single IA nimodipine infusion (6 of 11 patients, 54.6%) (p = 0.038). The mean middle cerebral artery (MCA) Lindegaard ratio of multiple IA nimodipine infusion patients was 4.3 ± 1.1 after the first IA nimodipine infusion (p = 0.039). In multiple IA nimodipine infusion patients, CV occurred more often bilaterally (p = 0.035) and distally (p = 0.001). More vessel segments were affected in multiple IA nimodipine infusion patients (3.1 ± 1.0) (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The following factors correlated with multiple IA nimodipine infusions: 1) no improvement in GCS after the IA nimodipine infusion; 2) no decrease of MCA velocity on transcranial doppler over 50 cm/s or Lindegaard ratio over 4.3 after the IA nimodipine infusion; 3) distal, bilateral, or diffuse involvement of CV.

Pharmacokinetic Modeling of Intra-arterial Nimodipine Therapy for Subarachnoid Hemorrhage-Related Cerebral Vasospasm

PURPOSE

Intra-arterial (IA) administration of nimodipine has been shown to be an effective treatment for subarachnoid hemorrhage-related cerebral vasospasm. The concentrations achieved in cerebral arteries during this procedure, though, are unknown. Therefore, there are no clinical studies investigating dose-dependent effects of nimodipine. We aimed at providing a pharmacokinetic model for IA nimodipine therapy for this purpose.

METHODS

A two-compartment pharmacokinetic model for intravenous nimodipine therapy was modified and used to assess cerebral arterial nimodipine concentration during IA nimodipine infusion into the internal carotid artery (ICA).

RESULTS

According to our simulations, continuous IA nimodipine infusion at 2 mg/h and 1 mg/h resulted in steady-state cerebral arterial concentrations of about 200 ng/ml and 100 ng/ml assuming an ICA blood flow of 200 ml/min and a clearance of 70 l/h. About 85 % of the maximal concentration is achieved within the first minute of IA infusion independent on the infusion dose. Within the range of physiological and pharmacokinetic data available in the literature, ICA blood flow has more impact on cerebral arterial concentration than nimodipine clearance.

CONCLUSION

The presented pharmacokinetic model is suitable for estimations of cerebral arterial nimodipine concentration during IA infusion. It may, for instance, assist in dose-dependent analyses of angiographic results.

Continuous Local Intra-Arterial Nimodipine for the Treatment of Cerebral Vasospasm

Vasospasm (VSP) is one of the major causes for prolonged neurologic deficit in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. Few case series have reported about continuous local intra-arterial nimodipine administration (CLINA) in refractory VSP. We report our experience with CLINA in a patient with refractory cerebral VSP.

Rescue therapy for refractory vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage

Vasospasm and delayed cerebral ischemia remain to be the common causes of increased morbidity and mortality after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. The majority of clinical vasospasm responds to hemodynamic augmentation and direct vascular intervention; however, a percentage of patients continue to have symptoms and neurological decline. Despite suboptimal evidence, clinicians have several options in treating refractory vasospasm in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), including cerebral blood flow enhancement, intra-arterial manipulations, and intra-arterial and intrathecal infusions. This review addresses standard treatments as well as emerging novel therapies aimed at improving cerebral perfusion and ameliorating the neurologic deterioration associated with vasospasm and delayed cerebral ischemia.