Adenosine-induced Flow Arrest to Facilitate Intracranial Complex Aneurysm Clip Ligation: Review of the Literature

Microsurgical Clipping of Distal Basilar Trunk Aneurysm during Adenosine-Induced Profound Hypotension

A 46-year-old male presented with a history of sudden severe headache 1 week back, altered sensorium and right hemiparesis for 2 days. On examination, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) was E4V4M6 and the patient had right hemiparesis (power – 4/5). Computed tomography (CT) revealed diffuse subarachnoid hemorrhage (Fisher's Grade III). CT angiogram revealed distal basilar trunk aneurysm arising between the origin of the left posterior cerebral artery and superior cerebellar artery, ectatic dilatation of distal basilar trunk, and a left middle cerebral artery (MCA) bifurcation aneurysm. Basilar trunk aneurysm was approached through subtemporal route and aneurysm was clipped during adenosine-induced profound hypotension (AIPH) without application of temporary clip. Single bolus 6 mg of adenosine was given, and aneurysm was successfully clipped during AIPH (systolic <60 mmHg). There were no complications related to adenosine. Ectatic part of distal basilar trunk was wrapped with Teflon. The left MCA bifurcation aneurysm was clipped in the same session. At 3-month follow-up, the patient's sensorium was normal (GCS-E4V5M6) and the right hemiparesis improved (4+/5). Adenosine enhances the safety of clipping these aneurysms by providing transient cardiac arrest or profound hypotension. In developing countries, microsurgical clipping is a cost-effective treatment option for basilar artery aneurysms.