rFVIIa--for acute rebleeding of a cerebral cavernous malformation

Eur J Neurol. 2007 Jan;14(1):117-20. doi: 10.1111/j.1468-1331.2006.01628.x.

Abstract

Recurrent bleeding episodes of cavernomas especially in the brainstem can cause progressive neurological deficits. Therefore brainstem cavernomas are still a therapeutic dilemma and a treatment challenge for the neuro critical care community. We report a 39-year-old woman with spontaneous ataxia diplopia and vomiting, who has been treated for multiple intracerebral cavernomas during the last 10 years. A cerebral computed tomography (cCT) revealed a re-bleeding cavernoma in the left cerebral peduncle with consecutive obstructive hydrocephalus. As a result of the difficult anatomical location, no surgical approach was possible. As an off-label treatment, recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) was administered to prevent possible further bleeding and especially further sequelae. The patient recovered well and no adverse events and especially no further bleeding of the cavernoma were observed. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the safe and successful use of rFVIIa to treat re-bleeding episodes in cavernomas. Further clinical studies are needed to specify the future potential of rFVIIa.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Adult
  • Central Nervous System Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Central Nervous System Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Factor VII / therapeutic use*
  • Factor VIIa
  • Female
  • Hemangioma, Cavernous, Central Nervous System / diagnostic imaging
  • Hemangioma, Cavernous, Central Nervous System / drug therapy*
  • Hemorrhage / diagnostic imaging
  • Hemorrhage / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Radiography
  • Recombinant Proteins / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Factor VII
  • recombinant FVIIa
  • Factor VIIa