Coil herniation following intra-arterial verapamil infusion for the treatment of cerebral vasospasm: Case report and literature review

Abstract

Complications associated with intra-arterial infusion of vasodilator agents for the treatment of vasospasm associated with a ruptured cerebral aneurysm are extremely rare. We present the case of a patient who developed left lower extremity monoplegia following intra-arterial infusion of verapamil for treatment of diffuse cerebral vasospasm, 6 days after initially undergoing treatment of a ruptured right A1-2 junction aneurysm. A repeat angiogram following this intra-arterial vasodilator treatment demonstrated a coil loop which had herniated into the right A2 artery. Herein, we describe a previously unreported complication which occurred following intra-arterial pharmacologic vasospasm treatment, review the existing literature, and suggest potential causes and treatment options.

Keywords: Cerebral aneurysm; cerebral vasospasm; coil embolization; coil herniation; stroke; verapamil.