Rapid Evolution and Rupture of an Incidental Aneurysm During Hyperdynamic Therapy for Cerebral Vasospasm

World Neurosurg. 2021 Jan:145:205-209. doi: 10.1016/j.wneu.2020.09.078. Epub 2020 Sep 18.

Abstract

Background: Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Among the most common sequelae of aSAH is delayed cerebral ischemia. Hyperdynamic therapy (fluid supplementation and hypertension) is used to increase cerebral perfusion. However, the safety of hyperdynamic therapy in patients with separate unruptured, unsecured intracranial aneurysms is not well-established. Herein, a rare case demonstrating the rapid evolution and rupture of an incidental unsecured aneurysm in the setting of hyperdynamic therapy is presented.

Case description: A 56-year-old woman without significant medical history presented with aSAH secondary to rupture of a 3-mm left posterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysm. After endovascular treatment of this aneurysm, she developed symptomatic vasospasm prompting initiation of hyperdynamic therapy. Seven days after initiation of hyperdynamic therapy, she experienced rupture of an incidental pericallosal artery aneurysm that was found to have increased in size during the hyperdynamic therapy. She ultimately survived and was functionally independent approximately 1 year after her initial ictus.

Conclusions: This case demonstrates that enlargement and rupture of an incidental, previously unruptured aneurysm may occur during hyperdynamic therapy.

Keywords: Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage; Hyperdynamic therapy; Triple-H therapy; Vasospasm.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aneurysm, Ruptured / diagnostic imaging
  • Aneurysm, Ruptured / etiology*
  • Angiography, Digital Subtraction
  • Cerebellar Diseases / etiology
  • Female
  • Fluid Therapy / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Hypertension*
  • Middle Aged
  • Subarachnoid Hemorrhage / diagnostic imaging
  • Subarachnoid Hemorrhage / etiology*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vasospasm, Intracranial / complications*
  • Vasospasm, Intracranial / therapy*