Aneurysmal acute subdural hemorrhage: Prognostic factors associated with treatment

Acute subdural hematoma is an uncommon presentation of aneurysmal hemorrhage that has been identified as a poor prognostic sign. Current series are small, have short follow-up, or were collected over a long period during which treatment evolved. To evaluate prognostic factors, we analyzed a large modern series of aneurysmal subdural hematoma (aSDH) with long-term follow-up. A prospectively maintained database was queried for patients presenting with aSDH from 2001–2013. Thirty patients met the study criteria. Statistical analysis was performed with unpaired t-test or Fisher’s exact test. Aneurysm treatment involved open clipping (n = 18), endosaccular coiling (n = 8), both (n = 1), or no treatment (n = 3). Good Glasgow Outcome Scale score at discharge was present in 20% and increased to 40% at 6–12 months postoperatively. Good clinical presentation was associated with good final outcome in 75%, whereas poor clinical presentation correlated with good outcome in 30%. Good outcome correlated with younger age (p = 0.04), smaller aneurysm (p = 0.04), and lower Hunt-Hess score (HH) at intervention (p = 0.04). Favorable outcome did not correlate with sex, race, presence of subarachnoid or intraparenchymal hemorrhage, size or laterality of hemorrhage, midline shift, aneurysm treatment modality, or HH at admission (p > 0.15). There was no difference between good and poor outcomes in terms of time to treatment or hematoma evacuation. Poor clinical presentation may be exaggerated by mass effect of hematoma; aggressive treatment is not futile. Presenting neurological status, age, and aneurysm size are predictors of outcome, while laterality and size of hematoma and extent of midline shift are not, suggesting that clinical status is more important than radiographic findings.     

Safety and feasibility of combined coiling and neuroendoscopy for better outcomes in the treatment of severe subarachnoid hemorrhage accompanied by massive intraventricular hemorrhage

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) with intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is associated with poor outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of combined coiling and neuroendoscopy for treating severe SAH with massive IVH. Between April 2008 and June 2011, 49 patients with a severe SAH were treated at the Department of Neurosurgery, Fukuoka University, Japan; 10 of these patients had a massive IVH with a ruptured aneurysm. All 10 patients (three men and seven women; mean age, 63.1 ± 8.5 years) were treated with coiling and neuroendoscopic removal of the IVH within 2 days of onset. Coiling was successfully performed at a mean volume embolization ratio of 21.8 ± 5.5%. Neuroendoscopic removal of the IVH reduced the mean Graeb score from 10.5 ± 2.0 to 4.8 ± 2.5 (p = 0.005). All external drains were removed on day 3. No rebleeding or acute hydrocephalus was noted. The Glasgow Outcome Scale scores at discharge indicated two patients with good recovery, three with moderate disability, four in a vegetative state, and one dead. A good modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score (0–2) at least 6 months later (mean follow-up period, 15.4 ± 9.2 months) was observed for five patients (50%), and a poor mRS score (3–6) was observed for the remaining four patients. Neuroendoscopically removing the IVH from all of the ventricles between the lateral and the fourth ventricle and coiling the ruptured aneurysm is a safe, feasible approach for treating severe SAH with massive IVH.     

Increased cerebrospinal fluid concentrations of asymmetric dimethylarginine correlate with adverse clinical outcome in subarachnoid hemorrhage patients

Elevated cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), an endogenous inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, have been found in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). In addition, CSF levels of ADMA are associated with the severity of vasospasm. However, the relation between CSF ADMA levels and the clinical outcome of SAH patients is still unclear. We hypothesized that elevated ADMA levels in CSF might be related to the clinical outcome of SAH patients. CSF ADMA levels were measured in 20 SAH patients at days 3–5, days 7–9 and days 12–14 after SAH onset using high-performance liquid chromatography. Cerebral vasospasm was assessed by transcranial Doppler ultra sonography. Clinical outcome at 2 year follow-up was evaluated using the Karnofsky Performance Status scale (KPS). CSF ADMA concentrations in all SAH patients were significantly increased at days 3–5 (p = 0.002) after SAH, peaked on days 7–9 (p < 0.001) and remained elevated until days 12–14 (p < 0.001). In subgroup analysis, significant increases of CSF ADMA levels were found in patients both with and without vasospasm. The KPS scores significantly correlated with CSF levels of ADMA at days 7–9 (correlation coefficient = −0.55, p = 0.012; 95% confidence interval −0.80 to −0.14). Binary logistic regression analysis indicated that higher ADMA level at days 7–9 predicted a poor clinical outcome at 2 year follow-up after SAH (odds ratio = 1.722, p = 0.039, 95% confidence interval 1.029 to 2.882). ADMA may be directly involved in the pathological process and future adverse prognosis of SAH.     

Chronic basilar artery dissection with an associated symptomatic aneurysm presenting with massive subarachnoid hemorrhage

Basilar artery dissection (BAD) is a rare condition with a worse prognosis than a dissection limited to the vertebral artery. We report a rare case of chronic BAD with an associated symptomatic aneurysm presenting with massive subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in a 54-year-old woman. The diagnosis of acute BAD could only be made retrospectively, based on clinical and neuroradiological studies from a hospital admission 10 months earlier. Angiography performed after her SAH showed unequivocal signs of imperfect healing; she was either post-recanalization of a complete occlusion or post-dissection. Residual multi-channel intraluminal defects led to the development of a small aneurysm, which was responsible for the massive hemorrhage. The occurrence of an associated aneurysm, and wall disease, but not an intraluminal process, reinforces the diagnosis of dissection. The patient was fully recovered at 90 day follow-up. This case reinforces the need for long-term neuroradiological surveillance after non-hemorrhagic intracranial dissections to detect the development of de novo aneurysms.     

Microembolic signals in subarachnoid hemorrhage

Microembolic signals (MES) detected by transcranial Doppler (TCD) have been reported in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), although their origin and contribution to brain ischemia remain uncertain. We conducted a prospective study to evaluate the frequency of MES among patients with SAH and to determine their origin. Twenty-seven patients with SAH, comprising 15 aneurysmal and 12 non-aneurysmal patients, participated in the study. TCD evaluation was performed using a 2 MHz probe. Patients were studied three times per week during their in-patient stay to detect vasospasm, and then each middle cerebral artery (MCA) was monitored for 30 min using the Monolateral Multigate mode to detect MES. Using this method, MES were detected in 7 out of 15 patients (47%) with aneurysmal SAH and were not seen in non-aneurysmal patients (p = 0.007). Vasospasm occurred in 52% (14/27) of cases. However, clinical signs and symptoms of vasospasm were identified in only 18.5% (5/27). There was no significant relationship between MES and vasospasm (p = 0.224). Also, no relationship was found between MES and the location of the aneurysm (p = 0.685). Thus, in this study MES were only detected in aneurysmal SAH. However, we did not find a relationship between the location of the aneurysm and MES, or the presence of vasospasm and MES. Therefore, MES in patients with SAH may also originate from vascular pathology other than the aneurysm sac or vascular spasm.     

Long-term follow-up analysis of microsurgical clip ligation and endovascular coil embolization for dorsal wall blister aneurysms of the internal carotid artery

Blister aneurysms at non-branching sites of the dorsal internal carotid artery (dICA) are fragile, rare, and often difficult to treat. The purpose of this study is to address the demographics, treatment modalities, and long-term outcome of patients treated for dICA blister aneurysms. A retrospective review of medical records identified all consecutive patients who presented with a blister aneurysm from 2002 to 2011 at our institution. Eighteen patients (M = 7, F = 11; mean age: 48.4 ± 15.1 years; range: 15–65 years) harbored a total of 43 aneurysms, 25 of which were dorsal wall blister aneurysms of the ICA. Eleven (61.1%) patients presented with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), and 10 (55.6%) patients had multiple aneurysms at admission. Twelve patients had 18 aneurysms that were treated microsurgically. Five (41.7%) of these patients had a single recurrence that was retreated with subsequent repeat clip ligation. Six patients had 7 blister aneurysms that were treated with endovascularly. One (16.7%) of these patients had a single recurrence that was retreated with subsequent coil embolization. Postoperative vasospasm occurred in 8 (44.4%) patients, one of whom suffered from a stroke. This is one of the largest single-institution dICA blister aneurysm studies to date. There was no detected significant difference between microsurgical clip ligation and endovascular coil embolization in terms of surgical outcome. These blister aneurysms demonstrate a propensity to be associated with multiple cerebral aneurysms. Strict clinical and angiographic long-term follow-up may be warranted.Statement of SignificanceBlister aneurysms are focal wall defects covered by a thin layer of fibrous tissue and adventitia, lacking the usual collagenous layer. Due to their pathologically thin vessel wall, blister aneurysms are prone to rupture. The management of these rare and fragile aneurysms presents a number of challenges. Here, we address the long-term outcome of patients treated for blister aneurysms at non-branching sites of the dICA. The presented data and analysis is imperative to determine the necessary strict long-term clinical and angiographic follow-up.     

Comparison of microsurgery and endovascular treatment on clinical outcome following poor-grade subarachnoid hemorrhage

Poor-grade (World Federation of Neurological Surgeons [WFNS] clinical grading scale grades IV and V) subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. However, the correlation between the timing, modality of intervention (clipping or coiling) and the clinical outcome is not clear. This study aims to examine this correlation. Patients presenting with WFNS grades IV and V aneurysmal SAH between 1997 and 2008 to a single centre were studied. An aggressive policy of early intervention was followed, and the selection of endovascular versus microsurgical intervention was made according to angiographic rather than clinical features. Clinical outcomes were graded using the modified Rankin scale (mRS) at 6 month follow-up. One hundred and forty-three poor-grade patients (23.9% of all 598 aneurysmal SAH patients) were studied. Treatment was microsurgical in 83 (58.0%) and endovascular in 60 (42%) patients. Twenty patients (14.0%) were lost to follow-up. Good outcome (mRS 0-2) at 6 months was found in 45 microsurgical patients (63.3%) and 24 endovascular patients (46.1%). This trend towards better clinical outcomes in the microsurgical group was not statistically significant. With an aggressive early treatment policy more than half of the poor-grade SAH patients demonstrated a good clinical outcome. Microsurgery and endovascular treatment, when selected primarily according to angiographic features, were equally likely to achieve good outcome.     

Effects of plasma D-dimer levels on early mortality and long-term functional outcome after spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage

The activation of hemostatic systems has been detected in spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) patients. The influence of plasma D-dimer levels on clinical outcome remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the impact of elevated plasma D-dimer levels on early mortality and long-term functional outcome in spontaneous ICH. A total of 259 spontaneous ICH patients (<24 hours from ictus) between November 2010 and October 2011 were included. Clinical information and radiological findings were collected at admission. Spearman correlation analyses revealed that D-dimer concentrations were correlated with midline shift, hematoma volume, intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) score and Glasgow Coma Scale score. Patients with subarachnoid extension had significantly higher D-dimer levels than those without SAH extension. Comparison of patients with IVH and those without yielded a similar result. Multivariate stepwise backward logistic analysis identified plasma D-dimer levels as an independent risk factor for 7 day mortality (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 1.237, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.017–1.504, p = 0.033) and 3 month poor functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale score ⩾3) (adjusted OR = 2.279, 95% CI 1.130–6.595, p = 0.026). The mechanisms by which elevated D-dimer affects the prognoses of spontaneous ICH patients remain unclear and require clarification in future studies.     

Acute hyponatremia after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: Frequency,treatment, and outcome

We retrospectively examined the course of serum sodium levels in 180 patients with acute aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) who had been admitted to the anesthesiologic-neurosurgical intensive care unit of the University Medical Center Regensburg, Germany, between January 2014 and December 2018. Each patient file was analyzed regarding the frequency and intensity of hyponatremic episodes and the administered medication. At admission to the intensive care unit (ICU), 18 patients had shown initial hyponatremia (<135 mmol/L) and 4 patients hypernatremia (greater than145 mmol/L). 88 (48.9%) of the 158 patients with normal serum sodium levels developed at least one hyponatremic episode during ICU treatment. The number of hyponatremic episodes was similar between patients with higher-grade and lower-grade aneurysmal SAH (P = 0.848). At the end of ICU treatment, outcome did not differ between patients with and without hyponatremia (40/88, 45.5% vs. 38/70, 54.3%, P = 0.270). At 6 months after SAH, however, good outcome (Glasgow outcome scale, GOS 4–5) was more frequently observed in patients with hyponatremia (26/88, 29.5% vs. 32/70, 45.7%, P = 0.036). Medication with sodium chloride, fludrocortisone, or tolvaptan was initiated in 75.4% patients with mild hyponatremia (130–134 mmol/L) and in 92.9% with moderate hyponatremia (125–129 mmol/L). At 6 months after SAH, patients treated with tolvaptan had a lower rate of poor outcome than patients who had not received tolvaptan (1/14, 7.1% vs. 25/74, 33.8%, P = 0.045). In patients with acute aneurysmal SAH and hyponatremic episodes, consequent treatment of hyponatremia prevented impaired outcome. Because administration of tolvaptan rapidly normalized serum sodium levels, this therapy seems to be a promising treatment approach.     

Clinical outcomes of multiple aneurysms microsurgical clipping: Evaluation of 90 patients

Background

The incidence of multiple intracranial aneurysms (MIAs) among patients who are diagnosed with aneurysm is 15–45% in the literature. Treatment options depend on the patient's status, age, aneurysm location and neurosurgeon's experience. In this study outcomes of micro-surgically clipped 90 patients have been evaluated.

Moyamoya disease: A comparison of long term outcome of conservative and surgical treatment in India

BackgroundRevascularization surgery (RS) is the therapy of choice in moyamoya disease (MMD). Due to rarity of disease and ethical concerns, randomized controlled trials about the treatment options are lacking. Very little information is available on the long-term outcome of conservatively treated moyamoya patients.AimWe compared the long-term outcome of moyamoya patients treated conservatively to those who underwent RS.MethodsOur study population included all patients with moyamoya disease/syndrome from 2002 to 2012. The demographic, clinical characteristic and imaging details were reviewed. The outcome was obtained prospectively.ResultsOf the 36 patients, 26 (72.2%) had MMD and 10 (27.8%) had moyamoya syndrome. The median age at onset of symptoms was 17.5 years (range, 10 months–55 years). Fifteen patients belonged to pediatric group and 21 were adults. All the pediatric patients had ischemic events at onset and 10 (47.6%) of the adults presented with hemorrhage. Twenty (55.6%) patients received conservative treatment and 16 (44.4%) underwent revascularization procedures. The median duration of follow-up was 28 months (range, 3–90 months). Three (18%) of the surgically treated patients had recurrent ischemic events on follow-up, but none of the conservatively treated patients had events. An excellent outcome (Modified Rankin Scale of ≤ 2) was seen in 12 (75%) surgically treated and 16 (94%) conservatively treated patients (p = 0.17).ConclusionCompared to East Asians, our patients had a lower stroke recurrence rate and good functional outcome even with conservative treatment. Future studies should focus on clinical and imaging predictors of progression to select moyamoya patients for RS.     

Stimulus-induced rhythmic,periodic or ictal discharges (SIRPIDs) in comatose survivors of cardiac arrest: Characteristics and prognostic value

ObjectivesTo analyze the prevalence of stimulus-induced rhythmic, periodic or ictal discharges (SIRPIDs) in patients with coma after cardiac arrest (CA) and therapeutic hypothermia (TH) and to examine their potential association with outcome.MethodsWe studied our prospective cohort of adult survivors of CA treated with TH, assessing SIRPIDs occurrence and their association with 3-month outcome. Only univariated analyses were performed.Results105 patients with coma after CA who underwent electroencephalogram (EEG) during TH and normothermia (NT) were studied. Fifty-nine patients (56%) survived, and 48 (46%) had good neurological recovery. The prevalence of SIRPIDs was 13.3% (14/105 patients), of whom 6 occurred during TH (all died), and 8 in NT (3 survived, 1 with good neurological outcome); none had SIRPIDs at both time-points. SIRPIDs were associated with discontinuous or non-reactive EEG background and were a robustly related to poor neurological outcome (p < 0.001).ConclusionThis small series provides preliminary univariate evidence that in patients with coma after CA, SIRPIDs are associated with poor outcome, particularly when occurring during in therapeutic hypothermia. However, survival with good neurological recovery may be observed when SIRPIDs arise in the post-rewarming normothermic phase.SignificanceThis study provides clinicians with new information regarding the SIRPIDs prognostic role in patients with coma after cardiac arrest.     

Pooled analysis of patients with thunderclap headache evaluated by CT and LP: Is angiography necessary in patients with negative evaluations?

BackgroundSevere, abrupt onset headache raises concern for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The current standard work-up is brain CT scan followed by LP if the CT is non-diagnostic in patients with a normal neurological exam. Some have suggested that angiography is also indicated in this common clinical situation. Is evaluation with brain CT and LP for thunderclap headache to rule out SAH sufficient and is angiography needed?MethodsWe systematically searched for studies that followed neurologically-intact patients with thunderclap headache and normal CT and LP for at least 1 year. The primary outcome was SAH. We estimated the proportion of patients who developed SAH and the one-sided upper 95% confidence bound.ResultsSeven studies including 813 patients were identified. None of the patients developed SAH during follow-up (pooled proportion = 0, upper 95% confidence bound = 0.004).ConclusionAlthough our methods have important limitations, we believe that this analysis will give clinicians better tools to decide whether or not to pursue further work-up with angiography in patients with thunderclap headache and normal neurological exam, CT, and LP.     

Cerebral venous sinus Thrombosis: Clinical Features,Long-Term outcome and recanalization

Recanalization and prognosis of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) are generally considered to be good, and various factors have been reported to be associated with recanalization in previous studies.Fifty patients diagnosed with CVST between September 2007 and July 2016 were analyzed retrospectively. Modified Rankin scale (mRS) scores at six months and results of follow-up imaging of patients with at least six months follow-up were also reviewed for the assessment of long term outcome, recanalization rates and factors associated with recanalization.The mean age of the patients (39 female, 11 male) was 34.6 ± 11.2 years (17–69). Of the 50 patients enrolled, 31 (62%) had at least six months follow-up with available data and 26 (83.9%) of these had favorable outcomes (mRS 0–1) at six months. Complete recanalization was observed in 15 patients (48.4%), partial recanalization in 14 (45.2%) and no recanalization in 2 (6.5%). Univariate analysis revealed that complete recanalization rates were higher in female patients (p = 0.013) and lower in patients with multiple thrombosis in more than one dural sinus (p = 0.03).The prognosis and recanalization rates of CVST were good, and complete or partial recanalization of venous sinuses was not associated with clinical outcome.     

Hydrocephalus in 389 patients with aneurysm-associated subarachnoid hemorrhage

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) often leads to hydrocephalus, which is commonly treated by placement of a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt. There is controversy over which factors affect the need for such treatment. In this study, data were prospectively collected from 389 consecutive patients who presented with an aneurysm-associated SAH at a single center. External ventricular drainage placement was performed as part of the treatment for acute hydrocephalus, and VP shunts were placed in patients with chronic hydrocephalus. The data were retrospectively analyzed using two-sample t-tests, Fisher’s exact test and logistic regression analysis. Overall, shunt dependency occurred in 91 of the 389 patients (23.4%). Using logistic regression analysis, two factors were found to be significantly associated with VP shunt placement: an initial Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 8–14 (8–14 versus 3–7, p = 0.016; 15 versus 3–7, p = 0.55); and aneurysm coiling (p = 0.017). Patients with an initial GCS score of 8–14 after aneurysm-associated SAH had a 2.5-fold higher risk of receiving a VP shunt than those with a GCS score of 3–7. Those with a GCS of 15 had a 50% lower risk of becoming shunt dependent than did the subgroup with a GCS score of 8–14. To clarify and strengthen these observations, prospective, randomized trials are needed.     

Effect of cilostazol in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Previous studies with small sample size have shown that cilostazol can reduce the risk of cerebral vasospasm in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The purpose of this study was to determine whether cilostazol is effective in patients with aneurysmal SAH. Studies investigating the effect of cilostazol in patients with aneurysmal SAH were identified using Embase.com without language or publication-type restrictions. We used the random-effect model to combine data. Pooled risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Two randomized controlled trials and two quasi-randomized controlled trials with a total of 340 patients were included. The incidence of symptomatic vasospasm (RR = 0.47; 95% CI, 0.31–0.72; p < 0.001), severe vasospasm (RR = 0.48; 95% CI, 0.28–0.82; p = 0.007), vasospasm-related new cerebral infarctions (RR = 0.38; 95% CI, 0.22–0.67; p = 0.001), and poor outcome (RR = 0.57; 95% CI, 0.37–0.88; p = 0.011) were significantly lower in the cilostazol group. The numbers needed to treat for these outcomes were 6.4, 6.3, 5.7, and 5.4, respectively. Mortality rate differences between the two groups were insignificant. No statistical heterogeneity was found for all outcomes. These results show that cilostazol can decrease the incidence of symptomatic vasospasm, severe vasospasm, vasospasm-related new cerebral infarctions, and poor outcome in patients with aneurysmal SAH.     

Perfil clínico y evolución de pacientes con hemorragia subaracnoidea durante 11 años

IntroductionSpontaneous subarachnoid haemorrhage is a rare cause of stroke, but it causes great socioeconomic impact and high morbidity and mortality.The aim of this study is to describe the clinical profile and evolution of a series of patients with SAH admitted to a tertiary hospital, as well as the diagnostic and therapeutic management.Material and methodsRetrospective study of 536 patients diagnosed with SAH admitted to the ICU of the Hospital Universitario de A Coruña between 2003 and 2013 (Age: 56.9 ± 14.1 years, female/male ratio: 1.5:1). Demographic characteristics, risk factors, aetiologies and clinical signs, prognostic scales, diagnostic tests and treatment were collected. A comparative analysis was made between the general series and subgroups of patients with aneurysmal (SAH-A) and idiopathic (SAH-I) subarachnoid haemorrhage.ResultsThere were 49.0 ± 15.1 patients/year (2013 incidence: 4.3/100,000 inhabitants). 60.3% presented Glasgow Coma Scale 14-15, with scarce symptomatology (Hunt-Hess I-II 61.9%, World Federation Neurosurgeons Scale I-II 60.4%). 50.7% presented Fisher IV.SAH-A was diagnosed in 78.3% (n = 396); perimesencephalic subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH-PM) in 3.2%; and SAH-I in 17.9%. During the study period there was an increase in the prevalence of aneurysms, causing an increased number of surgeries in recent years. Both SAH-A and SAH-I presented greater severity upon admission. Patients with SAH-A had higher percentage of complications and mortality, with lesser degree of independence at 6 and 12 months.ConclusionsThe incidence of SAH appears to have decreased in recent years, with SAH-I comprising 17.9% of the cases. Patients with SAH-I have better prognosis and lower risk of complications, highlighting the benignity of SAH-PM.     

Clinical features and outcome of super-refractory status epilepticus: A retrospective analysis in West China

PurposeData about super-refractory status epilepticus (SRSE) are scarce. This study aimed to assess the clinical features and outcome of patients with SRSE.MethodClinical features of all SRSE patients admitted to the Neurologic Intensive Care Unit (NICU)/Neurology Department of West China Hospital, Sichuan University, between January 2010 and August 2013, were retrospectively analyzed. Outcome at discharge, at the three-month and long-term follow-ups were evaluated using the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS). Possible predictors of mortality and outcome were also evaluated.ResultsThirteen patients with SRSE were included. Young patients with encephalitis accounted for the majority of the series (61.5%). In-hospital mortality was 15.4% (2/13), and the three-month mortality was 36.4% (4/11; two patients ceasing therapy were excluded). At the long-term follow-up, 18.2% of patients improved and 45.5% of patients recovered. Patients of older age and those with multiple complications had higher mortality compared with those of younger age and those with fewer complications. For survivors, functional outcome had significantly improved at three-month follow-up (GOS score = 4.1 ± 1.2) compared to that at discharge (GOS score = 3.1 ± 1.2, P < 0.05). Long duration of anesthesia, etiology of encephalitis and positive neuroimaging findings tended to be associated with poor functional outcome.ConclusionWe conclude that the typical patient susceptible to development of SRSE in West China is a young patient with encephalitis. Older age and multiple complications increase the risk of death. Most patients can survive with aggressive therapy, and their functional outcome improves over time.     

Elderly age associated with poor functional outcome after rupture of anterior communicating artery aneurysms

The effect of age on patient outcomes after rupture of the anterior communicating artery (Acom) aneurysms is not well-defined. We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients presenting to our institution with a ruptured Acom aneurysm between 2003 and 2012. Patients were divided into two groups on the basis of age at presentation, with patients 65 years and older categorized as the elderly group. The effect of elderly age on patient outcomes was then evaluated using multivariate logistic regression analysis. There were 147 patients presenting with a ruptured Acom aneurysm. Of these, 41 (27.9%) were 65 years or older. Patients in the elderly group were more likely to be female (68.3% vs. 40.6%, p = 0.0026), and less likely to be active smokers (22.0% vs. 60.4%, p < 0.0001) or to abuse alcohol (7.3% vs. 21.7%, p = 0.0404). Elderly patients were more likely to have a history of hypertension (70.7% vs. 52.8%, p = 0.0487) and coronary artery disease (19.5% vs. 2.8%, p = 0.0006). Elderly patients were more likely to require a ventriculostomy (61.0% vs. 37.7%, p = 0.0109) and ultimately to require permanent cerebrospinal fluid diversion (36.6% vs. 17.0%, p = 0.0106). On adjusted analysis, age 65 years or older was associated with a greater likelihood of poor outcome at last follow-up within 1 year of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (odds ratio = 3.76, 95% confidence interval: 1.30–11.78, p = 0.0144). Our results suggest that elderly age is an independent risk factor for poor functional outcome after rupture of an Acom aneurysm.     

Vagus nerve stimulation: Outcome and predictors of seizure freedom in long-term follow-up

ObjectivesTo present long-term outcome and to identify predictors of seizure freedom after vagus nerve stimulation (VNS).MethodsAll patients who had undergone VNS implantation in the Epilepsy Centre Bethel were retrospectively reviewed. There were 144 patients who had undergone complete presurgical evaluation, including detailed clinical history, magnetic resonance imaging, and long-term video-EEG with ictal and interictal recordings. After implantation, all patients were examined at regular intervals of 4 weeks for 6–9 months. During this period the antiepileptic medication remained constant. All patients included in this study were followed up for a minimum of 2 years.ResultTen patients remained seizure-free for more than 1 year after VNS implantation (6.9%). Seizures improved in 89 patients (61.8%) but no changes were observed in 45 patients (31.3%). The following factors were significant in the univariate analysis: age at implantation, multifocal interictal epileptiform discharges, unilateral interictal epileptiform discharge, cortical dysgenesis, and psychomotor seizure. Stepwise multivariate analysis showed that unilateral interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs), P = 0.014, HR = 0.112 (95% CIs, 0.019–0.642), cortical dysgenesis P = 0.007, HR = 0.065 (95% CIs, 0.009–0.481) and younger age at implantation P = 0.026, HR = 7.533 (95% CIs 1.28–44.50) were independent predictors of seizure freedom in the long-term follow-up.ConclusionVNS implantation may render patients with some forms of cortical dysgenesis (parietooccipital polymicrogyria, macrogyria) seizure-free. Patients with unilateral IEDs and earlier implantation achieved the most benefit from VNS.