Spontaneous Spinal Subdural Hematoma with Simultaneous Cranial Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Spontaneous spinal subdural hematoma is reported at a rare level of incidence, and is frequently associated with underlying coagulopathy or those receiving anticoagulant or antiplatelet agents; some cases accompany concomitant intracranial hemorrhage. The spontaneous development of spinal subdural hemorrhage (SDH) is a neurological emergency; therefore, early diagnosis, the discontinuation of anticoagulant, and urgent surgical decompression are required to enable neurological recovery. In this report, we present a simultaneous spinal subdural hematoma and cranial subarachnoid hemorrhage, which mimicked an aneurysmal origin in a female patient who had been taking warfarin due to aortic valve replacement surgery.     

动脉瘤性SAH迟发性脑血管痉挛的多元因素分析

目的 探讨动脉瘤性蛛网膜下腔出血（SAH）继发脑血管痉挛的相关因素。方法 回顾性分析本院收治的54例动脉瘤性SAH病人的临床资料，判定脑血管痉挛程度，统计分析其相关因素。结果Fisher分级Ⅲ-Ⅳ级患者脑血管痉挛发生率（7014％，19／27）明显高于Fisher分级Ⅰ-Ⅱ级者（4414％，12／27）（P〈0．01）；Hunt—Hess分级Ⅲ-Ⅴ级患者脑血管痉挛发生率（75．0％，21／28）明显高于Hunt—Hess分级Ⅰ-Ⅱ级者（38．5％，10／26）（P〈0．05）；3d后手术患者的脑血管痉挛发生率（70．0％，21／30）明显高于3d内手术患者（41．7％，10／24）（P〈0．05）。结论SAH的Fisher分级〉Ⅱ级和Hunt—Hess分级〉Ⅱ级是颅内动脉瘤继发脑血管痉挛的危险因素。早期手术能降低脑血管痉挛的发生率。     

Significance of C-Reactive Protein and Transcranial Doppler in Cerebral Vasospasm Following Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Objective

Cerebral vasospasm is a common and potentially devastating complication of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Inflammatory processes seem to play a major role in the pathogenesis of vasospasm. C-reactive protein (CRP) constitutes a highly sensitive inflammatory marker. Elevation of serum CRP levels has been demonstrated in patients with aSAH. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the possible relationship between CRP levels in the serum and transcranial Doppler (TCD) and the development of vasospasm in patients with aSAH.

Methods

A total of 61 adult patients in whom aSAH was diagnosed were included in the study from November 2008 to May 2011. The patients'' demographics, Hunt and Hess grade, Fisher grade, CT scans, digital subtraction angiography studies, and daily neurological examinations were recorded. Serial serum CRP measurements were obtained on days 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 and 13 and TCD was measured on days 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 and 13. All patients underwent either surgical or endovascular treatment within 24 hours of their hemorrhagic attacks.

Results

Serum CRP levels peaked on the 3rd postoperative day. There were significant differences between the vasospasm group and the non-vasospasm group on the 1st, 3rd and 5th day. There were significant differences between the vasospasm group and the non-vasospasm group on the 3rd day in the mean middle cerebral artery velocities on TCD.

Conclusion

Patients with high levels of CRP on the 1st postoperative day and high velocity of mean TCD on the 3rd postoperative day may require closer observation to monitor for the development of vasospasm.     

Spontaneous Spinal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage with Spontaneous Resolution

Spontaneous spinal subarachnoid hematoma (SSH) is a rare entity to cause spinal cord or nerve root compression and is usually managed as surgical emergencies. We report a case of spontaneous SSH manifesting as severe lumbago, which demonstrated nearly complete clinical resolution with conservative treatment. A 58-year-old female patient developed a large SSH, which was not related to blood dyscrasia, anticoagulation, lumbar puncture, or trauma. Patient had severe lumbago but no neurologic deficits. Because of absence of neurologicl deficits, she was treated conservatively. Follow-up magnetic resonance (MR) image showed complete resolution. Conservative treatment of SSH may be considered if the patient with spontaneous SSH has no neurologic deficits.     

Intraventricular Nicardipine for Refractory Cerebral Vasospasm after Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Introduction  Delayed ischemic deficit from vasospasm is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. Although several treatment modalities have been used to reverse the deleterious effects of vasospasm, alternative therapies are needed, as conventional therapies are often ineffective or contraindicated. Intrathecal nicardipine has been suggested for the prevention of vasospasm. We report our clinical experience with intraventricular nicardipine for refractory vasospasm in eight patients in whom conventional therapies were ineffective, contraindicated, or technically not feasible. Method  Retrospective case series performed at a tertiary care university hospital. Results  Eight patients (median Hunt-Hess grade = 2, median Fisher score = 4) with refractory vasospasm received intraventricular nicardipine (4 mg every 12 h) for a total of 5–17 days. One patient died in the intensive care unit. Seven patients had moderate to good outcomes with 6 being discharged to home (median Rankin Score = 2). Intraventricular nicardipine was well tolerated with minimal side effects. Conclusion  Our preliminary observations suggest that intraventricular nicardipine could be considered as a safe and effective treatment modality to treat vasospasm refractory to conventional management. A randomized, controlled trial to verify the efficacy and safety of intrathecal nicardipine in the prevention and treatment of cerebral vasospasm is warranted.     

Angiographically Occult Vascular Malformation of the Cauda Equina Presenting Massive Spinal Subdural and Subarachnoid Hematoma

We report a case of a non traumatic spinal subdural hematoma or subarachnoid hematoma manifesting as lumbago, leg pain and bladder dysfunction that showed angiographically occult vascular malformation (AOVM). Although the spinal angiogram did not reveal any vascular abnormality, the follow-up magnetic resonance image showed AOVM. Complete surgical removal was performed due to the aggravated bladder dysfunction. This case highlights the need to consider bleeding due to spinal AOVM, even when angiography is negative.     

Efficacy of Cilostazol in Prevention of Delayed Cerebral Ischemia after Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Meta-Analysis

Objectives

Cilostazol, a selective inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 3, may reduce symptomatic vasospasm and improve outcome in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage considering its anti-platelet and vasodilatory effects. We aimed to analyze the effects of cilostazol on symptomatic vasospasm and clinical outcome among patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH).

Reduced Ipsilateral Hemispheric Cerebral Blood Flow at Admission is Predictive of Vasospasm with Infarction after Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Background and Purpose  Cerebral vasospasm (CV) with infarction causes a significant degree of morbidity and mortality after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). We sought to determine if reduced cerebral blood flow (CBF) on Xenon CT within 48 h of the ictus was predictive of developing CV with infarction. Methods  This is a prospective study from 1999 to 2006 of 97 patients with aSAH who underwent Xenon CT within 48 h of their bleed. Demographic, clinical, radiographic, and angiographic parameters were investigated as potential risk factors for the development of CV with infarction. A binary logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the independent predictors of this endpoint. Results  A total of 97 patients with a mean age of 54 ± 12 years were studied. A total of 78 (80.4%) patients presented with a Fisher grade of 3 and 51 (52.6%) patients with a Hunt Hess score ≥3. CV with infarction was found in 33 (34%) patients. In univariate modeling, younger patients with a Fisher scale of 3 or a reduced ipsilateral mean hemispheric CBF had an association with developing CV with infarction. In binary logistic regression modeling, patients with lower initial hemispheric CBF’s were at a significant risk of CV with infarction in the ipsilateral hemisphere. Conclusions  Lower initial CBF at presentation is a risk factor for developing CV with infarction. These findings may help in early prediction of this entity and may have therapeutic implications in the future.     

Intraarterial Nimodipine Infusion to Treat Symptomatic Cerebral Vasospasm after Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Objective

Cerebral vasospasm leading to cerebral ischemic infarction is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the patients who suffer with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. Despite adequate treatment, some patients deteriorate and they develop symptomatic vasospasm. The objective of the present study was to investigate the efficacy and clinical outcome of intraarterial nimodipine infusion on symptomatic vasospasm that is refractory to hemodynamic therapy.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the procedure reports, the clinical charts and the transcranial doppler, computed tomography and digital subtraction angiography results for the patients who underwent endovascular treatment for symptomatic cerebral vasospasm due to aneurysmal SAH. During the 36 months between Jan. 2005 and Dec. 2007, 19 patients were identified who had undergone a total of 53 procedures. We assessed the difference in the arterial vessel diameter, the blood flow velocity and the clinical outcome before and after these procedures.

Results

Vascular dilatation was observed in 42 of 53 procedures. The velocities of the affected vessels before and after procedures were available in 33 of 53 procedures. Twenty-nine procedures exhibited a mean decrease of 84.1 cm/s. We observed clinical improvement and an improved level of consciousness with an improved GCS score after 23 procedures.

Conclusion

Based on our results, the use of intraarterial nimodipine is effective and safe in selected cases of vasospasm following aneurysmal SAH. Prospective, randomized studies are needed to confirm these results.     

Rho/Rho激酶与蛛网膜下腔出血后脑血管痉挛

脑血管痉挛是蛛网膜下腔出血最严重的并发症之一，其发病机制尚不十分清楚。近年来，Rbo/Rbo激酶通路在蛛网膜下腔出血后脑血管痉挛中的作用受到越来越多的关注。Rbo／Rho激酶通路通过多种机制影响脑血管痉挛的发生和发展。选择性Rbo激酶抑制剂对脑血管痉挛的有益作用也已在动物实验和临床研究中得到证实。文章综述了Rbo／Rho激酶通路的作用机制及其在脑血管痉挛治疗方面的作用。     

Safety and Efficacy of Transluminal Balloon Angioplasty Using a Compliant Balloon for Severe Cerebral Vasospasm after an Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Objective

Vasospasm of cerebral vessels remains a major source of morbidity and mortality after an aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of transluminal balloon angioplasty (TBA) for SAH-induced vasospasm.

Methods

Eleven patients with an angiographically confirmed significant vasospasm (>50% vessel narrowing and clinical deterioration) were studied. A total of 54 vessel segments with significant vasospasm were treated by TBA. Digital subtraction angiography was used to confirm the presence of vasospasm, and TBA was performed to dilate vasospastic arteries. Medical and angiographic reports were reviewed to determine technical efficacy and for procedural complications.

Results

TBA using Hyper-Glide or Hyper-Form balloons (MicroTherapeutics, Irvine, CA) was successfully accomplished in 88.9% vasospastic segments (48 of 54), namely, in the distal internal carotid artery (100%, n=7), the middle cerebral artery (100%), including the M1 (n=10), M2 (n=10), and M3 segments (n=4), in the vertebral artery (100%, n=2), basilar artery (100%, n=1), and in the anterior cerebral artery (ACA), including the A1 (66%), A2 (66%), and A3 segments (100%). Vessel diameters significantly increased after TBA. There were no cases of vessel rupture or thromboembolic complications. GCS at one day after TBA showed an improvement in all patients except one.

Conclusion

This study suggests that TBA using Hyper-Glide or Hyper-Form balloons is a safe and effective treatment for subarachnoid hemorrhage-induced cerebral vasospasm.     

Cerebral Hemorrhage and Vasospasm in a Child with Congenital Heart Disease

Introduction  Intracerebral hemorrhages are relatively rare events in children and cerebral vasospasm after such hemorrhages is even more unusual. Children with structural congenital heart disease are particularly at risk for both thrombotic and embolic events but not to isolated hemorrhages. Discussion  We report a case of cerebral vasospasm in a child with structural congenital heart disease after a cerebral hemorrhage. Conclusion   This case illustrates that this rare occurrence must be swiftly recognized and treated in order to maximize clinical outcome.     

Spinal Subarachnoid Hematoma as a Complication of an Intramuscular Stimulation : Case Report and a Review of Literatures

Intramuscular stimulation (IMS) is widely used to treat myofascial pain syndrome. IMS is a safe procedure but several complications have been described. To our knowledge, spinal subarachnoid hematoma has never been reported as a complication of an IMS. The authors have experienced a case of spinal subarachnoid hematoma occurring after an IMS, which was tentatively diagnosed as intracranial subarachnoid hemorrhage because of severe headache. Patient was successfully treated with surgery. Here, we report our case with a review of literature.     

Dopamine D2-Receptor-Mediated Increase in Vascular and Endothelial NOS Activity Ameliorates Cerebral Vasospasm After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage In Vitro

Introduction  Cerebral vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a serious complication resulting in delayed neurological deficit, increased morbidity, mortality, longer hospital stays, and rehabilitation time. It afflicts approximately 35 per 100,000 Americans per year, and there is currently no effective therapy. We present in vitro data suggesting that increasing intrinsic nitric oxide relaxation pathways in vascular smooth muscle via dopaminergic agonism ameliorates cerebral vasospasm after SAH. Methods  Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from patients with cerebral vasospasm after SAH (CSF_V) was used to induce vasospasm in porcine carotid artery in vitro. Dopamine was added to test its ability to reverse spasm, and specific dopamine receptor antagonists were used to determine which receptor mediated the protection. Immunohistochemical techniques confirmed the presence of dopamine receptor subtypes and the involvement of NOS in the mechanism of dopamine protection. Results  Dopamine receptor 1, 2, and 3 subtypes are all present in porcine carotid artery. Dopamine significantly reversed spasm in vitro (67% relaxation), and this relaxation was prevented by Haloperidol, a D₂R antagonist (10% relaxation, P < 0.05), but not by D₁ or D₃-receptor antagonism. Both eNOS and iNOS expression were increased significantly in response to CSF_V alone, and this was significantly enhanced by addition of dopamine, and blocked by Haloperidol. Conclusion  Cerebral vasospasm is significantly reversed in a functional measure of vasospasm in vitro by dopamine, via a D₂R-mediated pathway. The increase in NOS protein seen in both the endothelium and vascular smooth muscle in response to CSF_V is enhanced by dopamine, also in a D₂R-dependent mechanism.     

动脉瘤性蛛网膜下腔出血并发脑血管痉挛患者血清血管内皮生长因子表达的变化

目的:探讨动脉瘤性蛛网膜下腔出血(SAH)并发脑血管痉挛(CVS)与血清血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)表达的关系.方法:27例动脉瘤性SAH患者为试验组(SAH组),再依据是否并发不同程度CVS分为:无CVS亚组(11例),轻度CVS亚组(9例)、中度CVS亚组(4例)和重度CVS亚组(3例);另设10名健康体检者为对照组.采用ELISA法检测血清VEGF水平.结果:SAH各时间点各组血清VEGF水平为①SAH组发病第1天起即明显高于对照组;②无CVS组不增高.SAH后第1、3、5、7天时血清VEGF水平为①轻度CVS组与中度CVS组相同时间点比较,差异无统计学意义;②重度CVS组明显高于轻度和中度CVS组.SAH后出现脑梗死患者血清VEGF水平明显高于未出现脑梗死患者.结论:SAH后出现CVS患者和出现脑梗死的患者血清VEGF水平明显增高,血清VEGF水平能反映脑血管痉挛的程度.     

Spontaneous Resolution of Nontraumatic Acute Spinal Subdural Hematoma

Spinal subdural hematoma (SSDH) is an extremely uncommon condition. Causative factors include trauma, anticoagulant drug administration, hemostatic disorders, and vascular disorders such as arteriovenous malformations and lumbar punctures. Of SSDH cases, those that do not have any traumatic event can be considered cases of nontraumatic acute spinal subdural hematoma, which is known to have diverse clinical progress. Treatment typically consists of surgical decompression and cases in which the condition is relieved with conservative treatment are rarely reported. We report two nontraumatic acute spinal subdural hematoma patients who were successfully treated without surgery.     

蛛网膜下腔出血后脑血管痉挛与脑脊液免疫球蛋白的关系

检测４１例蛛网膜下腔出血病人脑脊液中免疫球蛋白Ｇ的含量，其中２２例为蛛网膜下腔出血后伴脑血管痉挛患者，其脑脊液中免疫球蛋白Ｇ含量为８３．０４±３１．７８ｍｇ／Ｌ，１９例不伴脑血管痉挛病人，脑脊液中免疫球蛋白Ｇ含最为：３０．７９±２２．１３ｍｇ／Ｌ；脑血管痉挛组脑脊液中免疫球蛋白Ｇ含量明显高于非脑血管痉挛组（Ｐ＜０．０１）。结果表明蛛网膜下腔出血后脑血管痉挛有免疫反应的存在。     

Spinal Subdural Hematoma Associated with Intracranial Subdural Hematoma

The simultaneous occurrence of an intracranial and a spinal subdural hematoma (SDH) is rare. We describe a case of cranial SDH with a simultaneous spinal SDH. An 82-year-old woman visited the emergency room because of drowsiness and not being able to walk 6 weeks after falling down. A neurological examination showed a drowsy mentality. Brain computed tomography showed bilateral chronic SDH with an acute component. The patient underwent an emergency burr-hole trephination and hematoma removal. She exhibited good recovery after the operation. On the fourth postoperative day, she complained of low-back pain radiating to both lower limbs, and subjective weakness of the lower limbs. Spine magnetic resonance imaging revealed a thoracolumbosacral SDH. A follow-up spinal magnetic resonance imaging study that was performed 16 days later showed a significant decrease in the size of the spinal SDH. We discuss the pathogenesis of this simultaneous occurrence of spinal and cranial SDH.     

罂粟碱明胶微球治疗脑血管痉挛的实验研究

目的 研制罂粟碱明胶微球，探索微球药物控释系统治疗脑血管痉挛的可行性。方法 采用改良的双相乳化冷凝聚合法制备明胶微球。并将其与盐酸罂粟碱复合。观察微球分散度、粒径及外观形态；计算微球包封率、载药率及体外释药特性。将自体动脉血分二次注入枕大池制备兔蛛网膜下腔出血（SAH）模型，随后将罂粟碱明胶微球注入该模型兔的枕大池；第7天时，观察并计算基底动脉血管横截面积。结果 微球大小均匀，平均直径（18．36±3．56）μm，载药量为28．0％，包封率为93-3％，体外14d内药物缓释91．0％。兔的基底动脉横截面积：正常组为（0．91±0．19）mm^2，SAH模型组为（0.3l±0．44）mm^2，明胶微球（不含罂粟碱）组为（0．21±0．05）mm^2，罂粟碱明胶微球组为（0．71±0．11）mm^2；罂粟碱明胶微球与SAH模型组和明胶微球组间有明显差异（P〈0．05）。结论 在蛛网膜下腔早期注入罂粟碱缓释明胶微球对实验性脑血管痉挛有防治作用。