Intensive treatment of hypertension decreases the risk of hyperperfusion and intracerebral hemorrhage following carotid artery stenting.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy of a comprehensive blood pressure (BP) management protocol in reducing intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) following carotid artery stenting (CAS). BACKGROUND: Following CAS hyperperfusion syndrome (HPS) can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Hypertension plays an essential role in its development. METHODS: We instituted a comprehensive BP protocol following the last case of ICH complicating a CAS procedure. All patients received comprehensive monitoring of BP and treatment to a BP < 140/90 mm Hg; those with a treated stenosis >or=90%, contralateral stenosis >or=80%, and hypertension (i.e., risk factors for HPS) were treated to a BP < 120/80 mm Hg. Patients who developed HPS received parenteral beta-blockers or nitrates titrated to resolution of symptoms and discharged when asymptomatic and normotensive. Patients and families were instructed to measure BP twice daily for 2 weeks and to call if hypertension or headache developed. RESULTS: A total of 836 patients had CAS, 266 prior to the comprehensive BP management program and 570 subsequently. The incidence of HPS/ICH was 5/266 (1.9%) patients prior to comprehensive BP management and 3/570 (0.5%) patients afterwards, P = 0.12. The incidence of ICH was 3/266 (1.1%) and 0/570, respectively, P = 0.032. In high-risk patients both HPS and ICH were significantly reduced from 29.4 to 4.2% (P = 0.006) and 17.6-0% (P = 0.006), respectively. There were no complications attributable to the comprehensive program and lengths of hospitalization were similar (2.6 vs. 2.1 days, P = 0.18). CONCLUSIONS: Comprehensive management of arterial hypertension can lower the incidence of ICH and HPS in high-risk patients following CAS, without additional complications or prolonged hospitalizations.