Intra-arterial nimodipine infusion for cerebral vasospasm in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

Interv Neuroradiol. 2011 Jun;17(2):169-78. doi: 10.1177/159101991101700205. Epub 2011 Jun 20.

Abstract

This study evaluated the efficacy of intra-arterial nimodipine infusion for symptomatic vasospasm in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Clinical data collected from 42 consecutive patients with symptomatic vasospasm after aSAH were retrospectively reviewed. Forty-two patients underwent 101 sessions of intra-arterial nimodipine infusion. Angiographic response, immediate clinical response, and clinical outcome were evaluated at discharge and six months later. Angiographic improvement was achieved in 82.2% of patients. The immediate clinical improvement rate was 68.3%, while the deterioration rate was 5.0%. A favorable clinical outcome was achieved in 76.2% at discharge and 84.6% six months. Vasospasm-related infarction occurred in 21.4%. There was no drug-related complication. The nimodipine group showed satisfactory outcomes. Nimodipine can be recommended as an effective and safe intra-arterial agent for the treatment of symptomatic vasospasm after aSAH.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Calcium Channel Blockers / administration & dosage*
  • Calcium Channel Blockers / adverse effects
  • Cerebral Angiography
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Infusions, Intra-Arterial
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nimodipine / administration & dosage*
  • Nimodipine / adverse effects
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Subarachnoid Hemorrhage / complications
  • Subarachnoid Hemorrhage / diagnostic imaging
  • Subarachnoid Hemorrhage / drug therapy*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vasospasm, Intracranial / diagnostic imaging
  • Vasospasm, Intracranial / drug therapy*
  • Vasospasm, Intracranial / etiology

Substances

  • Calcium Channel Blockers
  • Nimodipine