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. 2004 Apr;25(4):596-600.

Endovascular management of poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage in the geriatric population

Rajan Jain  1 , John Deveikis, Byron Gregory Thompson
Affiliations

Endovascular management of poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage in the geriatric population

Rajan Jain et al. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 2004 Apr.

Abstract

Background and purpose: The incidence of poor-grade (Hunt and Hess grade IV and V) subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is higher in elderly patients (>70 years) than in younger groups. The aim of this retrospective study was to analyze the outcome of these poor grade elderly patients after endovascular treatment.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of 27 patients older than 70 years who underwent endovascular treatment for aneurysmal SAH between January 1996 and July 2002. Thirteen patients with SAH and a poor Hunt and Hess grade at initial presentation had been treated by endovascular means. Their outcomes were assessed by the using the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS).

Results: Two patients (15%) had a good outcome according to the GOS. Three patients (23%) were moderately disabled, two (15%) were severely disabled at the time of discharge from the hospital, and six (47%) died. Five patients (38%) developed clinical vasospasm and underwent balloon angioplasty. Three procedure-related deaths occurred (23%).

Conclusion: Endovascular treatment has modified the management of poor-grade SAH in elderly patients, most of whom are high-risk surgical candidates. Endovascular treatment can be administered early after the initial ictus, reducing the risk of rebleeding and providing an option to pursue aggressive triple-H therapy. Symptomatic vasospasm can also be treated by endovascular means in the initial setting.

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