Multidimensional outcome after endovascular or microsurgical occlusion of ruptured intracranial aneurysms - Comparative analysis of a prospective Swiss multicenter study.

INTRODUCTION

Despite advances in cerebral aneurysm treatment, information on detailed outcomes remains limited. We compared complications and multidimensional outcomes in alert aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) patients (GCS ≥13) who received clipping or coiling after individualized decisions were made through multidisciplinary board discussions.

RESEARCH QUESTION: Are there significant differences in multidimensional outcomes between clipping and coiling treatments for alert aSAH patients when treatment selection is individualized?

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

Within the prospective MoCA-DCI study (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03032471), patients with a GCS of 13-15 72h post-aSAH in six neurovascular centers underwent neuropsychological (Montreal Cognitive Assessment; MoCA), neurological (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale; NIHSS), headache (visual analog scale; VAS), disability (modified Rankin Scale; mRS) and health-related quality of life (EuroQol Five Dimensions; EQ5D) assessments within 72h, 14 days and three months after aSAH. We compared these multidimensional outcomes and complications for clipped and coiled patients.

RESULTS

Of 126 patients (mean age 53.8 years; 63.9 % female), 84 were coiled and 42 clipped. MoCA scores for clipped vs coiled patients were 23(7) vs 23(8; p = 0.250), 25(8) vs 28(5; p = 0.346), and 27(4) vs 28(5; p = 0.481). Normal cognition (MoCA ≥26) was achieved within 72h by 28.6 % of coiled and 40.5 % of clipped patients (p = 0.179). Complication rates were similar, though surgical patients had higher intraprocedural rupture rates (p = 0.027). Clipped patients reported higher headaches at three months (p = 0.013), while NIHSS, mRS and EQ5D showed no differences.

DISCUSSION AND

CONCLUSION

After interdisciplinary selection of the most appropriate treatment, similar favorable outcomes can be achieved in alert aSAH patients.