Oral verapamil in the prevention of recurrent cerebral ischaemia due to post-stent vasospasm.

WHAT IS KNOWN AND

OBJECTIVE

Endovascular embolization of basilar tip aneurysms (BTA) is performed to prevent rupture, but little is known regarding post-procedural vasospasm and its consequences. We relate management of post-procedural vasospasm found in cardiovascular literature on this rare post-procedural intracranial complication.

CASE DESCRIPTION: A 52-year-old man develops ischaemic strokes after undergoing posterior cerebral artery (PCA) stent-assisted coil embolization of BTA. Work-up suggested that vasospasm was the cause of his strokes.

WHAT IS NEW AND

CONCLUSION

Vasospasm after intracranial stenting may share similar pathophysiological features to coronary stenting, resulting in ischaemia. Verapamil should be considered an empiric therapy in prevention of stent-related vasospasm.