Clinical Burden of Angiographic Vasospasm and Its Complications After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Plain Language Summary Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage is a medical emergency in which an aneurysm, a weakened outpouching of a cerebral blood vessel, ruptures causing bleeding in the subarachnoid space. Components from the bleeding can trigger a process leading to the constriction of cerebral arteries, called angiographic vasospasm. Angiographic vasospasm is a frequent occurrence after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage and can also result in delayed cerebral ischemia and cerebral infarction, which can severely impact patients’ health. This study summarizes the published literature to describe the clinical burden that patients may experience due to angiographic vasospasm, delayed cerebral ischemia, and cerebral infarction after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. The evidence from these studies emphasizes numerous clinical consequences that patients may experience. These patients may suffer from diminished neurological and intellectual activity, leading to disability and a loss of functional independence in everyday activities. Angiographic vasospasm and its related complications also reduce the chances of survival, both in the hospital and at follow-up. The considerable clinical burden associated with angiographic vasospasm, delayed cerebral ischemia, and cerebral infarction highlights the importance of their prevention.

Keywords

• Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage
• Angiographic vasospasm
• Cerebral infarction
• Clinical burden
• Delayed cerebral ischemia
• Systematic review