Vasospasm in Pediatric Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Title:Vasospasm in Pediatric Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Volume: 23 Issue: 11

Author(s): Ioannis Mavridis*, Efstratios-Stylianos Pyrgelis, Eleni Agapiou and Jeries Assi

Affiliation:

• Pediatric Neurosurgery Unit, Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece

Keywords: Aneurysm, angiography, cerebral vasospasm, nimodipine, subarachnoid hemorrhage, transcranial Doppler ultrasonography.

Abstract: Cerebral vasospasm (CV) is a common severe complication of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), a severe type of intracranial bleeding that is uncommon in children. The purpose of this article is to review the current literature regarding this potentially devastating complication. CV may be asymptomatic and is less common in children compared to adults. Several molecular phenomena, including inflammatory ones, contribute to its pathophysiology. Better collateral circulation and higher cerebral blood flow are protective factors in children. When clinically apparent, CV may manifest as a change in the child’s neurologic status or vital signs. CV can be diagnosed using brain vessel imaging, such as computed tomography angiography, magnetic resonance angiography, digital subtraction angiography, transcranial Doppler ultrasonography, and computed tomography perfusion. A reduction of < 50% in the artery’s caliber confirms the diagnosis. Besides general supportive measures and causative treatment of SAH, CV management options include the administration of calcium channel blockers and neurointerventional approaches, such as intra-arterial vasodilators and balloon angioplasty. Long-term outcomes in children are usually favorable.

Cite this article as:

Mavridis Ioannis*, Pyrgelis Efstratios-Stylianos, Agapiou Eleni and Assi Jeries, Vasospasm in Pediatric Subarachnoid Hemorrhage, CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets 2024; 23 (11) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/0118715273274147231104160152