A Case of Unexpected Symptomatic Vasospasm after Clipping Surgery for an Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysm

J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis. 2016 Mar;25(3):e25-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2015.11.029. Epub 2015 Dec 24.

Abstract

Delayed symptomatic vasospasm after clipping surgery for unruptured aneurysm is rarely reported. We report a case of a 62-year-old woman who presented with symptomatic vasospasm 11 days after clipping surgery for an unruptured aneurysm. We could not predict the existence of vasospasm until ischemic symptoms developed. We retrospectively found mild vasospasm in the computed tomography angiogram taken 8 days after the operation. The patient complained of a prolonged unexpected headache 1 week after the operation. We should recognize prolonged unexpected headache as a warning sign of vasospasm.

Keywords: Unruptured aneurysm; clipping; headache; vasospasm.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aneurysm, Ruptured / complications
  • Aneurysm, Ruptured / diagnostic imaging
  • Aneurysm, Ruptured / surgery*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intracranial Aneurysm / complications
  • Intracranial Aneurysm / diagnostic imaging
  • Intracranial Aneurysm / surgery*
  • Magnetic Resonance Angiography
  • Middle Aged
  • Neurosurgical Procedures / adverse effects*
  • Surgical Instruments / adverse effects*
  • Vasospasm, Intracranial / diagnostic imaging
  • Vasospasm, Intracranial / etiology*