Incidence of Vasospasm, Outcome, and Quality of Life after Endovascular and Surgical Treatment of Ruptured Intracranial Aneurysms: Results of a Single-Center Prospective Study in Switzerland

Background. Outcome after endovascular versus surgical treatment of ruptured aneurysms is still controversial. The aim of this study was to analyze the incidence of cerebral vasospasm (CVS), outcome, and quality of life in patients undergoing endovascular or surgical treatment. Methods. This single-center prospective study included all patients undergoing aneurysm occlusion over a one-year period. All patients underwent postinterventional CT scan, TCD, and angiography on day 9±2 . Outcome (Barthel Index, NIHSS, mRS, MMSE) was evaluated at 6 and 12 weeks. Quality of life (EuroQoL, SF-12) was assessed at 6 months. Results. A total of 66 patients were included. The overall mortality due to CVS was 9.9%, and higher in the surgical (14.6%) than in the endovascular group (4%). The incidence of symptomatic (29.2% versus 24%) and angiographic (70.7% versus 52%) CVS was not statistically significant different between the two groups. No differences in outcome or quality of life (SF-12) could be demonstrated. Conclusions. The outcome and quality of life of patients undergoing endovascular or surgical treatment seems not to significantly differ if demographic, radiological, and intensive care parameters are similar. A trend toward lower incidence of CVS in patients undergoing endovascular treatment was observed.