Ultra-early management of ruptured brain aneurysm. A case report and literature review

Abstract

Introduction: Intracranial aneurysms account for 85% of all subarachnoid hemorrhages. Non-traumatic SAH has a high mortality rate (40-60%). Regarding the microsurgical and endovascular management for this pathology, there has been intense debate on whether early action is beneficial in terms of functional outcome and reduction of morbimortality. Clinical case: A 54-year-old woman admitted with a sudden, severe headache and a rapidly deteriorating neurological state at baseline, and with deterioration at the next hour. Tomography showed a subarachnoid hemorrhage due to ruptured aneurysm of the anterior communicating artery; the patient underwent surgery within the first 24 hours, with subsequent ICU management without complications. Discussion: The resolution time of this condition, either by micosurgery or endovascular management is a matter of intense debate. International guidelines point out the need of an earliest possible treatment. Conclusion: In our case, a good functional result was obtained due to several factors, one of which was early admission to surgery. The updating of guidelines and new studies will help to better understand the pathophysiology of SAH, and the creation of hospital protocols adapted to clinical realities will assist to reduce the resolution time of this pathology.