Thrombotic and haemorrhagic complications in patients with cerebral aneurysms treated by endovascular approach and their association with the use of antiplatelet agents: Descriptive evaluation

Objective The protocol for optimal antiplatelet therapy to prevent thrombotic complications following brain aneurysm embolisation is not clear. Our objective is to describe the characteristics of patients presenting with thrombotic or haemorrhagic complications secondary to endovascular treatment. Methods A cross sectional descriptive study was performed, which included all patients that required endovascular treatment for brain aneurysm at San Ignacio University Hospital from November 2007 to January 2016. Thrombotic and haemorrhagic complications over six months of follow-up were assessed, considering the premedication regimen with antiplatelet agents, location, size of the aneurysm and embolisation technique performed. Results 122 patients were evaluated, on whom 130 procedures were performed for endovascular treatment of brain aneurysms. Thrombotic complications were more frequent in patients who did not receive premedication (25%) compared to those who did receive an antiplatelet treatment regimen (standard dose 3.87% or loading dose 8.70%), and this difference was statistically significant (P=.043). Conclusions Thromboembolic events are the most common complication of brain aneurysm embolisation. Both our study and the literature suggest that the use of dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and clopidogrel lowers the rate of symptomatic thromboembolic complications, regardless of the administration protocol.