PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Jones, R.G.
AU  - Davagnanam, I.
AU  - Colley, S.
AU  - West, R.J.
AU  - Yates, D.A.
TI  - Abciximab for Treatment of Thromboembolic Complications during Endovascular Coiling of Intracranial Aneurysms
AID  - 10.3174/ajnr.A1253
DP  - 2008 Nov 01
TA  - American Journal of Neuroradiology
PG  - 1925--1929
VI  - 29
IP  - 10
4099  - http://www.ajnr.org/content/29/10/1925.short
4100  - http://www.ajnr.org/content/29/10/1925.full
SO  - Am. J. Neuroradiol.2008 Nov 01; 29
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Thromboembolism is a recognized complication occurring during endovascular coil embolization of intracranial aneurysms. Recently, there has been much interest in glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors to treat such complications, but the evidence is limited. We reviewed our use of one such agent, abciximab, which we commonly administer and believe to be a safe and suitable rescue agent in this setting.MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed cases in which abciximab was administered in our institution between 2001 and 2007. Clinical outcome was assessed by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 6 months. Good outcome was defined as no significant clinical sequelae compared with baseline status or clinical improvement (mRS < 2). Poor outcome was defined as no resolution of a new clinical deficit that developed postprocedure at 6 months (mRS > 2). Angiographic appearance of thromboembolic phenomena and posttreatment outcome was assessed with the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) scale.RESULTS: Thirty-eight patients were included, with good outcome observed in 30 (79%) and poor outcome in 8 (21%) patients. Angiographic improvement based on TIMI scoring was seen in 24 (63%) patients, and no improvement was seen in 14 (37%). In 4 patients (11%), good outcome was obtained at 6 months despite no angiographic improvement on TIMI. No cases of intracranial rebleed or additional neurologic deficit following administration of abciximab were encountered.CONCLUSION: In this small retrospective series, abciximab was safe and effective when used as a rescue agent for thromboembolic complications encountered during coiling of intracerebral aneurysms.