Thromboelastography detects inadequate response to abciximab therapy during stent-assisted cerebral aneurysm coil embolization complicated by stroke.
INTRODUCTION: Thromboembolic stroke is the most common severe complication following coil embolization of intracerebral aneurysms, with a 5% incidence of permanent deficits. Despite heparin anticoagulation, rescue therapy with the platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor antagonist abciximab may be required. However, we describe a failure of abciximab rescue therapy and discuss the importance of monitoring the variable individual response to abciximab. CASE REPORTS: Two patients underwent stent-assisted cerebral aneurysm coil embolization complicated by thromboembolic stroke. In one patient, abciximab rescue therapy failed and was associated with a poor neurological outcome. Thromboelastography (TEG model 5000; Haemoscope, Skokie, IL) and platelet aggregometry suggested inadequate platelet inhibition, although other tests of platelet function suggested adequate inhibition. CONCLUSION: We describe a failure of regular-dose abciximab rescue therapy for thromboembolic stroke-complicating stent-assisted cerebral aneurysm coil embolization. The use of TEG to individualize abciximab dosing in this setting may improve patient outcome, as it tracks a pattern of coagulation consistent with the clinical picture.
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Related Subject Headings
- Treatment Failure
- Thrombelastography
- Stroke
- Stents
- Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors
- Neurology & Neurosurgery
- Intracranial Aneurysm
- Immunoglobulin Fab Fragments
- Humans
- Female
Citation
Published In
DOI
ISSN
Publication Date
Volume
Issue
Start / End Page
Location
Related Subject Headings
- Treatment Failure
- Thrombelastography
- Stroke
- Stents
- Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors
- Neurology & Neurosurgery
- Intracranial Aneurysm
- Immunoglobulin Fab Fragments
- Humans
- Female