Cerebral circulation time on DSA during endovascular treatment in WFNS grade I aneurysmal SAH patients—a predictor of DCI?

Purpose: Delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) remains a contributor to poor outcome following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). We evaluated cerebral circulation time (CCT) on digital subtraction angiography (DSA) during endovascular treatment (EVT) in WFNS grade I aSAH patients as a predictor of DCI. Methods: Of 135 consecutive WNFS grade I aSAH patients, 90 were included. Age, gender, time of DSA from ictus (< 72 h or > 72 h), Fisher scale, severe vasospasm, development of DCI, EVD-dependent hydrocephalus, re-bleeding, and procedural complications were recorded. CCT was calculated retrospectively from multiphase DSA. Association with DCI was established through univariate and, subsequently, multivariable logistic regression. An optimal threshold value was identified using ROC curve analysis. Patient groups defined by threshold CCT value, DCI, and, subsequently, time of DSA from ictus were analyzed using χ2 and Fisher’s exact test. Results: CCT was the only significant factor in the multivariable logistic regression for the outcome development of DCI (OR/second increase in CCT = 1.46 [95% CI 1.14–1.86, p =.003]). When CCT was dichotomized at 8.5 s, the odds ratio for developing DCI was 7.12 (95% CI 1.93–26.34, p =.003) for CCT > 8.5 s compared with < 8.5 s. There was a significant difference for DCI in all patient groups dichotomized by CCT < 8.5 s and > 8.5 s (all patients, p =.001; patients imaged before and after 72 h of ictus, p =.024 and p =.034, respectively). Conclusion: A CCT > 8.5 s on DSA during EVT in WFNS grade I aSAH patients is associated with an increased risk of developing DCI and may aid in the management of high-risk patients.