Keywords
cavernous - aneurysm - trigeminocardiac reflex - anesthesia
Introduction
Cavernous carotid aneurysms are uncommon, representing 2 to 9% of all intracranial
aneurysms.[1] The atypical presentation along with the complex surgical approach poses unique
anesthetic concerns. Understanding the pathophysiology, awareness of the surgical
technique, vigilant intraoperative monitoring, and optimal postoperative care entail
a favorable outcome. We hereby describe the anesthetic concerns of clipping an aneurysm
located in the cavernous segment of the internal carotid artery (ICA) in which multiple
episodes of trigeminocardiac reflex (TCR) were observed. Written informed consent
was taken from the patient's relative for this case report.
Case Report
A 36-year-old laborer with no known comorbidities presented with headache associated
with double vision for 1 month, ptosis of the right eye for 20 days, and new onset
vomiting for 1 day. On examination, he was drowsy with a full Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)
score and had stable vitals. The left pupil was reactive, while the right was nonreactive
to light. Cranial nerve examination demonstrated right third, fourth, and sixth nerve
palsies. The remaining cranial nerves, motor strength, sensation, and gait were tested
and found to be normal. Examination of the back revealed a kyphoscoliotic deformity
with curvature toward the left with no asymmetry of the shoulders or iliac crest.
Nonenhanced computed tomography (CT) head showed a right parasellar heterogeneous
mass. Magnetic resonance imaging brain was suggestive of a lesion in the right cavernous
sinus close to the cavernous ICA. CT angiography revealed a 16.6*17.3*14.4 mm unruptured
lobulated saccular aneurysm arising from the right distal cavernous ICA along the
dorsal surface that was directed posterosuperiorly and narrowing of right cavernous
ICA ([Fig. 1]). Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) with balloon test occlusion of right ICA
suggested a delayed transit time across the right posterior communicating artery.
Fig. 1 All images showing computed tomographic angiography of the patient with a 16.6*17.3*14.4 mm
unruptured lobulated saccular aneurysm (arrows) arising from right distal cavernous
internal carotid artery along the dorsal surface causing mass effect. (A) Maximum intensity projection image coronal cut. (B) Maximum intensity projection image axial cut. (C) Volume-rendered image. (D) Volume-rendered image zoomed in.
Baseline investigations were unremarkable except for a chest X-ray that confirmed
the kyphoscoliotic deformity. Preoperative arterial blood gas analysis on room air
and bedside echocardiography were normal. Given the mass effect from the intracranial
lesion, we proceeded with emergency craniotomy and clipping of the aneurysm under
general anesthesia after obtaining high-risk consent.
In the operation theater, standard American Society of Anesthesiologists monitors
(pulse oximeter, noninvasive blood pressure cuff, electrocardiogram) were attached.
Before induction, the right radial artery was cannulated under local anesthesia. Baseline
vitals were stable. The patient was induced with an injection of fentanyl and titrated
doses of injection propofol. Injection atracurium was administered to facilitate intubation,
and esmolol was given to prevent a laryngoscopy response. Under ultrasound guidance,
the left subclavian vein was cannulated. The patient was maintained on propofol and
fentanyl infusion with oxygen: air 1:1. Repeated blood gas analyses during the procedure
were unremarkable with normal partial pressures of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and partial
pressure of oxygen to fraction of inspired oxygen ratios.
Intraoperatively, the patient had multiple episodes of TCR (heart rate around 35–40
per minute with stable blood pressure) when the surgeon was dissecting around the
nerves in the cavernous sinus. Even the slightest manipulation in the cavernous sinus
triggered this reflex. Surgeons were informed repeatedly and with cessation of the
stimulus, hemodynamics would normalize. After multiple pauses, the aneurysm was eventually
clipped without any untoward events. The total temporary clipping time was approximately
45 minutes. The patient was shifted unreversed on mechanical ventilation to the neurosurgical
intensive care unit. The patient developed left-sided weakness on the second postoperative
day (POD). Nonenhanced CT head revealed a right ICA infarct with mass effect. He underwent
an urgent right-sided decompressive craniectomy. He demonstrated improvement in GCS
score (E4VTM6) with left hemiparesis at discharge (POD8).
Discussion
ICA has seven anatomically distinct segments, C1 to C7. The cavernous segment (C4)
lies medially in the cavernous sinus with cranial nerves III, IV, and V (branched
V1 and V2) lying adjacent to it. The majority of cavernous sinus aneurysms is asymptomatic,
while a few can attain large size to cause mass effects.[2] Patients usually present with double vision, pain, ptosis, and ophthalmoparesis.
Extradural location and the likelihood of rupture into the subarachnoid space, cavernous
sinus, or surrounding sphenoid sinus make these aneurysms unique.
The management options include microneurosurgical clipping and endovascular techniques.
Endovascular techniques are considered relatively safe and include coil embolization,
flow diverters, and the use of liquid embolic agents.[3] Apart from concerns unique to DSA suites like remote location, lack of skilled assistance,
and radiation exposure, these are expensive and do not cause an immediate reduction
in mass effect. Direct microsurgical clipping to exclude the lesion while maintaining
patency of the parent artery was planned in this case. However, the critical location
of the aneurysm necessitated lengthy temporary occlusions and multiple complex clippings
that would have led to distal ischemia in this case.
The relative rarity of these aneurysms and the complex microsurgical techniques necessitates
a thorough understanding of the nuances of anesthesia management. The surgical approach
to an aneurysm and the patient's position should be discussed with the surgeon beforehand.
In this case, right frontotemporal–orbitozygomatic craniotomy was made and a subtemporal,
intradural, transcavernous approach was used with prior proximal control of the ICA
in the cervical segment. This necessitates the endotracheal tube fixation and central
line placement on the opposite side of the neck control.
The onus lies on the neuroanesthetists to provide a relaxed brain to the surgeon,
control the transmural pressure gradient of the aneurysm, avoid a significant increase
in intracranial pressure and significant hemodynamic fluctuations and preservation
of adequate cerebral perfusion pressure along with a plan for rapid awakening. In
an unruptured aneurysm, it becomes more important to avoid any undue sympathetic responses
as in laryngoscopy, tracheal intubation, patient positioning, placement of the pin
head-holder, and raising of the bone flap.
We kept the patient on propofol infusion as it leads to dose-dependent cerebral vasoconstriction,
and fall in cerebral blood flow and cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen, hence offering neuroprotection. In case of brain bulge, various measures include
head end elevation, switching off nitrous oxide/inhalational agent (if in use), and
hyperventilation to the partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide of around 35 mm
Hg, ensuring adequate diuresis following decongestant, checking airway pressures,
and supplementing anesthesia with boluses of muscle relaxant and propofol. Intraoperative
aneurysm rupture runs the risk of colossal blood loss and prompts us to be ready with
adequate blood products.
Manipulation of the fifth cranial nerve can cause TCR that is quite predictable in
this case. However, TCR has also been reported in patients undergoing aneurysmal clipping
even when aneurysm is not in the cavernous portion. A light mechanical stimulus to
the dura mater induced severe bradycardia in a 77-year-old woman undergoing clipping
for an unruptured left middle cerebral artery aneurysm that resolved with topical
anesthesia of the dura surface.[4] TCR refers to the sudden onset of parasympathetic dysrhythmia or sympathetic hypotension
under general anesthesia. It is defined as a fall in heart rate and mean arterial
blood pressure of more than 20% as compared with baseline. The mainstay of management
remains vigilant monitoring and frequent notifications to the surgeon. Cessation of
stimulus characteristically resolves the hemodynamic instability. As a novice, we
tend to immediately reach out to anticholinergics, which is seldom required and has
its own set of side effects. Pharmacological masking of TCR that is a protective brain
reflex is not needed till the hemodynamic instability is reversible.[5] In this case, the patient was drowsy preoperatively and had undergone a major procedure
involving multiple lengthy complex clippings with multiple episodes of TCR. Hence,
patient was not extubated on table and shifted for postoperative elective ventilation.
Scoliosis poses additional concerns with restrictive ventilatory defects, reduced
lung volumes, and hypoxemia leading to raised right heart pressures. Detailed history
and physical examination should exclude the association with various syndromes and
neuromuscular disorders.[6] Scoliosis in this patient was noticed just before the surgery but did not affect
the course of management.
The decision regarding extubation or continued mechanical ventilation has to be done
considering the patient and surgery-related factors in coordination with the surgical
team.
Conclusion
It becomes indispensable to understand the nuances of anesthesia management given
the relative rarity of these aneurysms and the complex microsurgical techniques associated
with their clipping. Close observation of the vitals, ventilatory parameters, and
surgical field along with maintenance of normothermia, normocapnia, normotension,
and adequate analgesia is paramount. A vigilant neuroanesthesiologist should keep
in mind the characteristic management feature of TCR, that is, resolution with the
stopping of stimulus.
