Improvement After Celecoxib Treatment in Patients with Thalamic Hemorrhage - A Case Report

Perihematomal edema of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is caused by a hematoma-induced inflammatory reaction, which usually contributes to delayed deterioration of neurological function and poor outcomes. Celecoxib is a commonly used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that selectively inhibits cyclooxygenase-2. High-dose celecoxib (400 mg twice daily) for 14 days has been shown to reduce perihematomal edema and hematoma enlargement in patients with ICH, but without improvement in long-term functional outcome, which may be confounded by the heterogeneity of hematoma location. Low-dose celecoxib may be an effective management for symptoms caused by perihematomal edema in patients with ICH, particularly those involving the thalamus.

We reported two patients with acute thalamic ICH; a common symptom between the two was delayed onset of drowsiness caused by perihematomal edema involving the thalamus. Their consciousness improved after low-dose celecoxib (200 mg once daily) administration for 3 and 2 days in case A and B, respectively. Furthermore, other symptoms that concomitantly improved included poor appetite caused by perihematomal edema involving the left hypothalamus in case A, and limb weakness caused by perihematomal edema of the internal capsule in case B.

These cases revealed that low-dose celecoxib may be an effective management for symptoms caused by perihematomal edema in patients with ICH, particularly those involving the thalamus.