JoVE - Journal of Visualized Experiments
JoVE Visualize
Contact Us

The Effect of Methamphetamine Use on Radiographic Vasospasm Following Angiogram-Negative Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Preliminary Retrospective Analysis

  • 0Department of Neurological Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA.
Journal of Clinical Medicine +

|

November 27, 2025

|

November 27, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Methamphetamine use in angiogram-negative subarachnoid hemorrhage (ANSAH) patients significantly increases the risk of radiographic vasospasm. This study highlights a critical association for future research and clinical consideration.

Area Of Science

  • Neurology
  • Neurosurgery
  • Toxicology

Background

  • The impact of methamphetamine use on outcomes following angiogram-negative subarachnoid hemorrhage (ANSAH) remains largely unexamined.
  • Understanding factors that influence vasospasm after ANSAH is crucial for improving patient management and prognosis.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To investigate the association between methamphetamine use and the occurrence of radiographic vasospasm in patients with ANSAH.
  • To evaluate the relationship between methamphetamine positivity and clinical outcomes, including clinical vasospasm and discharge disposition.

Main Methods

  • Retrospective cohort analysis of 101 consecutive ANSAH patients treated between 2011 and 2022.
  • Methamphetamine positivity (MP) determined by urine toxicology and/or patient report.
  • Multivariate logistic regression analysis used to assess outcomes such as radiographic vasospasm, clinical vasospasm, and discharge home.

Main Results

  • Methamphetamine-positive patients were significantly younger than methamphetamine-negative patients (47.5 vs. 60.8 years, p=0.004).
  • Univariate analysis revealed MP patients were nearly 12 times more likely to experience radiographic vasospasm (OR 11.6, p=0.008).
  • Multivariate analysis confirmed MP was significantly associated with increased radiographic vasospasm (OR 18.8, p=0.017), but not clinical vasospasm or discharge home.

Conclusions

  • Methamphetamine use is independently associated with a significantly higher risk of radiographic vasospasm in patients with ANSAH.
  • While not reaching statistical significance, there was a trend towards increased clinical vasospasm in methamphetamine-positive patients.
  • This study underscores the importance of considering methamphetamine use as a potential risk factor for vasospasm in ANSAH patients.

Keywords: