Intra-Arterial Infusion of a Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Antagonist for the Treatment of Thromboembolism During Coil Embolization of Intracranial Aneurysm: A Comparison of Abciximab and Tirofiban

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Abciximab and tirofiban are commonly used for the treatment of thromboembolisms that form during coiling of intracranial aneurysms; however, it is not known which of these inhibitors is safer and more effective. We report the safety and the recanalization rates for intra-arterial abciximab and intra-arterial tirofiban infusion for the treatment of thromboembolisms that form during coiling. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between March 2004 and April 2011, 346 intracranial aneurysms were treated with coiling. Thromboembolisms developed in 22 of these patients and were treated by use of intra-arterial tirofiban (n = 11) or abciximab (n = 11) infusion. RESULTS: In the abciximab group, the thromboembolisms were completely (n = 1) or partially (n = 7) resolved in 8 cases (72.7%) at the time of the final control angiography. Complete (n = 9) or partial (n = 2) resolution was achieved in all cases at the time of follow-up angiography (<3 days after the procedure). In the tirofiban group, thromboembolisms were completely (n = 4) or partially (n = 6) resolved in 10 cases (90.9%) at the time of the final control angiography. Complete (n = 9) or partial (n = 2) resolution was observed in all cases at the time of the follow-up angiography. There were no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups with respect to thrombus resolution (final angiography, P = .311; follow-up angiography, P = .707). No hemorrhagic complications developed in either group. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that tirofiban is more effective than abciximab for the immediate resolution of thromboembolisms, with no statistical significance. Both intra-arterial tirofiban and abciximab exhibited similar safety and recanalization rates.