Table 2 Description of technique for angiographic nimodipine test

Insertion of a 4F sheath in Seldinger technique establishing a right femoral artery access under local anaesthesia

Diagnostic cerebral angiography from internal carotid arteries bilaterally, as well as from vertebral artery

If suspicious caliber irregularities are found in standard projections, acquisition of additional projections (e.g. 45° oblique)

Leave 4 F catheter (Tempo 4 F, VER 135°, Cordis Corporation, Miami Lakes, USA) in internal carotid or vertebral artery on the side of most prominent caliber irregularities

Dissolve 3 mg (15 ml) of Nimodipine (Nimotop®S, 10 mg/50 ml, BayerVital GmbH, Leverkusen, Germany) in 1000 ml isotonic NaCl

Infuse nimodipine at a rate of 3 mg per hour (via 3-way stopcock)

In case of known low blood pressure continous blood pressure monitoring is advisable

Take pictures in the same projection after 15, 30, 45 and 60 min. Patient's head should be fixed to ensure constant projection

Withdrawal of catheter and compression of the groin