The prognostic value of the CT scan in conservatively treated patients with intracerebral hematoma

Prognostic factors for survival and neurological recovery were assessed in 42 patients with nontraumatic intracerebral hematoma (ICH) diagnosed by CT scan. None underwent surgical evacuation of hematoma. CT scans were used to determine location and volume of ICH and presence or absence of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH). Only 11 patients (26%) died and 17 patients (40.5%) recovered fully. Mortality was associated with: 1) loss of consciousness as a presenting symptom (63.5% mortality rate versus 13% when there was no loss of consciousness at the onset; p less than 0.01). 2) extension of the bleeding into the ventricular system (45% mortality rate versus 9% when hemorrhages were confined to brain parenchyma; p less than 0.01). 3) location of hematoma in the posterior fossa (mortality rate of 43% versus 23% for intrahemispheric hematomas). Mortality was unaffected by age of patients and size of ICH. Full neurological and functional recovery occurred mainly when estimated volume of hematomas was less than 15 cc and with lobar hematomas regardless of size. In survivors there is CT evidence of complete resolution of ICH. Our data indicates a favourable outcome in a relatively large percentage of patients with ICH treated conservatively and therefore questions the need for surgical evacuation of hematoma.     

The surgical management of intracranial hematomas in hemophiliac children

A prospective study was undertaken to treat all intracranial hematomas in hemophiliac A children under a uniform protocol. Patient selection was obtained by (1) early CT scan of all hemophiliacs presenting with neurological symptoms and (2) routine hematological screening for coagulopathies of all pediatric intracranial hematomas, spontaneous or traumatic. Nine patients, of whom seven came under category 1 and two under category 2, were entered into this study. There were eight subdural hematomas, one epidural hematoma, and one intracerebral hematoma. Surgery was required in every patient. Human factor VIII concentrate was used for replacement up to 100% just before and 3 days after surgery. Thereafter, it was maintained at 50% up to the 10th postoperative day. There was no operative or late mortality. At 6-month follow-up, eight of nine patients had recovered completely with no residual neurological deficit. We conclude that early diagnosis, prompt surgical intervention, and perfect normalization of hemostatic defect are essential in improving the outcome of these patients.     

Surgical treatment of spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage in patients with cancer: Analysis of prognostic factors

BackgroundIntracranial hemorrhage (ICH) is the most common cerebrovascular event in patients with cancer. We sought to evaluate the outcomes of surgical treatment for ICH and to determine possible pre-operative outcome predictors.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed surgical procedures for the treatment of ICH in patients with cancer. Analysis included clinical and radiological findings of the patients. Primary endpoints were survival and mortality in index hospitalization.ResultsNinety-four emergency neurosurgeries were performed for ICH in 88 different patients with cancer over ten years. 51 patients had chronic subdural hematomas (CSDH: 54.3%), 35 with intraparenchymal hemorrhage (37.2%), 6 with acute subdural hematoma (ASDH: 6.4%), and only 2 with epidural hemorrhages (2.1%). Median patient follow-up was 63 days (IQR = 482.2). 71 patients (75.5%) died at follow-up, with a median survival of 33 days. Overall 30-day mortality was 38.3%; 27.5% for patients with CSDH. Lower survival was associated to higher absolute leucocyte count (HR 1.06; 95%CI 1.04–1.09), higher aPTT ratio (HR 3.02; 95% CI 1.01–9.08), higher serum CRP (HR 1.01; 95%CI 1.01–1.01), and unresponsive pupils (each unresponsive pupil - HR 2.65; 95%CI 1.50–4.68).ConclusionOutcomes following surgical treatment of ICH in patients with cancer impose significant morbidity and mortality. Type of hematoma, altered pupillary reflexes, coagulopathies, and increased inflammatory response were predictors of mortality for any type of ICH.     

Ultra-early hemostatic therapy for primary intracerebral hemorrhage: a review

Stroke is a major health problem worldwide, causing high morbidity and mortality. Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) accounts for 10% of stroke cases in the United States and Europe and up to 30% in Asian populations. Intracerebral hemorrhage is less treatable than other forms of stroke and causes higher morbidity and disability. Data suggest that early hematoma growth is the principal cause of early neurological deterioration after ICH. Prospective and retrospective studies indicate that early hematoma growth occurs in 18-38% of patients scanned within three hours of ICH onset, and that hematoma volume is an important predictor of 30-day mortality. Recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa, NovoSeven), a powerful initiator of hemostasis, is approved for the treatment of bleeding in patients with hemophilia and inhibitors, and can also promote hemostasis in patients with normal coagulation. A Phase-IIB randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-ranging trial has been conducted in 399 patients with ICH to investigate the potential of rFVIIa as an ultra-early hemostatic therapy. A reduction in hematoma growth in non-coagulopathic ICH patients was evident with reduced mortality and improved clinical outcome at three months. The significance of these findings for neurocritical care is discussed.     

Computerized tomography in intracranial hemorrhage.

Three hundred patients with intracranial hemorrhage were studied by computerized tomography (CT). Thalamic-ganglionic hematoma was found in 232; the mortality increased from 25% to 70% if ventricular extension occurred in this group. Lobar hematoma occurred in 45 of these patients, with a mortality of 20%, which was not influenced by ventricular extension. Seven had intraventricular bleeding only; of these, two died. In 12 patients with CT evidence of cisternal blood, angiography demonstrated aneurysms; the location of the blood predicted the location of the aneurysm in six. Multiple spontaneous intracerebral hematomas (ICHs) were visualized by CT in five patients. In 29 of 146 cases of ICH, postcontrast study showed enhancement; in 15, this was consistent with neoplasm, angioma, or aneurysm. In 14 with spontaneous ICH, ring enhancement occurred ten days to six weeks following hemorrhage.     

Computer-Assisted Volumetric Analysis Compared With ABC/2 Method for Assessing Warfarin-Related Intracranial Hemorrhage Volumes

Introduction  Intraparenchymal hemorrhage (IPH) volume is a powerful predictor of 30-day mortality. Warfarin-related intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) has a higher mortality than ICH without anticoagulation, possibly due to continued growth after 24 h, larger average size, and extension to extraparenchymal compartments. We compared 2 methods of measuring ICH volume in patients with warfarin-related ICH. Methods  ICH volume was estimated using the ABC/2 method and a computer-assisted method (Analyze 6.0 software) applied to the initial head computed tomographic scans in a consecutive series of 8 patients with warfarin-related ICH. The 2 methods were compared for relative and absolute differences in estimated hematoma volumes. Results  The ABC/2 method underestimated hematoma volume in 4 of 5 patients with IPH, inaccurately calculated intraventricular hemorrhage volume in 2 patients (overestimated by 9%, underestimated by 23%), and underestimated a complex subdural hematoma in 1 patient by 24% despite use of the Gebel modification. The mean percentage difference between the Analyze and ABC/2 methods was 24% in ellipsoid hemorrhages and 28% in nonellipsoid hemorrhages (P = 0.77). The mean of the absolute difference between the 2 methods was 6.7 cm³ in ellipsoid hemorrhages and 38.0 cm³ in nonellipsoid hemorrhages (P = 0.18). Conclusion  The ABC/2 method accurately and quickly estimates smaller, ellipsoid intraparenchymal hematomas but is inaccurate for larger, complex-shaped warfarin-related intraparenchymal, intraventricular, and subdural hematomas. Warfarin-related ICH mortality may be underestimated by the ABC/2 method because of larger, complex-shaped, and multicompartmental hematomas. Presented in part as a poster at the annual meeting of the Neurocritical Care Society, Baltimore, Maryland, November 6, 2006.     

神经内镜锁孔入路与传统开颅术治疗颅内血肿的对比研究

目的研究评价神经内镜锁孔入路清除颅内血肿的临床疗效及安全性。方法回顾性分析21例颅内出血患者采用神经内镜治疗的临床资料,另随机选择同期30例采用传统开颅显微镜下血肿清除术治疗颅内血肿患者作为对照组。以病死率、血肿量,血肿清除率、感染率、GCS评分、mRS评分、GOS评分等作为疗效指标。结果神经内镜组血肿清除率明显高于传统手术治疗组,两组差异具有明显统计学意义,且神经内镜组术后感染率低于对照组。两组在病死率、GOS评分、出院时GCS评分、6个月mRS评分方面差异均无统计学意义。而神经内镜组患者术后恢复良好率(GOS≥4)明显高于对照组,差异具有统计学意义。结论神经内镜经锁孔入路治疗颅内血肿临床疗效满意,具有较高的血肿清除率,明显降低术后感染发生率,显著提高患者术后的神经功能恢复。     

Endoscopic treatment of the spontaneous intracerebral hematomas

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Surgical evacuation of spontaneous intracerebral hematomas (ICH) performed in a traditional way usually increases primary brain tissue damage due to the hemorrhage. On the other hand, symptoms of the intracerebral pressure and secondary brain tissue destruction close to the hematoma are the basis for making a decision about surgical treatment. In order to limit surgical trauma we started research to evaluate the usefulness of endoscopic surgery in the treatment of ICH. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty three cases were included in the study. Patients with consciousness disorders and/or focal neurological deficit and different systemic diseases were qualified for endoscopic evacuation. The diagnosis of hematoma was based on computed tomography (CT). ICHs were lobar and in certain cases they extended to the basal ganglia. All patients were operated on within one week from the onset of symptoms. Neuroendoscope was introduced to the hematoma cavity through the burr hole and the puncture of the cerebral surface over the hematoma. The hematoma was evacuated by fractionated rinsing. Bigger clots were fragmentized but those which were adjacent to the cavity wall were left. Postoperative assessment of the hematoma evacuation was based on CT performed immediately and in the second week after surgery. RESULTS: Total evacuation of the ICH was achieved in 6 patients, and its volume was reduced in 17 cases. Symptoms of brain edema resolved in all patients. A significant trend to reduce focal neurological deficits was observed: 16 patients improved and 3 remained unchanged. Four patients died. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic surgery allows a complete hematoma evacuation or reduction of its volume, reduces symptoms of brain edema and accelerates the improvement of focal neurological deficits.     

Prognostic significance of initial clinical and instrumental parameters in spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhages

We retrospectively analyzed the records of 63 consecutive patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) who had been treated in our neurological intensive care unit from 1981 to 1985 (aged 17 to 84 years). In this sample, the prognostic value of initial clinical and laboratory findings was studied. The following factors were significantly correlated with mortality: concomitant cardiac failure, general atherosclerosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; coma or deranged brainstem reflexes on admission; concomitant intraventricular or subarachnoid hemorrhage, hydrocephalus and midline shift on CT scan. ICH location did not significantly correlate with outcome. Among lobar ICH occipital hematomas carried the best prognosis. No prognostic importance was detected for age and gender, initial blood pressure, time interval between ICH and admission, ECG or angiographic findings, or laboratory values.     

Simultaneous multiple hypertensive intracranial hemorrhages

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and radiological findings, management, and factors correlated with outcomes in 20 patients with simultaneous multiple hypertensive intracranial hemorrhages (ICH). The mean admission Glasgow Coma Scale score was 7.8. The most common hematoma location was the putamen, while putamen-brainstem hematomas were the most common combination. The mean hematoma volume was 27.5 mL. Eight patients had favorable outcomes and 12 had poor outcomes. Statistical analysis identified that the GCS score on admission, hematoma distribution (unilateral supratentorial hematomas were the most favorable), and total hematoma volume were prognostic factors. This study provides important information on the clinicoradiological findings and prognosis in patients with simultaneous multiple hypertensive ICH.     

Surgery for Bilateral Large Intracranial Traumatic Hematomas: Evacuation in a Single Session

Objective

Management guidelines for single intracranial hematomas have been established, but the optimal management of multiple hematomas has little known. We present bilateral traumatic supratentorial hematomas that each has enough volume to be evacuated and discuss how to operate effectively it in a single anesthesia.

Methods

In total, 203 patients underwent evacuation and/or decompressive craniectomies for acute intracranial hematomas over 5 years. Among them, only eight cases (3.9%) underwent operations for bilateral intracranial hematomas in a single session. Injury mechanism, initial Glasgow Coma Scale score, types of intracranial lesions, surgical methods, and Glasgow outcome scale were evaluated.

Results

The most common injury mechanism was a fall (four cases). The types of intracranial lesions were epidural hematoma (EDH)/intracerebral hematoma (ICH) in five, EDH/EDH in one, EDH/subdural hematoma (SDH) in one, and ICH/SDH in one. All cases except one had an EDH. The EDH was addressed first in all cases. Then, the evacuation of the ICH was performed through a small craniotomy or burr hole. All patients except one survived.

Conclusion

Bilateral intracranial hematomas that should be removed in a single-session operation are rare. Epidural hematomas almost always occur in these cases and should be removed first to prevent the hematoma from growing during the surgery. Then, the other hematoma, contralateral to the EDH, can be evacuated with a small craniotomy.     

Pattern of cerebellar perfusion on single photon emission computed tomography in subcortical hematoma: a clinical and computed tomography correlation

Background: There is paucity of studies evaluating the role of asymmetry index (AI) on single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) studies in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Aim: To evaluate cerebellar perfusion in ICH employing SPECT study and correlate with clinical and CT scan findings. Setting and Design: Tertiary care teaching hospital. Materials and Methods: A total of 29 patients with ICH were subjected to neurological examination including Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and Canadian Neurological Stroke Scale (CNS). Clinical features of raised intracranial pressure and herniation were noted. On CT scan, ICH location, volume, ventricular extension and midline (ML) shift were noted. On SPECT, cerebral and cerebellar perfusion was measured semiquantitatively and AI calculated. Outcome was defined at 3 months into poor and good. Results: Fourteen patients had putaminal and 15 thalamic hemorrhages. Their mean age was 59 years. The mean GCS score was 10 and CNS score 2.8. Hematoma was large in five, medium in 16 and small in eight patients. ML shift was present in 15 and hematoma extended to ventricule in 16 patients. On SPECT, cerebellar AI significantly related to ML shift but not with size of hematoma. AI was low in patients with ML shift. Outcome was related to GCS score, ML shift, size of hematoma and cerebellar AI. Conclusion: In acute stage of ICH, cerebellar AI is lower in patients with more severe stroke having ML shift.     

Prior antiplatelet therapy is not associated with larger hematoma volume or hematoma growth in intracerebral hemorrhage

Hematoma volume (HV) and hematoma growth (HG) predict mortality and poor outcome in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). While the influence of oral anticoagulation on HV, HG and outcome is well established, the effect of prior antiplatelet therapy (APT) remains uncertain. We retrospectively examined data from all patients with acute, primary ICH, and baseline head CT admitted to our department between January 2005 and February 2014. HV were calculated by ABC/2 method. HG was defined as present if HV increased between baseline and follow-up CT ≥?30% or ≥?6 mL. We analyzed the influence of APT on HV, HG, and in-hospital mortality using univariate and multivariate analyses. In addition, we used propensity score matching to assess differences in in-hospital mortality rates. From 668 screened patients, 343 had primary ICH and fulfilled all inclusion criteria. APT was present in 99 patients (29%). Baseline median HV was 16 mL (IQR 6–46). HG occurred in 44 of 160 patients with follow-up CT (28%). In-hospital mortality was 10% (n?=?36). APT was associated with older age, a mRS score before admission (pre-mRS) of >?2, and presence of cardiovascular comorbidities. We did not find an association between APT and larger baseline HV (p?=?0.32), or HG (OR 0.8, 95% CI 0.4–1.9). After propensity score matching for age, pre-mRS, gender, and cardiovascular comorbidities, APT was not associated with higher in-hospital mortality (OR 1.90, 95% CI 0.85–4.24, p?=?0.117). This study did not show a higher risk for larger HV, HG, or in-hospital mortality in primary ICH patients with APT.     

Heparin therapy for stroke: hemorrhagic complications and risk factors for intracerebral hemorrhage

Hemorrhages occurred in 16 (3.1%) of 510 patients treated with continuous intravenous heparin for acute cerebral infarction (269), reversible ischemic neurologic deficit (81), or transient ischemic attack (160). Three patients (0.6%) had intracerebral hematomas. Risk factors included abnormal CT within 24 hours of onset of symptoms (3.2%), severe neurologic deficit (2.8%), two acute infarcts by CT (2.1%), known source of embolus (1.3%), and final diagnosis of cerebral infarction (1.1%). The only identifiable risk factor for systemic hemorrhage (GI 1.0%, GU 0.8%, muscle 0.4%, skin 0.1%) was age over 60 years. The incidence of intraspinal hematoma was 0.6%. Two of the intracerebral hematomas were fatal, and mortality was 31% in patients with hemorrhagic complications; however, the risk of CNS hemorrhage was only 0.8%.     

Blood Type O Predicts Hematoma Expansion in Patients with Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Background: Hematoma expansion after acute spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is well established to result in poor prognosis. Recent studies have demonstrated that the ABO blood type system has potential implications on hemostatic properties. The purpose of this study was to explore the potential association of blood type O with hematoma expansion in patients with ICH and validate the usefulness in predicting early hematoma expansion. Methods: We retrospectively enrolled consecutive patients with ICH who underwent baseline computed tomographic (CT) scan within 6 hours after onset of symptoms. The follow-up CT scan was available within 48 hours after the baseline CT scan. Hematoma expansion was defined as total volume increase more than 33% or more than 6 mL. We performed univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses to investigate the relationship between the different types of blood (type O versus other types) and hematoma expansion. Results: A total of 210 patients were included in the study. Among them, 72 patients (34.3%) carried blood type O. Hematoma expansion was more common in patients with blood type O (41.7%) than those with other blood types (18.1%; P < .001). Furthermore, the time to baseline CT scan, blood type O, and admission Glasgow Coma Scale score were demonstrated to be independent predictors of hematoma expansion in multivariate logistic regression analysis model. The sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative predictive values of blood type O for predicting hematoma expansion were 54.5%, 72.9%, 41.6%, and 81.9%, respectively. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that blood type O represents an independent predictor of hematoma expansion after ICH. Hemostasis seems to be involved in expansion and may represent an important treatment target.     

后枕部硬脑膜外血肿CT分型与疗效、预后的关系

目的 根据外伤性后枕部硬脑膜外血肿(POEH)的CT表现进行分型,并分析分型与疗效、预后间的关系.方法 对104例POEH患者以横窦为中心进行CT分型,其中Ⅰ型为横窦上型,Ⅱ型为横窦下型,Ⅲ型为骑跨型.上述3型进一步分为单、双侧.单侧血肿采取一侧旁正中入路骨瓣或骨窗开颅血肿清除术,双侧血肿采取枕部中线骨瓣入路开颅术.结果 Ⅰ型患者症状轻,治疗效果好,死亡率低(7%).Ⅱ型与Ⅲ型患者症状重,死亡率高(分别为13.3%,16.6%).结论 本文提出的CT分型法有助于明确手术指征,制定治疗方案及准确判断患者预后.     

自发性脑干血肿的诊断和治疗

报告11例自发性脑干血肿,平均年龄33岁,临床缺少典型表现,好发桥脑。MR和CT是本病主要诊断方法,两者有相辅作用:急性期(出血1周内)CT诊断价值较大,亚急性和慢性期则MR优于CT,MR不仅可显示血肿的位置、大小和形态,而且可显示畸形血管,指导手术入路的选择。手术的10例中,9例康复,1例术时未发现畸形血管术后1年再出现,再手术仍未发现亦无改善,终死于肺炎。5例术时和/或病理发现畸形血管。8例随访,平均3年,生活自理2例,复工6例。1例未手术者2年中出血2次致病残。作者认为自发性脑干血肿应手术治疗,手术是安全的。     

The Spot Sign Predicts Hematoma Expansion,Outcome, and Mortality in Patients with Primary Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Objective

The purpose of this study was to retrospectively review cases of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) medically treated at our institution to determine if the CT angiography (CTA) ''spot sign'' predicts in-hospital mortality and clinical outcome at 3 months in patients with spontaneous ICH.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of all consecutive patients who were admitted to the department of neurosurgery. Clinical data of patients with ICH were collected by 2 neurosurgeons blinded to the radiological data and at the 90-day follow-up.

Results

Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified predictors of poor outcome; we found that hematoma location, spot sign, and intraventricular hemorrhage were independent predictors of poor outcome. In-hospital mortality was 57.4% (35 of 61) in the CTA spot-sign positive group versus 7.9% (10 of 126) in the CTA spot-sign negative group. In multivariate logistic analysis, we found that presence of spot sign and presence of volume expansion were independent predictors for the in-hospital mortality of ICH.

Conclusion

The spot sign is a strong independent predictor of hematoma expansion, mortality, and poor clinical outcome in primary ICH. In this study, we emphasized the importance of hematoma expansion as a therapeutic target in both clinical practice and research.     

Reducing the risk of ICH enlargement

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) comprises 15% of all strokes, and carries the highest risk of mortality and poor long-term outcome. ICH has long been recognized as the least treatable form of stroke, and hematoma volume as the strongest single predictor of mortality and outcome. CT-based studies have found that early substantial hematoma expansion occurs in 18-38% of patients initially scanned within 3 h of symptom onset. This finding is associated with early neurological deterioration and an increased risk of poor outcome. Ultra-early hemostatic therapy might be beneficial in preventing hematoma growth, resulting in improved mortality and neurological function. Recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) promotes local hemostasis in the presence or absence of coagulopathy at sites of vascular injury, and is a promising treatment for arresting active bleeding in ICH. The safety and feasibility of this approach was confirmed in a phase IIb randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-ranging trial of 399 patients with non-coagulopathic ICH. Administration of rFVIIa within 4 h of ICH onset resulted in a significant reduction of hematoma expansion at 24 h, and reduced mortality and improved functional outcome at 90 days. A confirmatory phase III trial (The FAST Trial) to confirm these results will complete enrollment in the end of 2006.     

Recurrent cases of chronic subdural hematoma--its clinical review and serial CT findings]

Eighty-eight cases (114 hematomas) of chronic subdural hematoma (SDH) were treated surgically using irrigation with or without drainage. 13 cases (14.8%), 13 hematomas (11.4%) showed recurrence after the 1st operation. They were compared with non-recurrent cases using clinical reviews and serial CT findings. The result of the study showed that all of the patients in whom recurrence occurred were male and elderly (mean age 70.4 years). Many of these recurrences occurred in cases of bilateral SDH, on the left hematoma side, and at intervals within 7 days from the onset of clinical symptoms after the 1st operation. All recurrent cases were treated surgically using irrigation without drainage. In preoperative CT findings, it was shown that high density areas and small-sized hematomas were detected at a slightly higher rate in recurrent cases than in non recurrent cases. In postoperative CT findings, it was shown that many of the recurrent patients deteriorated during an interval from 2 weeks to 2 months. It was shown that non-recurrent patients had become almost normal by 3 months after the operation. Residual air volume into the subdural space within 7 days in recurrent cases was greater than in non-recurrent cases. Therefore, using irrigation with drainage, planning the operative timing, and reduction of residual air volume into subdural space are proposed as suitable means to avoid recurrence of SDH. Patients of SDH need postoperative follow-up during an interval up to 3 months.