Frameless stereotactic aspiration and thrombolysis of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage

Introduction: To test the feasibility and safety of a minimally invasive technique, we report our experience in treating spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) patients by using frameless stereotactic clot aspiration-thrombolysis and its effects on their 30-day survival. We compared the observed cohort mortality with its predicted 30-day ICH mortality, by using previously validated methods. Methods: Selection criteria were diagnosis of hypertensive ICH ≥35 cc, reduced level of consciousness, and no brainstem compression. Frameless stereotactic puncture/clot aspiration followed by intraclot external catheter placement was performed. Two milligrams of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) was administered q12 hours until ICH volume ≤10 cc, or the catheter fenestrations were no longer in continuity with the clot. Results: Fifteen patients were treated, mean age was 60.7 years. Hemorrhage locations included basal ganglia (13), thalamic (1), and lobar (1); mean systolic blood pressure; and admission ICH volumes were 229.3 mmHg and 59.1 cc, respectively. Median time from ictus to clot aspiration/thrombolysis was 1 (range 0–3) day. Mean hematoma volume was reduced to 17% of pretreatment size. Complications were ventriculitis (6.6%) and clot enlargement (13.3%). Two patients were dead at 30 days. Median Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores were 10.5 (4–15) at admission and 11.0 (3–15) at discharge. By using the most conservative estimate for analysis, probability of observing two or fewer deaths among 15 patients with an overall probability of dying calculated at 0.33 was p = 0.079. Conclusions: In this selected cohort of patients with ICH, stereotactic aspiration and thrombolytic washout seemed to be feasible and to have a trend towards improved 30-day survival, when using their predicted mortality data as “historical control.” Complications did not exceed expected incidence rates. Based on the experience presented here as well as previous similar reports, a larger, randomized study addressing dose escalation, patient selection, and best therapeutic window is needed.     

Frame-based and frameless stereotactic hematoma puncture and subsequent fibrinolytic therapy for the treatment of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage

Abstract Objectives Comparison of two minimally invasive procedures for the treatment of intracerebral hemorrhage and subsequent lysis with regard to technical implications and clinical outcome of the patients. Methods Retrospective analysis of 126 patients with spontaneous supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhage treated by frame-based (n=53) or frameless (n=75) hematoma aspiration and subsequent fibrinolysis with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA). Data were analysed for the whole group as well as for the two subsets of patients with regard to hematoma reduction, procedure-related complications, and the early and long term clinical outcome of the patients. Functional outcome was rated using the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) and Barthel-Index (median follow-up 178 weeks). The prognostic impact of patient related covariates on the GOS was analysed using logistic regression analysis. Results 49 out of 126 patients (38.9 %) died, 25 of them in the early postoperative period. Only 22/126 (17.5 %) had a favorable long term outcome (GOS >3). Age > 65 years was significantly (p<0.03, OR 3.6) associated with a higher risk for an unfavorable long term outcome (GOS 3). Treatment had no impact on outcome. Both techniques were highly effective in reducing the intracerebral blood volume by 75.8±21.4% of the initial hematoma volume in frame-based and 64.8±25.4 % in frameless stereotaxy within 2 days of rt-PA-therapy. Malpositioning of the catheter occurred more often in the frameless group (21.3% vs. 9.4 % in the frame-based procedure) without gaining statistical significance. Conclusions Frame-based and frameless stereotactic hematoma aspirations with subsequent fibrinolysis are effective in volume reduction of intracerebral hemorrhage with comparable clinical outcome. The frameless procedure is associated with a higher risk for malpositioning of the catheter. Despite effective hematoma reduction with both techniques, the percentage of patients with a good clinical outcome remained limited especially in the elder subpopulation.     

Stereotactic computed tomographic-guided aspiration and thrombolysis of intracerebral hematoma : protocol and preliminary experience

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: We review preliminary experience with patients harboring intracerebral hematoma (ICH) treated by stereotactic computed tomographic (CT) guided thrombolysis and aspiration and assess procedure feasibility and safety. METHODS: Twelve patients with supratentorial ICH >/=25 mL without suspected underlying structural etiology or coagulopathy and an initial Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of >/=5 were treated. A catheter was directed stereotactically or manually into the ICH through a burr hole under CT guidance. Hematoma aspiration was followed by instillation of urokinase (5 000 to 10 000 IU). This was repeated every 6 to 8 hours at bedside, with interval CT imaging, until the ICH volume diminished to <25 mL, less than half of its initial volume, or after a maximum of 10 aspirations/instillations. RESULTS: Mean age was 69 years (range 55 to 82 years). Median initial GCS was 12 (range 5 to 14). There were 7 ganglionic and 5 lobar ICH, and baseline hematoma size ranged 29 to 70 mL (mean 46 mL). Final ICH volume ranged from 14 to 51 mL (mean 21 mL), with ICH volume reduction by an average of 57% (range 38% to 70%). One patient (8. 3%) suffered hematoma expansion during the procedure. At 6 months after the procedure, 3 patients (25%) had achieved a good recovery (Glasgow Outcome Scale [GOS] score of 5), 5 patients (42%) were dependent (GOS 3), and 1 (8.3%) remained vegetative (GOS 2). Three patients (25%) died in hospital (1 from cardiac arrhythmia and 2 from respiratory failure). CONCLUSIONS: CT-guided thrombolysis and aspiration appears safe and effective in the reduction of ICH volume. Further studies are needed to assess optimal thrombolytic dosage and must include controlled comparisons of mortality, disability outcome, time until convalescence, and cost of care in treated and untreated patients.     

Initial experience with minimally invasive endoscopic evacuation of intracerebral hemorrhage in the setting of radiographic herniation

BackgroundSpontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) can rapidly result in cerebral herniation, leading to poor neurologic outcomes or mortality. To date, neither decompressive hemicraniectomy (DH) nor hematoma evacuation have been conclusively shown to improve outcomes for comatose ICH patients presenting with cerebral herniation, with these patients largely excluded from clinical trials. Here we present the outcomes of a series of patients presenting with ICH and radiographic herniation who underwent emergent minimally invasive (MIS) ICH evacuation.MethodsWe reviewed our prospectively collected registry of patients undergoing MIS ICH evacuation at a single institution from 01/01/2017 to 10/01/2021. We selected all consecutive patients with Glasgow coma scale (GCS) ≤ 8 and radiographic herniation for this case series. Clinical and radiographic variables were collected, including admission GCS score, preoperative and postoperative hematoma volumes, National Institute of Health stroke scale (NIHSS) scores, and modified Rankin scale (mRS) scores at last follow-up.ResultsOf 176 patients with spontaneous supratentorial ICH who underwent minimally invasive endoscopic evacuation during the study time period, a total of 9 patients presented with GCS ≤ 8 and evidence of radiographic herniation. Among these patients, the mean age was 62 ± 12 years, the median GCS at presentation was 5 [IQR 4-6], the mean preoperative hematoma volume was 94 ± 44 mL, the mean time from ictus to evacuation was 12 ± 5 h, and the mean postoperative hematoma volume was 11 ± 16 mL, for a median evacuation percentage of 97% [83-99]. Three patients (33%) died, four (44%) survived with mRS 5 and two (22%) with mRS 4. Patients had a median NIHSS improvement of 5 compared to their initial NIHSS. Age was very strongly correlate to improvements in NIHSS (r² = 0.90).ConclusionData from this initial experience suggest emergent MIS hematoma evacuation in the setting of ICH with radiographic herniation is feasible and technically effective. Further randomized studies are required to determine if such an intervention offers overall benefits to patients and their families.     

Stereotactic Aspiration-Thrombolysis of Intracerebral Hemorrhage and its Impact on Perihematoma Brain Edema

Background  Recent reports suggest that when thrombolytic agents are administered within the clot, lysis rate accelerates at the expense of increased risk of worsening edema. To test this hypothesis, we report on the volumetric analysis of (1) the intraparenchymal hematoma and, (2) perihematomal edema in a cohort of ICH patients treated with intraclot rtPA. Methods  A convenience sample of highly selected ICH patients underwent frameless stereotactic aspiration and thrombolysis (FAST) of the clot. Two milligrams of rtPA were administered every 12 h until ICH volume ≤10 cc, or catheter fenestrations were no longer in continuity with the clot. ICH and perihematomal edema volumes were calculated from CT scans. Using random effects linear regression we estimated the rate of hematoma and edema volume resolution as well as their relationship during the first 8 days of lytic therapy. Results  Fifteen patients were treated, mean age: 60.7 years, median time from ictus to FAST: 1 (range 0–3) day. Using a random effects model that considered volume resolution over the first 8 days following lytic therapy we found that the both percentage hematoma and percentage perihematoma edema resolution per day were quadratic with respect to time. Percentage residual hematoma volume on day K = 97.7% − [24.36%*K] + [1.89%*K ²]; P < 0.001 for both terms. Percentage residual edema on day K = 97.4% − [13.94%*K] + [1.30%*K ²]; P < 0.001 for K and P = 0.01 for K ². Examination of each patient’s volume data suggests that there exists a strong direct relationship between perihematoma edema volume and same day hematoma volume. Conclusions  In this cohort of ICH patients treated using FAST, volumetric analysis of ICH and perihematomal edema seems to suggest that local use of rtPA does not exacerbate brain edema formation. Furthermore, there seems to be a strong association between reduction in ICH volume and reduction in edema volume, as would be expected following the concept of “hemotoxicity” postulated by some investigators.     

Role of APACHE II scoring system in the prediction of severity and outcome of acute intracerebral hemorrhage

Purpose: Acute intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is prone to multiple organ dysfunction and has high disability and mortality. This study was to determine the role of acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II) scoring system in the prediction of severity and outcome of acute ICH. Methods: A total of 546 ICH patients were prospectively recruited between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2014. Patients were divided into three groups according to the APACHE II scores: low score group (5–16), moderate score group (17–28) and high score group (≥29). The ICH volume and location, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores, Glasgow Coma Score and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores were used to assess the severity of acute ICH. Global outcome at three months was evaluated with the mRS. Results: Of 479 patients, the average age was 56.4 ± 3.4 years, 287 (59.9%) survived and 192 (40.1%) died. Results showed that the higher the APACHE II score, the higher the mortality was; the average hospital stay, ICH volume, NIHSS scores, mRS scores and survival rate were significantly different among three APACHE II groups (p < 0.05). APACHE II scores were able to predict the mortality and correlated positively with actual mortality (r = 0.84, p < 0.01). Conclusions: APACHE II scoring system can be used to predict the severity and outcome of acute ICH.     

CAS-R-2无框架与Leksell框架立体定向仪辅助钻孔引流术治疗高血压性脑出血的对比分析

目的比较CAS-R-2无框架脑立体定向仪与Leksell框架立体定向仪辅助钻孔引流术治疗高血压性脑出血(血肿量20~40 mL)患者的简易性、疗效、安全性、社会经济负担和预后的不同。方法选择聊城市人民医院脑科医院神经外科自2012年12月至2019年12月收治的120例幕上高血压性脑出血患者,其中应用CAS-R-2无框架脑立体定向仪辅助钻孔引流术治疗65例(无框架组),应用Leksell框架立体定向仪辅助钻孔引流术治疗55例(有框架组)。回顾性分析患者的临床资料,比较2组患者的手术时间、术后7 d的血肿排空率、住院期间再出血和颅内感染发生率、住院时间和住院费用、术后6个月改良Rankin量表(mRS)评分的差异。结果无框架组患者的手术时间[(0.5±0.1)h vs.(2.2±0.5)h]、住院期间再出血率(0.0%vs.9.1%)和颅内感染发生率(1.5%vs.9.1%)均低于有框架组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。有框架组患者的住院费用低于无框架组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。2组患者术后7 d的血肿排空率、住院时间、治疗后6个月死亡率及mRS评分的差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论CAS-R-2无框架脑立体定向仪与Leksell框架立体定向仪辅助钻孔引流术治疗高血压性脑出血的疗效和预后相同,但前者操作简易性和安全性高,后者的费用低。     

Radiopacity of intracerebral hemorrhage correlates with perihemorrhagic edema

Background: Experimental evidence indicates that iron plays a key role in edema formation after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). We investigated the relationship between ICH radiopacity on CT as a marker of hematoma iron content and perihemorrhagic edema (PHE) after ICH. Methods: We retrospectively investigated patients with spontaneous lobar and ganglionic supratentorial ICH who received follow‐up CT scans during the first 7 days after symptom onset (d1, d2–4, d5–7). Measurements of ICH and edema volumes were taken using a semiautomatic threshold‐based volumetric algorithm. Radiopacity of the blood clot was determined using the mean Hounsfield unit (HU) count of the ICH. Results: A total of 117 patients aged 71.92 ± 11.55 years with spontaneous ICH (34.63 ± 32.44 ml) were included in the analysis. Mean ICH radiopacity was 59.7 ± 3.4 HU. We found significantly larger relative PHE at d2–4 (1.7 ± 0.9 vs. 1.3 ± 0.8; P = 0.032) and d5–7 (2.0 ± 1.3 vs. 1.3 ± 0.9; P = 0.007) and larger peak relative PHE (2.3 ± 1.6 vs. 1.6 ± 1.1; P = 0.006) in patients with ICH radiopacity >60 HU (n = 59), as compared to patients with ICH radiopacity <60 HU (n = 58). Conclusions: Higher ICH radiopacity, reflecting higher in vivo hematoma iron content, is associated with more PHE after ICH.     

Clinical application of 3DSlicer and Sina in minimally invasive puncture drainage of elderly patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage under local anesthesia

BackgroundDecreased organ function and poor physical compensatory capacity in elderly patients diagnosed with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) can make surgical treatment procedures challenging and risky. Minimally invasive puncture drainage (MIPD) combined with urokinase infusion therapy is a safe and feasible method of treating ICH. This study aimed to compare the treatment efficacy of MIPD conducted under local anesthesia using either 3DSlicer + Sina application or computer tomography (CT)–guided stereotactic localization of hematomas in elderly patients diagnosed with ICH.MethodsThe study sample included 78 elderly patients (≥ 65 years of age) diagnosed with ICH for the first time. All patients exhibited stable vital signs and underwent surgical treatment. The study sample was randomly divided into two groups, either receiving 3DSlicer+Sina or CT-guided stereotactic assistance. The preoperative preparation time; hematoma localization accuracy rate; satisfactory hematoma puncture rate; hematoma clearance rate; postoperative rebleeding rate; Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score after 7 days; and modified Rankin scale (mRS) score 6 months after surgery were compared between the two groups.ResultsNo significant differences in gender, age, preoperative GCS score, preoperative hematoma volume (HV), and surgical duration were observed between the two groups (all p-values > 0.05). However, the preoperative preparation time was shorter in the group receiving 3DSlicer + Sina assistance compared to that receiving CT-guided stereotactic assistance (p-value < 0.001). Both groups exhibited significant improvement in GCS scores and reduction in HV after surgery (all p-values < 0.001). The accuracy of hematoma localization and puncture was 100% in both groups. There were no significant differences in surgical duration, postoperative hematoma clearance rate, rebleeding rate, postoperative GCS and mRS scores between the two groups (all p-values > 0.05).ConclusionsA combination of 3DSlicer and Sina is effective in accurately identifying hematomas in elderly patients with ICH exhibiting stable vital signs, thus simplifying MIPD surgeries conducted under local anesthesia. This procedure may also be preferred over CT-guided stereotactic localization in clinical practice due to its ease of use and accuracy in hematoma localization.     

Blood pressure surge precedes intracerebral hemorrhage

Introduction: Most patients with acute intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) have very high blood pressure (BP) on presentation, but it is unclear whether such pressure elevation is the cause or a consequence of the ICH. This controversy could be clarified by determining the exact temporal relationship between the BP elevation and the onset of the ICH. Several case reports have attributed ICH to specific situations in which the BP was inferred to be high. Unfortunately, those cases lacked continuous monitoring of BP and neurological exam. Methods: Single case observation in a University-based tertiary medical center. Results: A neurologically intact 64-year-old woman whose BP and neurological status were monitored during admission to a medical intensive care unit. The patient suddenly developed a decreased level of consciousness and a right hemispheric syndrome 3.5 hours after demonstrating systolic BP values in the range 200 mmHg. An unenhanced computed tomography scan of the brain demonstrated a right ICH. Conclusion: In this monitored case, the BP surge clearly preceded the onset of neurological symptoms by 3.5 hours, supporting the view that the acute BP elevation was the cause of ICH. An erratum to this article is available at .     

Force and aspiration on catheters utilized in the ADAPT technique in acute ischemic stroke: A bench top analysis

IntroductionGiven the high morbidity and mortality of stroke, there remains a demand for techniques that provide rapid and safe intervention while improving time to recanalization. The direct aspiration first pass technique (ADAPT) uses force and aspiration for clot removal without the aid of separators or retrievers. In this study, we compare the force and aspiration qualities of commercially available catheters.MethodsFour different catheters with varying inner diameters were set up in a bench top model to test catheter tip pressure and flow rate. Catheter tip pressure was measured by attaching the catheter to a vacuum pressure gauge and an aspiration pump. The flow rate was calculated by measuring the volume of room temperature water aspirated through each catheter over a given time.ResultsThe Microvention Sofia catheter generated the greatest tip force (21.32 g), and the Stryker AXS Catalyst 6 catheter generated the smallest tip force (15.88 g). The Penumbra ACE 068 catheter and Medtronic ARC catheter measured 20.87 g and 16.78 g respectively. The ACE 068 had highest rate of aspiration at 289 mL/min, and the Catalyst 6 catheter had the lowest rate at 214. The Microvention Sofia catheter had the second highest rate while the ARC had the third highest rate, measuring 285 mL/min and 256 mL/min, respectively.ConclusionsWhen using the ADAPT technique, knowledge of the tip force and catheter flow rate of newer catheters with larger distal inner diameters may guide selection of aspiration catheters. While this study demonstrates differences in tip force and flow rate of different commercially available catheters, clinical translation will require further testing and evaluation.     

立体定向联合尿激酶治疗脑出血的疗效分析

目的对比立体定向联合尿激酶治疗与单纯药物治疗后脑出血后患者血肿周围水肿(Perihematomal edema,PHE)程度及近期疗效。方法回顾性分析2015年1月至2019年6月湖南师范大学附属张家界医院行立体定向联合尿激酶治疗或单纯药物治疗的96名患者的临床病例资料。采用倾向性评分匹配法以1∶1的比例对患者进行匹配,匹配变量包括年龄、性别、是否破入脑室、ICH评分、GCS评分、基线血肿体积、基线血糖、基线收缩压及基线舒张压。最终将完成立体定向微创引流术联合尿激酶治疗(立体定向组)与单纯药物治疗(药物治疗组)的各28例患者纳入本研究。结果两组均无治疗期间死亡病例。水肿延伸距离(Edema extension distance,EED)、血肿体积、血肿及水肿总体积随时间变化显著,差异有统计学意义(P 0. 05),血肿体积及总体积的组别与测量时间的交互作用显著,差异有统计学意义(P 0. 05),两组EED在入院时,治疗后第1天,治疗后第3天相似(P 0. 05),治疗后第3天立体定向组EED大于药物治疗组,但差异无统计学意义。立体定向组血肿体积在治疗后第1天,治疗后第3天及治疗后第7天显著少于药物治疗组(P 0. 01),且立体定向组总体积在第1天及第3天也小于药物治疗组(P 0. 01),差异有统计学意义。两组治疗后1月(Activities of daily living) ADL评分与1月m RS评分相似(P 0. 05),差异无统计学意义。结论立体定向微创引流术联合尿激酶治疗与单纯药物治疗相比虽能明显减轻占位效应,但可能不能改善PHE及近期功能预后。     

Molecular signatures of brain injury after intracerebral hemorrhage

BACKGROUND: The mechanisms of cellular death in the tissue surrounding an intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) are not defined. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship of markers of excitotoxicity and inflammation to brain injury after ICH. METHODS: A total of 124 consecutive patients with spontaneous ICH admitted within 24 hours of stroke onset were prospectively investigated. The volumes of the initial ICH, peripheral edema on days 3 to 4, and the residual cavity at 3 months were measured on CT scan. Glutamate, cytokines, and adhesion molecules were measured in blood samples obtained on admission. Stroke severity and neurologic outcome were evaluated with the Canadian Stroke Scale. RESULTS: Poor neurologic outcome at 3 months (Canadian Stroke Scale < 7) was observed in 53 patients (43%). Stroke severity and glutamate concentrations (by each increment of 10 micromol/L, odds ratio 1.23; 95% CI 1.09 to 1.41), but not the initial volume of ICH, were independent predictors of poor outcome. In the multiple linear regression analyses, tumor necrosis factor-alpha concentration was correlated (r = 0.83, p < 0.0001) with the volume of perihematoma edema, and glutamate concentrations were correlated (r = 0.78, p < 0.0001) with the volume of the residual cavity. These same results were observed when lobar (n = 58) and deep (n = 66) ICH were analyzed separately. CONCLUSIONS: High plasma levels of proinflammatory molecules within 24 hours of intracerebral hemorrhage onset are correlated with the magnitude of the subsequent perihematoma brain edema, whereas poor neurologic outcome and the volume of the residual cavity are related to increased plasma glutamate concentrations.     

CT引导立体定向抽吸术治疗自发性基底节区出血临床研究

目的分析CT引导立体定向血肿抽吸术与内科保守治疗基底节区中等量出血的疗效。方法回顾性分析2014-01—2015-11我院收治的自发性基底节区出血(出血量20~50 mL)患者58例,分为立体定向手术组(32例)和内科治疗组(26例),采用美国国立卫生研究院卒中量表(NIHSS)评定2组治疗前及治疗后14、30d的神经功能缺损程度,并随访评估2组治疗后90d扩展格拉斯哥预后评分(GOS-E)。结果立体定向手术组血肿完全清除24例(75%),次全清除8例(25%)。手术组患者治疗后14dNIHSS评分低于内科组,但差异无统计学意义(P0.05);手术组患者治疗后30dNIHSS评分低于内科组(P0.05),且治疗后90dGOS-E评分高于内科组(P0.05),2组发病后30d内病死率比较差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论 CT引导立体定向抽吸术可较快清除幕上20~50mL的脑内血肿,手术安全有效且损伤小,远期疗效优于内科保守治疗。     

Fibrinolysis and aspiration of experimental intracerebral hematoma reduces the volume of ischemic brain in rats

Abstract

The hypothesis was tested in rats that brain ischemia by an intracerebral hematoma can be ameliorated by fibrinolysis and aspiration of the hematoma. Intraparenchymal blood clots were generated by the injection of 50μI of autologous blood into the right caudate nucleus in two portions seven minutes apart. Thirty or 120 min later 12 fil recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) or 0.9% NaCI were injected and after 30 min the resolved hematoma was aspirated. Six hours later cerebral blood flow (CBF) was determined by 14C-iodoantipyrine autoradiography. Tissue volumes of CBF < 10 ml 1 00 g^–1 min-1 and CBF < 30 ml g"1 min’1 were determined. Clot and lesion volume were quantified histologically from serial sections stained for succinate-dehydrogenase (SDH) activity. In rtPA-treated rats the major part of the hematoma could be evacuated 30 min as well as 120 min after production of the clot. The volume of ischemic brain (CBF < 10) was significantly reduced fp<0.05) in the rtPA group compared to saline- treated and control groups irrespective of the time of treatment. In contrast, no difference was found between the control group and the experimental groups when the volumes of brain tissue surrounding the lesion were compared which had values of CBF<30 ml lOOgmin^–1. In a rat model of intracerebral hemorrhage, treatment by local fibrinolysis followed by aspiration of the hematoma is effective in reducing the volume of ischemic brain tissue and of the remaining clot volume. [Neurol Res 1999; 21: 517–523]     

Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage in northeast Malaysian patients: a four-year study

The aim of this study was to compare nonsurgical versus stereotactic aspiration of intracerebral hematomas in relation to clinical aspects, computed tomographic imaging features of the brain, laboratory parameters and specific risk factors that may influence the outcome in southeast Asian Malay patients. Fifty-five of the patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) underwent stereotactic aspiration and 57 did not. Analysis was done on risk factors, locations and treatments of ICH, and the final outcomes measured by the Glasgow Outcome Scale. A total of 112 patients were evaluated. Mean age was 52 years with ages ranging from 12 to 80 years. Hypertension was seen in 60.7% of patients with ICH. The mortality rate was 25% by 3 months. 58.9% had a poor final outcome, while 41.1% had a good outcome. The selected variables were incorporated into models generated by multiple logistic regression method analysis to define the significant predictors of outcome. Significant predictors of outcome were the Glasgow Coma Scale score on admission, the duration of surgery and the total volume of the hematoma. Significant predictors of mortality were high total white blood cell differential count, low plasma protein, and high plasma lactate dehydrogenase and brain edema. The study suggests that stereotactic aspiration of patients with ICH does not offer any definite advantage over conservative treatment.     

立体定向抽吸引流术对脑出血患者的血流动力学的影响

目的　观察脑出血患者行微创血肿抽吸引流术前后TCD参数的变化 ,试图评价该手术对脑灌注的影响。方法　动态监测 6 0例发病 12小时内入院的脑出血患者的血压 ,并于入院时和入院后第 1、3、7、14天行TCD监测 ,其中 4 0例入院 2 4小时内接受血肿抽吸引流术 (手术组 ) ,2 0例行内科常规治疗 (对照组 )。结果　两组患者治疗过程中血压逐渐下降 ,手术组血压下降幅度较对照组大 ,第 14天收缩压差异显著 (P <0 0 1)。双侧大脑中动脉 (MCA)流速呈先降后升 ,双侧脉动指数 (PI)值呈先升后降。手术组第 7天MCA流速即开始升高 ,PI值降低 ,且在第 14天两组间差异显著 (P <0 0 5 ) ;对照组MCA流速于 1周内呈下降改变 ,而第2周开始升高 ,PI值改变与之相反。手术组平均住院日较对照组短 (P <0 0 1)。结论　微创血肿引流术可显著性改善脑出血患者的脑灌注     

Decompressive craniectomy with clot evacuation in large hemispheric hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage

Introduction: Decompressive hemicraniectomy in large hemispheric infarctions has been reported to lower mortality and improve the unfavorable outcomes. Hematoma volume is a powerful predictor of 30-day mortality in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Hematoma volume adds to intracranial volume and may lead to life-threatening elevation of intracranial pressure. Methods: Records of 12 consecutive patients with hypertensive ICH treated with decompressive hemicraniectomy were reviewed. The data collected included Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score at admission and before surgery, ICH volume, ICH score, and a clinical grading scale for ICH that accurately risk-stratifies patients regarding 30-day mortality. Outcome was assessed as immediate mortality and modified Rankin Score (mRS) at the last follow-up. Results: Of the 12 patients with decompressive hemicraniectomy, 11 (92%) survived to discharge; of those 11, 6 (54.5%) had good functional outcome, defined as a mRS of 0 to 3 (mean follow-up: 17.13 months; range: 2–39 months). The mean age was 49.8 years (range: 19–76 years). Three of the 7 patients with pupillary abnormalities made a good recovery; of the 11 patients with intraventricular extensions (IVEs), 7 made a good recovery. The clinical finding (which was present in all 3 patients with mRS equal to 5 and which was not present in patients with mRS less than 5) was abnormal occulocephalic reflex. Of the 10 patients with an ICH score of 3,9 (90%) survived to discharge, 4 (44%) had good functional outcome (mRS: 1–3). Hematoma volume was 60 cm³ or greater in eight patients, four (50%) of whom had good functional outcome (mRS: 0–3). Conclusion: Decompressive hemicraniectomy with hematoma evacuation is life-saving and improves unfavorable outcomes in a select group of young patients with large right hemispherical ICH.     

Prior use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors does not affect outcome in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage

Abstract

Background and objectives: Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) exert protective effects in patients with stroke but their effects remain unknown in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH).

Methods: We recruited consecutive patients with acute ICH and analysed pre-admission demographic variables and drug therapy as well as clinical and radiological parameters. Functional and neurological outcomes were determined with the modified Rankin score (mRS) and the NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score administered 90 days after ICH.

Results: Three hundred and ninety-nine patients were included over 6 years with a mortality rate of 47.3%. Before ICH, 130 patients (32.6%) used ACEI. ACEI-treated patients more often had vascular co-morbidities and were more frequently treated with anti-platelets. Admission NIHSS scores were significantly higher in ACEI-treated patients but 90 days NIHSS scores were not. Improvement from baseline NIHSS scores was significantly larger in ACEI-treated patients. Pre-ICH use of ACEI was not associated with lower mortality or better functional outcome on univariate analysis. On multivariable logistic regression analysis, controlling for possible confounding variables, ACEI use was not associated with increased chances for good outcome and failed to show an influence on mortality.

Discussion: In conclusion, our study does not support a possible neuroprotective effect for ACEI use prior to the occurrence of ICH.     

Endoscopy-guided removal of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage: comparison with computer tomography-guided stereotactic evacuation

Background and purpose Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) continues to be a major medical and socioeconomic problem. While the surgical procedure failed to show benefits over functional outcome, a less invasive and quicker surgical decompression might improve the outcome. The authors introduced endoscopy-guided evacuation in managing ICH and reports the benefits over the conventional method. Materials and methods Twenty-seven cases underwent endoscopic evacuation of ICH (Group E). The clinical features and outcomes were compared to the retrospective data of 20 cases who underwent computer tomography (CT)-guided stereotactic removal of ICH (Group C). Confidence level less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results While the clinical features of the two groups were not significantly different except for the ICH volume, outcomes were better in all aspects in Group E. The patients in Group E required shorter operative time (72 min vs 102 min, p < 0.01) with better hematoma evacuation (95.5% vs 75%, p < 0.01), shorter stay in the intensive care unit (ICU; 4.2 days vs 6.9 days, p < 0.01) and less frequent CT scanning (6.4 times vs 8.6 times, p < 0.01) compared to the patients in Group C. Neurological outcome improved significantly in Group E 1 week after surgery (p < 0.01), but not in Group C. Glasgow outcome scale at 6 months were better in Group E than in Group C (p < 0.05). Nine patients (33%) showed good recovery at 6 months postoperatively after endoscopic evacuation of ICH. Conclusion Endoscopic hematoma evacuation provided the quick, adequate decompression of ICH. The outcomes were better than the CT-guided hematoma removal. Further study is necessary to evaluate the real benefit of this surgical procedure over the functional outcome of ICH. Presented at the Third World Conference of the International Study Group on Neuroendoscopy (ISGNE), Marburg, Germany, 15–18 June 2005.