Cerebral blood flow in patients with putaminal hemorrhage. Using 133Xe inhalation method

Abstract

A total of 116 measurements of regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) were performed on 44 patients with putaminal hemorrhage using the 133Xe inhalation method. An initial slope index (ISI), which has advantages in many clinical applications due to its greater stability, particularly in various abnormal cases, was calculated from an early part of the recirculation-corrected 133Xe clearance curves. Recently, serial 133Xe studies have been possible without exposing patients to risk, and we hoped to use this method to determine those patho-physiological conditions indicative of the prognosis of cerebral functions. The results were as follows: (1) A marked decrease of the flow in both hemispheres was found and the degree of flow decrease was well correlated with the volume of hematoma which was estimated using preoperative CT scan. (2) The generalized decrease of flow found in both hemispheres was more marked in the ipsilateral hemisphere without exception. (3) A continuing decrease in the flow in both hemispheres was found in patients with ventricular dilatations or prominent mass effects. A similar tendency was observed even in patients with concave deformity of the skin flap following decompressive craniectomy. (4) In patients who had good activity or volition for rehabilitation, the values of the flow were less depressed or showed a tendency to increase.