Acute Spontaneous Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Research Articles

Evaluation of cholinergic enzymes and selected biochemical parameters in the serum of patients with a diagnosis of acute subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is the most severe form of hemorrhagic stroke and accounts for 5-7% of all strokes. Several chemical enzymes and cytokines are thought to cause reactions that may affect the mortality and morbidity of SAH patients. This study aimed to examine the possible relationships between these parameters and the occurrence of SAH and the clinical-radiological parameters in patients with acute SAH. This study evaluated 44 patients, including 20 with SAH and 24 controls. We obtained blood from the patients and control groups, which was stored in heparinized tubes and used in determining tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), caspase-3, and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) enzymes. TNF-α, BDNF, AChE, and BChE enzyme levels were not related to the Glasgow Coma scale (GCS) score in the patient group (p > 0.05), whereas higher enzyme levels of caspase-3 were associated with lower GCS scores (p < 0.05). The difference between the control and patient groups in terms of mean TNF-α levels was statistically significant (p < 0.01). The BDNF levels were statistically insignificant in the patient groups (p > 0.05). Caspase-3, AChE, and BChE levels were significantly different between the control and patient groups (p < 0.01). Our results may be valuable for predicting the prognosis, diagnosis, and follow-up of patients with SAH. However, further studies are required to elucidate the relationship between the clinical and radiological results in patients with SAH and certain enzymes, cytokines, and growth factors.

METEOROLOGICAL VARIABLES ASSOCIATED WITH SUBARACHNOID HEMORRHAGE: A SINGLE CENTER STUDY.

Spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) can occur unexpectedly and independently of the classic risk factors. Several different factors could affect intracranial aneurysm (IA) rupture, such as morphological and hemodynamic factors. The aim of this study was to establish the potential association of meteorological data such as temperature, atmospheric pressure, and humidity, and the onset of clinical symptoms preceding hospital admission of patients with acute SAH due to IA rupture. This retrospective study included 130 consecutive patients admitted for non-traumatic SAH with a determinable onset of SAH symptoms. The effects of meteorological parameters of atmospheric pressure, ambient temperature, and relative air humidity on the day of acute SAH onset and 24 hours prior to the onset of symptoms were recorded and analyzed in each patient. Spearman rank correlation analysis was used to assess the risks of incident SAH on the basis of daily meteorological data. Seasonal incidence of acute SAH showed the peak incidence in winter and a trough in summer, with monthly incidence peak in January and December. The circadian rhythm analysis showed the peak incidence of SAH in the forenoon, followed by the evening. Acute SAH incidence showed moderate positive association with daily atmospheric pressure (p<0.05), while no association was found with ambient temperature and relative air humidity. Our results suggested no significant association of changes in ambient temperature and relative humidity with the risk of SAH. Increases in atmospheric pressure were weakly associated with a higher SAH risk. Additional studies are needed to establish in detail both meteorological and morphological factors important to predict IA rupture and SAH.

Standalone Flow Diversion Therapy Effectively Controls Rebleeding of Acutely Ruptured Internal Carotid Artery Trunk (Nonbranching) Microaneurysms.

Flow diversion is a promising option in selected patients with acutely ruptured microaneurysms. In this article, we reviewed our experience. Patients with acute spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) after rupture of a blister-like or saccular microaneurysm (≤2 mm maximal diameter) at a nonbranching ICA site treated from January 2016 to June 2019 using flow diversion as standalone therapy were included in this study. An EVD was usually placed preventively. Antiplatelet effects of pre-procedure DAPT were evaluated (target PRU, 80–160). After the intervention, DAPT was continued for ≥6 months, aspirin—indefinitely. Angiographic controls were obtained. Fifteen patients (12 female; mean age, 46.4 years) with 15 ruptured ICA microaneurysms (mean diameter, 1.8 mm) were included. An EVD was placed in 12 patients (75%) before DAPT administration and stenting. PRU values immediately before FDS were 1–134 (mean, 72.1). One patient died 27 days after flow diversion due to a suspected fulminant pulmonary embolism. Aneurysms were completely occluded at the 6–12-month angiographic follow-up in 14/14 surviving patients, with no rebleeding at a mean of 14 months. Late mRS was 0–2 in 13/14 patients and 3 in one due to sequelae of the original hemorrhage. Flow diversion provided robust aneurysm rebleeding control. Angiographic follow-up confirmed complete aneurysm occlusion in all the cases.

Impact of Phosphatemia Variability in Neurological Outcomes in Patients With Spontaneous Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

Introduction: Electrolyte disturbances, such as dysnatremia, hypokalemia, and hypomagnesemia, are frequently observed during acute spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (sSAH). However, there are limited data concerning hypophosphatemia.Objective: To analyze the frequency of phosphate (Pi) disturbances in sSAH patients and assess their influence on neurological outcomes compared with that in patients without sSAH.Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of patients with sSAH admitted to a neurocritical care unit in two years. We also included nonneurocritical patients admitted to a general intensive care unit (ICU). Serum Pi levels and daily Pi repletion data were collected during the first 10 days after admission. The primary endpoint was neurologic outcome using the Glasgow Outcome Scale at six months (GOS-6M) and the Glasgow Coma Scale at ICU discharge (GCS-ICUd). The effect of phosphatemia variability on mortality and ICU length of stay (ICU-LOS) was also analyzed.Results: Patients with sSAH had lower mean Pi level and median Pi dose repletion than that of nonneurocritical patients (3.1 ± 0.4 vs. 3.9 ± 1.3, p < 0.001). In the sSAH group, patients with hypophosphatemia had lower GCS-ICUd (12 ± 3.3 vs. 14 ± 2.4). Also, GOS-6M was lower in patients with hypophosphatemia but was not statistically significant (p = 0.09). By contrast, a higher mean Pi level in nonneurocritical patients was significantly associated with higher ICU mortality (4.8 ± 1.6 mg/dL vs. 3.6 ± 1.0 mg/dL, p = 0.003) and higher ICU-LOS (r = 0.231, p = 0.028). In the sSAH group, we found the opposite. In a multivariate analysis of the sSAH group, the increase in the Pi level was associated with higher GCS-ICUd (unstandardized coefficient in multiple linear regression [B] 1.79; 95% CI 0.43-3.15). The opposite was found in nonneurocritical patients. A Pi concentration higher than 2.5 mg/dL was associated with a better GCS-ICUd. We also found that creatinine, urea, chloride, need for Pi substitution, therapy intensity level, and pH were independent predictors of the mean Pi level during ICU stay in the sSAH group.Conclusions: Patients with sSAH had lower mean Pi levels and required significantly higher daily Pi replacement compared with those of nonneurocritical patients. Since hypophosphatemia may be associated with poor neurological outcomes, patients with sSAH need cautious phosphate repletion.

Usefulness of TNFR1 as biomarker of intracranial aneurysm in patients with spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Aim:To determine the utility of TNF-α receptor (TNFR1) as a biomarker for the presence of aneurysms in patients with acute subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).Patient & methods:This is a prospective study in patients with acute spontaneous SAH. Arterial blood from catheter near aneurysm and peripheral venous blood samples are collected. TNFR1 levels were analyzed in patients with and without aneurysm.Results:80 patients were included, 58 were analyzed. 41 patients (70.7%) had an aneurysm. Venous TNFR1 levels >1658 pg/ml had 46.3% sensitivity and 94.1% specificity for aneurysms presence. TNFR1 >1658 pg/ml was also an independent predictor for its presence (odds ratio = 12.03 [1.13–128.16]; p = 0.039).Conclusion:High levels of TNFR1 in peripheral venous blood are associated with the presence of aneurysm in patients with acute SAH.

Association between blood pressure variability and the short-term outcome in patients with acute spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage.

The association between the fluctuation in blood pressure (BP) and the early outcomes of patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) remains unclear. Our study aimed to evaluate the value of blood pressure variability (BPV) for predicting the short-term outcomes of patients with acute spontaneous SAH. We collected data from 303 patients hospitalized for acute spontaneous SAH. BP values were recorded at admission and subsequently every 2 h during the initial 24 h of hospitalization. BPV was determined as the standard deviation (SD), the difference between the maximum and the minimum (ΔBP), the coefficient of variation (CV), and successive variation (SV). The outcome at discharge was assessed according to the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS). The association between BPV and the outcome was identified by multivariable analysis. The findings showed that the parameters of systolic BPV were independently associated with the outcome in a graded fashion. The odds ratios (OR) for the highest tertiles were as follows: SD 13.9 (95% confidence interval [CI], 4.8-40.4), ΔBP 4.4 (95% CI, 1.6-11.9), CV 16.4 (95% CI, 5.6-48.8), SV 15.8 (95% CI, 5.3-46.9). However, there was no association between a poor outcome and diastolic BPV (all p > 0.05). In conclusion, systolic BPV within the first 24 h after admission was independently associated with the outcomes in SAH patients; the greater the variability was, the worse the outcome.

Computed tomography perfusion as a predictor of delayed cerebral ischemia and functional outcome in spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage: A single center experience.

Computed tomography (CT) perfusion has been studied as a tool to predict delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) and clinical outcome in spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The purpose of the study was to determine whether quantitative CT perfusion performed within 72 hours after admission can predict the occurrence of DCI and clinical outcome as measured with a modified Rankin scale (mRS) at 3 months after ictus. Cerebral perfusion was assessed in a prospective cohort of patients with acute SAH. CT perfusion parameters at <72 h post SAH were quantitatively measured in the main vascular territories and represented as whole-brain means. Spearman rank correlation coefficient and generalized additive regression models for binary outcome were used. A total of 66 patients underwent CT perfusion at <72 h. Poor clinical grade on admission was correlated with worse cerebral perfusion in all parameters. Multivariable analysis yielded an association of time to peak (TTP; odds ratio (OR) = 0.89; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.77, 1.02; p = 0.083) with the occurrence of DCI. We also found an association of TTP values with poor outcome, with an 8% increase in the odds of mRS > 3 for each one second increase in TTP at admission (OR = 1.08; 95% CI: 1.00, 1.17; p = 0.061). We identified an association of early TTP changes with DCI and poor clinical outcome. However, there were no associations with cerebral blood flow or mean transit time and DCI/clinical outcome. CT perfusion still remains to be validated as a tool in predicting outcome in SAH.

Ischemic Lesions in Acute and Subacute Perimesencephalic Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

Perimesencephalic hemorrhage (PMH) is a subtype of nonaneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). In patients with aneurysmal SAH, the occurrence of acute ischemic lesions is associated with severity and poor outcome. We investigated the frequency of ischemic lesions on DWI in patients with PMH and compared it with the frequency of ischemic lesions in patients with aneurysmal SAH. From a prospective cohort of 80 patients with acute spontaneous SAH, we included 15 patients with PMH and 39 patients with aneurysmal SAH who were matched on the basis of their clinical condition (World Federation of Neurological Societies grade 1 or 2). MRI was performed less than 72 hours after SAH, 8-10 days after SAH, or at both points in time. The number and distribution of lesions previously seen on DWI that were also seen on a second MRI examination were assessed. Nonparametric tests were used to compare groups. Early acute ischemic lesions (those identified < 72 hours after SAH) were found in 46.2% of patients with PMH and in 62.9% of patients with aneurysmal SAH. No significant differences in the number of acute ischemic lesions between groups were noted less than 72 hours after SAH (median, 0.5 lesion [interquartile range {IQR}, two lesions] in patients with PMH vs one lesion [IQR, three lesions] in patients with aneurysmal SAH [p = 0.48] or 8-10 days after SAH (median, 0.5 lesion [IQR, four lesions] in patients with PMH vs 1.5 lesions [IQR, three lesions] in patients with aneurysmal SAH [p = 0.26]). However, 58.3% of patients with aneurysmal SAH had new infarcts at 8-10 days, compared with 7.1% of patients with PMH. Patients with PMH had diffuse ischemic lesions, whereas patients with aneurysmal SAH in the anterior circulation had mainly supratentorial lesions. Early ischemic lesions appeared on DWI both in patients with PMH and in patients with aneurysmal SAH. The number of lesions increased during the time window for vasospasm, mainly in patients with aneurysmal SAH. Further studies are required to better understand the pathophysiologic mechanisms behind early ischemia in patients with PMH and their impact on prognosis.

Imaging predictors of outcome in acute spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage: a review of the literature.

Spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) accounts for about 5% of strokes, but has a very high morbidity and mortality. Many survivors are left with important cognitive impairment and are severely incapacitated. Prediction of complications such as vasospasm and delayed cerebral ischemia, and of clinical outcome after SAH, is challenging. Imaging studies are essential in the initial evaluation of SAH patients and are increasingly relevant in assessing for complications and prognosis. In this article, we reviewed the role of imaging studies in evaluating early brain injury and predicting complications as well as clinical and neuropsychological prognosis after acute SAH.

Application value of D-dimer detection in patients with acute spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage

Objective To investigate the value of serum D-dimer in evaluating the severity and the prognosis of patients with acute spontaneous subrachnoid hemorrhage. Methods The clinical data of 157 patients with acute spontaneous subrachnoid hemorrhage were collected, and the level of D-dimer in elbow vein serum were measured. The severity of the disease was judged by Hunt-Hess classification, and the patients, brain CT scans were scored according to the modified Fisher scale. The patients were followed up for 3 months. Based on the modified RANKIN scale (mRS scale), patients were divided into unfavorable prognosis group (3≤mRS≤5) and good prognosis control group (1≤mRS≤2). Results In the 157 cases of spontaneous subrachnoid hemorrhage patients, there were 45 cases in the unfavorable prognosis group and 112 cases in the good prognosis control group. The level of D-dimer in the unfavorable prognosis group was significantly higher than the level of control group and there were significant differences between them (P<0.01). By the Spearman correlation analysis, the level of D-dimer was positively correlated with Hunt-Hess score (r=0.831, P<0.01), and it was also positively correlated with unfavourable prognosis mRS scale (r=0.834, P<0.01). Furthermore, regression analysis showed that high level of D-dimer was an independent risk factor for the poor prognosis of patients (OR=1.011, 95% CI: 1.007-1.016, P<0.01). Through the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis of the D-dimer in patients with poor prognosis, the area under ROC curve was 0.964 (95% CI: 0.93-0.98, P<0.01), sensitivity and specificity were 88.9% and 99.1%, respectively. The cut-off point of D-dimer content was 739 μg/L. Conclusions The level of D-di-mer in patients with acute spontaneous subrachnoid hemorrhage was closely related to the severity of the diseases, and high level of D-dimer was an independent risk factor for the prognosis of patients. Key words: Fibrin fibrinogen degradation products/ME; Subarachnoid hemorrhage/ME/TH; Prognosis

Mean hemoglobin concentration after acute subarachnoid hemorrhage and the relation to outcome, mortality, vasospasm, and brain infarction

Lower mean hemoglobin (HGB) levels are associated with unfavorable outcome after spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Currently, there is no cutoff level for mean HGB levels associated with unfavorable outcome. This study was conducted to evaluate a threshold for mean HGB concentrations after SAH, and to observe the relation to outcome. The medical records of 702 patients with spontaneous SAH were reviewed. Predictors of outcome were proved by univariate analysis. Predictors with p<0.1 were included in a multivariate binary logistic regression model. Cutoff points for mean HGB levels were calculated by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Mean HGB was 11.9g/dl (±standard deviation [SD] 1.7g/dl) in patients with favorable outcome compared to 10.8g/dl (±SD 1.1g/dl) in patients with unfavorable outcome (p<0.001). The highest Youden’s index value was found for a HGB cutoff at 11.1g/dl. In a binary logistic regression model, predictors of unfavorable outcome were identified as an initially high Hunt–Hess grade (odds ratio [OR]: 7.7; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.4–13.4; p<0.001), cerebral infarction on a CT scan during hospital stay (OR: 3.8; 95% CI: 2.0–7.3; p<0.001), rebleeding during the hospital stay (OR: 3.5; 95% CI: 1.6–8.0; p=0.002), mean HGB concentration <11.1g/dl (OR: 3.3; 95% CI: 2.0–5.3; p<0.001), and hydrocephalus (OR: 2.3; 95% CI: 1.4–3.7; p=0.001). In conclusion, a mean HGB concentration <11.1g/dl during the hospital stay was associated with unfavorable outcome after acute SAH.

Prospective Comparison of Multi-Detector Computed Tomographic Angiography with Digital Subtraction Angiography for the Diagnosis of Intracranial Aneurysms in Patients with Acute Non-Traumatic Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Background Rupture of intracranial aneurysms and malformations are the main causes of spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Multi-detector computed tomography angiography (CTA) and intra-arterial digital subtraction angiography (DSA) are used to evaluate cerebrovascular structures and to detect such abnormalities with an intention to treat them. Objective The aim of the present study was to compare CTA and DSA findings in the detection of a cerebral aneurysm in patients with acute non-traumatic SAH and to depict the diagnostic value of CTA. Methods During the last 3 years 52 patients with non-traumatic SAH were prospectively studied. Four patients underwent only 16-slice multi-detector CTA and 48 patients underwent both CTA and DSA in an acute setting. Aneurysm morphologic information on CTA was compared to DSA, which is considered the gold standard imaging technique. Results The sensitivity of CTA per aneurysm was 97.9% (95% confidence intervals-CI 0.83-1), the specificity 100% (CI 0.50-0.99), the positive diagnostic likelihood ratio 0 and the negative diagnostic likelihood ratio 0.02. DSA successfully depicted 47 aneurysms in 40 patients from our study group. One aneurysm was missed on CTA (2 mm) which retrospectively was identified. In 8 patients with SAH no aneurysm was detected by either CTA or DSA. Conclusion 16-slice multi-detector CTA can be successfully used as a first choice imaging tool in the diagnostic algorithm of non-traumatic SAH and efficiently guide the therapeutic strategy.

Predictors of increased cumulative serum levels of the N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide 4 days after acute spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage

The rupture of an intracranial aneurysm is followed by increased intracranial pressure and decreased cerebral blood flow. A major systemic stress reaction follows, presumably to restore cerebral blood flow. However, this reaction can also cause adverse effects, including myocardial abnormalities, which are common and can be serious, and increased levels of natriuretic peptides, especially brain natriuretic peptide (BNP). The association of BNP with fluid and salt balance, vasospasm, brain ischemia, and cardiac injury has been studied but almost exclusively regarding events after admission. Brain natriuretic peptide has also been measured at various time points and analyzed in different ways statistically. The authors approached BNP measurement in a new way; they used the calculated area under the curve (AUC) for the first 4 days to quantitatively measure the BNP load during the first critical part of the disease state. Their rationale was a suspicion that early BNP load is a marker of the severity of the ictus and will influence the subsequent course of the disease by disturbing the fluid and salt balance. The study included 156 patients with acute spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Mean patient age was 59.8 ± 11.2 years, and 105 (67%) of the patients were female. An aneurysm was found in 138 patients. A total of 82 aneurysms were treated by endovascular coiling, 50 were treated by surgery, and 6 were untreated. At the time of admission, serum samples were collected for troponin-I analysis and for the N-terminal prohormone of BNP (NT-proBNP); daily thereafter, samples were collected for the NT-proBNP analysis. The cumulative BNP load was calculated as the AUC for NT-proBNP during the first 4 days. The following variables were studied in terms of their influence on the AUC for NT-proBNP: sex, age, World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies grade of SAH, Fisher grade, angiographic result, treatment of aneurysm, clinical neurological deterioration, verified infections, vasospasm treatment, and 6-month outcome. The AUC for NT-proBNP was larger when variables indicated a more severe SAH. These variables were higher Fisher and World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies grades, high levels of troponin-I at admission, an aneurysm, neurological deficits, and infections. The AUC for NT-proBNP was also larger among women, older patients, and patients with poor outcomes. Linear regression showed that the best predicting model for large AUC for NT-proBNP was the combination of the following: female sex, high levels of troponin-I, an aneurysm, neurological deficits, and advanced age. The cumulative BNP load during the first days after SAH can be predicted by variables describing the severity of the disease already known at the time of admission. This information can be used to identify patients at risk for an adverse course of the disease.

Transdermal nicotine replacement is associated with lower mortality among active smokers admitted with spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage

Active smokers comprise 35–55% of patients admitted with acute spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Transdermal nicotine replacement is sometimes prescribed to these patients to prevent a withdrawal syndrome, but the safety of exogenous nicotine during the acute period after SAH is unknown.

Computed Tomographic Angiography as the Primary Diagnostic Study in Spontaneous Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

To evaluate the utility of computed tomographic angiography (CTA) as the primary diagnostic investigation in patients with spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), and to correlate the results with intraoperative findings in those with ruptured aneurysms. A retrospective review of 243 patients with spontaneous SAH was performed. The patients selected were those with acute SAH confirmed by noncontrast head computed tomography or by cerebrospinal fluid findings from a lumbar puncture. Patients subsequently underwent preoperative three-dimensional CTA as the sole or primary diagnostic study. The results of the CTA were correlated with the intraoperative findings in those patients undergoing emergent surgical clipping of acutely ruptured intracranial aneurysms. CTA correctly detected the ruptured aneurysm in 170 of the 171 cases, which required surgical clipping. Our data demonstrates that CTA has a 99.4% detection rate in acutely ruptured aneurysms as compared to intraoperative findings [confidence interval 97.8-99.9%]. CTA can provide prompt and accurate diagnostic and anatomic information in the setting of SAH with an excellent detection rate in acute ruptured aneurysms. These findings suggest an increased role for CTA in the evaluation of cerebral aneurysms.

Diagnosis and monitoring of subarachnoid hemorrhage by transcranial color-coded real-time sonography

Thirty-six patients with acute spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (26 caused by rupture of an aneurysm) were examined by transcranial color-coded real-time sonography by using a 2.25-MHz ultrasound transducer. In 20 of these 26 patients (76%), the aneurysm could be identified by a characteristic abnormal blood flow pattern within the aneurysm in coronal and axial scanning planes by transcranial color-coded real-time sonography. Blood within the basal cisterns, on top of the tentorium, and within the ventricles and parenchyma was sonographically detected by increased echodensity in 75%. In addition, cerebrospinal fluid circulation disturbances and cerebral vasospasm were detected in two-dimensional B-mode images in 85% and 100%, respectively. In Doppler mode, intravascular blood flow velocity could be quantified. We conclude that transcranial color-coded real-time sonography, a new, noninvasive method for diagnosis and follow-up of patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage, allows detection of the primary vascular lesion and monitoring of complications.

Diagnosis and Monitoring of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage by Transcranial Color-Coded Real-Time Sonography

Abstract Thirty-six patients with acute spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (26 caused by rupture of an aneurysm) were examined by transcranial color-coded real-time sonography by using a 2.25-MHz ultrasound transducer. In 20 of these 26 patients (76%), the aneurysm could be identified by a characteristic abnormal blood flow pattern within the aneurysm in coronal and axial scanning planes by transcranial color-coded real-time sonography. Blood within the basal cisterns, on top of the tentorium, and within the ventricles and parenchyma was sonographically detected by increased echodensity in 75%. In addition, cerebrospinal fluid circulation disturbances and cerebral vasospasm were detected in two-dimensional B-mode images in 85% and 100%, respectively. In Doppler mode, intravascular blood flow velocity could be quantified. We conclude that transcranial color-coded real-time sonography, a new, noninvasive method for diagnosis and follow-up of patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage, allows detection of the primary vascular lesion and monitoring of complications.

The Critical First Minutes after Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Six patients were observed during recurrent subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Three each had an open skull and intact dura mater and demonstrated an extreme increase in intracranial pressure (ICP) that developed within 1 minute and then declined over several minutes. Three other patients were investigated with transcranial Doppler sonography before, during, and after recurrent bleeding, and their hemodynamics were studied. There is conclusive evidence that acute spontaneous SAH is often followed by an intracranial circulatory arrest lasting for several minutes and caused by a peak of ICP in the range of mean arterial levels. The mechanisms involved are discussed. There are strong indications that this temporary intracranial circulatory arrest promotes hemostasis, but may constitute a severe ischemic event.

Overall results in 304 consecutive patients with acute spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage

The results obtained in 304 consecutive patients with spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage are described, the majority of whom (86%) were admitted while in acute condition. Only 46% of the patients in this series were in good condition at admission. The initial management was standardized for all patients, but the protocol of “delayed surgery” was applied to patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage from aneurysmal rupture. Two hundred and twenty-two patients (73%) had intracranial aneurysms. Of these, 20 (9%) were moribund and died shortly after admission; nine (4%) underwent emergency surgery due to the coexistence of a life-threatening cerebral hematoma; seven (3%) were operated upon within 3 days of admission; 78 (35%) died after rebleeding or after steady deterioration of the patient's condition due to vasospasm while awaiting surgery. Of the remaining 108 patients ready for delayed surgery, 12 (11%) (operation refused, elderly patients in poor general condition, spontaneous thrombosis of the aneurysm) were treated conservatively, and 96 (89%), who were in various clinical conditions, were actually operated on. Of these 96 patients, 79 (82%) exhibited excellent or good results, 5 (5%) were disabled, and 12 (12%) died. In the authors' experience, the overall management of intracranial aneurysms in unselected patients according to the protocol of delayed surgery results in (a) significant loss of patients awaiting surgery, and (b) good surgical results in the survivors.