Basal Ganglia Intracerebral Hemorrhage Research Articles

Identification and Validation of Hematoma Volume Cutoffs in Spontaneous, Supratentorial Deep Intracerebral Hemorrhage.

Background and Purpose- Clinical trials in spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) have used volume cutoffs as inclusion criteria to select populations in which the effects of interventions are likely to be the greatest. However, optimal volume cutoffs for predicting poor outcome in deep locations (thalamus versus basal ganglia) are unknown. Methods- We conducted a 2-phase study to determine ICH volume cutoffs for poor outcome (modified Rankin Scale score of 4-6) in the thalamus and basal ganglia. Cutoffs with optimal sensitivity and specificity for poor outcome were identified in the ERICH ([Ethnic/Racial Variations of ICH] study; derivation cohort) using receiver operating characteristic curves. The cutoffs were then validated in the ATACH-2 trial (Antihypertensive Treatment of Acute Cerebral Hemorrhage-2) by comparing the c-statistic of regression models for outcome (including dichotomized volume) in the validation cohort. Results- Of the 3000 patients enrolled in ERICH, 1564 (52%) had deep ICH, of whom 1305 (84%) had complete neuroimaging and outcome data (660 thalamic and 645 basal ganglia hemorrhages). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis identified 8 mL in thalamic (area under the curve, 0.79; sensitivity, 73%; specificity, 78%) and 18 mL in basal ganglia ICH (area under the curve, 0.79; sensitivity, 70%; specificity, 83%) as optimal cutoffs for predicting poor outcome. The validation cohort included 834 (84%) patients with deep ICH and complete neuroimaging data enrolled in ATACH-2 (353 thalamic and 431 basal ganglia hemorrhages). In thalamic ICH, the c-statistic of the multivariable outcome model including dichotomized ICH volume was 0.80 (95% CI, 0.75-0.85) in the validation cohort. For basal ganglia ICH, the c-statistic was 0.81 (95% CI, 0.76-0.85) in the validation cohort. Conclusions- Optimal hematoma volume cutoffs for predicting poor outcome in deep ICH vary by the specific deep brain nucleus involved. Utilization of location-specific volume cutoffs may improve clinical trial design by targeting deep ICH patients that will obtain maximal benefit from candidate therapies.

Association of Intensive Blood Pressure Reduction With Risk of Hematoma Expansion in Patients With Deep Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Hypertension is the strongest risk factor for spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) involving deep brain regions, but it appears to be unknown if intensive blood pressure reduction in the acute care setting decreases hematoma expansion or improves outcomes in patients with deep ICH. To determine whether intensive blood pressure reduction is associated with decreased risk of hematoma expansion and changes in 90-day modified Rankin Scale scores and if these associations are modified by the specific deep-brain nuclei involved. This study is an exploratory analysis of the Antihypertensive Treatment of Acute Cerebral Hemorrhage-2 international, multicenter randomized clinical trial, which was conducted from May 2011 to September 2015, enrolled eligible patients with primary ICH, and followed up with them for 90 days. Patients who had ICH and complete neuroimaging data were included in the analysis. Data analysis was completed from July 2018 to December 2018. Participants were randomized to either intensive treatment (with a systolic blood pressure target of 110-139 mm Hg) or standard treatment (with a systolic blood pressure target of 140-179 mm Hg). The main outcome was hematoma expansion, defined as an increase greater than 33% in hematoma volume between baseline and 24 hours. Functional outcome was evaluated 90 days after the ICH via the modified Rankin Scale. Of 1000 trial participants, 870 (87.0%) had deep ICH, of whom 780 (89.7%) had complete neuroimaging data (of 336 thalamic and 444 basal ganglia hemorrhages). The baseline characteristics of the intensive and standard treatment groups remained balanced in this subgroup of the original study. Intensive treatment was associated with a decreased risk of hematoma expansion in univariable analysis (odds ratio [OR], 0.62 [95% CI, 0.43-0.87]; P = .006) and multivariable analysis (OR, 0.61 [95% CI, 0.42-0.88]; P = .009). This association was modified by the specific deep location of the ICH (OR, 0.44 [95% CI, 0.22-0.96]; interaction P = .02), with stratified analyses showing a reduction in risk of hematoma expansion with intensive vs standard treatment among basal ganglia ICH (OR, 0.44 [95% CI, 0.27-0.72]; P = .001) but not thalamic ICH (OR, 0.91 [95% CI, 0.51-0.64]; P = .76). Intensive treatment was not associated with an improvement in the modified Rankin Scale score distribution. Compared with standard treatment, intensive blood pressure treatment was associated with reduced hematoma expansion in deep ICH, specifically among basal ganglia hemorrhages.

Perihematomal Edema After Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage.

Perihematomal Edema After Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage.

Abstract TP436: Minimally Invasive Endoscopic Hematoma Evacuation vs. Best Medical Management for Spontaneous Basal Ganglia Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Background: We conducted a case-control study to assess the relative safety and efficacy of Apollo assisted minimally invasive endoscopic surgery (MIS) for clot evacuation in patients with basal-ganglia intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Methods: We evaluated consecutive patients with acute basal ganglia ICH at a single center over a 42-month period. Patients received either best medical management according to established guidelines (controls) or Apollo assisted MIS (cases) with best medical management. The following outcomes were compared before and after propensity-score matching (PSM): in-hospital mortality, discharge National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, discharge disposition, modified Rankin Scale scores at discharge and at 3 months. Results: Among 224 ICH patients, 19 (8.5%) underwent MIS [mean age 50.9±10.9; 26.3% female, median ICH volume 40 (IQR; 25-51)]. The interventional cohort was younger with higher ICH volume and stroke severity as compared to the medically managed cohort. After PSM, 18 patients in the MIS cohort were matched to 54 medically managed individuals. The two cohorts did not differ in any of the baseline characteristics. The median ICH volume at 24 hours was lower in the intervention group [40cm 3 (IQR:25-50) vs. 15cm 3 (IQR:5-20), p<0.001). The two cohorts did not differ in any of the pre-specified outcomes measures with the exception of in-hospital mortality which was lower in intervention cohort (28% vs. 56%, p=0.041). The three-month mortality rates tended to be lower in the intervention cohort (38% vs. 60%, p=0.107). The intensive care unit length of stay was similar in the two groups [median LOS in days (IQR): intervention: 9 (7-12) vs. control: 9 (6-12), p=0.497]. The distribution of mRS-scores at discharge and at three months did not differ between the intervention and the control cohort (p by Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel test>0.4). Conclusions: Minimally invasive Apollo assisted endoscopic hematoma evacuation was associated with lower rates of in-hospital mortality in patients with spontaneous basal ganglia ICH. These findings support a randomized controlled trial of MIS versus medical-management for ICH.

Abstract 77: Perihematomal Edema Expansion Rate is Associated With Poor Functional Outcomes in Basal Ganglia Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Background: Perihematomal edema (PHE) has been associated with poor outcomes in deep spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). However, it is unknown if specific deep location (thalamus versus basal ganglia) modifies the effect of PHE on functional outcome. Methods: We used data from the Antihypertensive Treatment of Acute Cerebral Hemorrhage 2 (ATACH-2) trial. We included patients who had deep ICH and available neuroimaging and 3-month functional outcome data. We calculated the 24-hour PHE expansion rate as the difference in PHE volume between baseline and 24-hour CT scan divided by hours between scans. We used logistic regression models to evaluate the relationship between PHE expansion rate (natural-log transformed) and poor outcome (3-month modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score 4-6), with subgroup analyses to determine the effect of thalamic vs basal ganglia location on this association. Results: Out of 1000 subjects enrolled in ATACH-2, 870 (87%) had supratentorial, deep ICH. Of these, 754 (87%) had complete neuroimaging and outcome data (thalamus n=324, basal ganglia n=430). Overall, PHE expansion rate was associated with poor outcome in univariable (OR 1.3, 1.2-1.5, p<0.001) but not multivariable models (OR 1.1, 0.9-1.3, p=0.24). Median PHE expansion rate was faster in basal ganglia versus thalamic ICH (0.03 [0.09] mL/hr vs 0.01 [0.04] mL/hr, p<0.001). In basal ganglia ICH, PHE expansion rate was associated with poor outcome (OR 1.4, 1.1-1.8, p=0.01) in a multivariable model including age, sex, race, admission GCS, ICH volume (natural log-transformed), presence of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), hematoma expansion, time to baseline scan, and treatment group. In thalamic ICH, PHE expansion rate was not associated with poor outcome in multivariable analysis (OR 0.9, 0.7-1.2, p=0.44). Conclusions: In the ATACH-2 trial population, 24-hour PHE expansion rate was associated with poor functional outcome among basal ganglia, but not thalamic, bleeds. These results provide further evidence that PHE is associated with functional outcomes and supports the existence of effect modification by the specific deep location involved.

Surgical Management of Moderate Basal Ganglia Intracerebral Hemorrhage: Comparison of Safety and Efficacy of Endoscopic Surgery, Minimally Invasive Puncture and Drainage, and Craniotomy

To date, no standard surgical procedure has been proven effective for intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), particularly deep hematomas. This retrospective study evaluated the effectiveness and safety of endoscopic surgery, minimally invasive puncture and drainage, and craniotomy for treating moderate basal ganglia ICH. Patients with basal ganglia ICH (N= 177) were divided into 3 groups based on therapeutic intervention as follows: endoscopic surgery group (n= 61), minimally invasive puncture and drainage group (n= 60), and craniotomy group (n= 56). Patient characteristics at admission were recorded. Operative time; blood loss during operation; evacuation rate; postoperative complications secondary to perihematomal edema, including rebleeding, infectious meningitis, pulmonary infection, gastrointestinal bleeding, and epilepsy; mortality; and Glasgow Outcome Scale scores were compared among the 3 groups. Minimally invasive puncture and drainage was the least traumatic procedure and had the shortest operative time, but it could not remove the hematoma quickly; moreover, it had the highest rebleeding rate. Craniotomy was effective in removing the hematoma but resulted in marked trauma and had the highest incidence of pulmonary infection. Endoscopic surgery was safer and more effective than the other 2 surgical methods, with greater improvement in neurologic outcomes and no change in mortality. Minimally invasive neuroendoscopic management has the advantages of direct vision, efficient hematoma evacuation, and relatively good results. Endoscopic surgery may be a more promising approach for the treatment of moderate basal ganglia ICH.

Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Intracerebral hemorrhage can be classified as either secondary (due to trauma, vascular malformations, aneurysms, tumors, or hemorrhagic transformation of ischemic stroke) or primary (without a clear secondary cause). Intracerebral hemorrhage is a neurologic emergency, and leads to significant death and disability each year; care should be expedited and emergency departments should be equipped to appropriately care for and manage these patients. This review covers the risk factors, natural history, pathophysiology, stabilization and assessment, diagnosis and treatment, and disposition and outcomes for patients with intracerebral hemorrhage. Figures show head computed tomographic scans demonstrating a left basal ganglia intracerebral hemorrhage, and an algorithm of management of intracerebral hemorrhage in the emergency department. Tables list some common causes of intracerebral hemorrhage, Boston criteria for diagnosis of cerebral amyloid angiopathy, mechanism of action of common anticoagulants, and suggested reversal agents. This review contains 2 figures, 6 tables, and 58 references. Key words: Intracerebral hemorrhage; intracranial hemorrhage; intraparenchymal hemorrhage; hemorrhagic stroke; hypertensive hemorrhage; spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage; ICH; cerebral bleeds

Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Intracerebral hemorrhage can be classified as either secondary (due to trauma, vascular malformations, aneurysms, tumors, or hemorrhagic transformation of ischemic stroke) or primary (without a clear secondary cause). Intracerebral hemorrhage is a neurologic emergency, and leads to significant death and disability each year; care should be expedited and emergency departments should be equipped to appropriately care for and manage these patients. This review covers the risk factors, natural history, pathophysiology, stabilization and assessment, diagnosis and treatment, and disposition and outcomes for patients with intracerebral hemorrhage. Figures show head computed tomographic scans demonstrating a left basal ganglia intracerebral hemorrhage, and an algorithm of management of intracerebral hemorrhage in the emergency department. Tables list some common causes of intracerebral hemorrhage, Boston criteria for diagnosis of cerebral amyloid angiopathy, mechanism of action of common anticoagulants, and suggested reversal agents. This review contains 2 figures, 6 tables, and 59 references. Key words: Intracerebral hemorrhage; intracranial hemorrhage; intraparenchymal hemorrhage; hemorrhagic stroke; hypertensive hemorrhage; spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage; ICH; cerebral bleeds

Combining Investigation of Imaging Markers (Island Sign and Blend Sign) and Clinical Factors in Predicting Hematoma Expansion of Intracerebral Hemorrhage in the Basal Ganglia

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is the most difficult-to-treat form of stroke and accounts for about 10%-30% of all strokes worldwide. Hematoma expansion (HE), which occurs in one third of patients with ICH, is strongly predictive of worse prognosis and potentially preventable if high-risk patients are identified in the early phase of ICH. We summarized data from recent studies on HE prediction and classified those potential indicators into 2 categories: 1) clinical and laboratory and 2) radiographic. Therefore, we aimed to identify the accuracy of L, that is, the value of combining predictors in predicting HE of ICH in basal ganglia. We retrospectively investigated the clinical database of Qinghai Provincial People's Hospital for patients with ICH aged >18 years between January 2015 and January 2018. As inclusion criteria, we defined 1) ICH diagnosed on noncontrast computed tomography (CT); 2) noncontrast CT performed on enrollment within 6 hours after onset of symptoms; 3) follow-up CT scan performed within 24 hours after the baseline CT scan; and 4) all of the primary hematoma was located in the basal ganglia. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the potential HE predictors, and then receiver operating characteristic curves were used to evaluate the L (the value of combining predictors) of imaging markers and clinical factors in predicting HE. Of the 99 patients with HE, island sign was present in 48.48% (48/99) of patients and blend sign was present in 34.34% (34/99) of patients. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified time to baseline CT scan (odds ratio [OR] 1.574; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.205-2.054; P= 0.001), baseline hematoma volume (P= 0.001), presence of island sign (OR 11.247; 95% CI 4.701-26.909; P= 0.000), presence of blend sign (OR 3.104; 95% CI 1.425-6.765; P= 0.004), anticoagulants use or international normalized ratio >1.5 (OR 2.755; 95% CI 1.072-7.082; P= 0.035), and intraventricular hemorrhage (OR 2.351; 95% CI 1.066-5.187; P= 0.034) as independent predictors of HE. The sensitivity and specificity of L (value of combining predictors) were 88.89% and 80.84%, respectively; the area under the curve was 0.918. The findings indicated that the ability of L to predict HE was much more excellent than these 6 predictors alone. L showed a high association with HE, with an accuracy of 91.8%, and was a reliable value of combining predictors in terms of predicting HE. L may serve as a promising, noninvasive tool for clinical therapeutic strategy.

Abstract WP337: Frequency, Determinants, and Outcomes of Intracerebral Hemorrhage Expansion in Hyperacute EMS-Transported Patients

Background: As clinical and research interventions for intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) migrate to the prehospital setting, patients are being treated earlier than ever before. The frequency, determinants, and outcomes of hematoma expansion among hyperacute, EMS-transported patients have not been previously characterized. Methods: We analyzed all ICH patients enrolled in the NIH Phase 3 Field Administration of Stroke Therapy - Magnesium (FAST-MAG) prehospital trial who had both ED-arrival and 6 to 48-hour follow-up brain CT or GRE-MRI. Hematoma expansion (HE) was defined as hematoma volume growth by ≥ 6 ml. Results: Among 262 ICH patients meeting entry criteria, age was 64.8±12.9, 32.4% were female, and last known well to ED arrival was 52 mins (IQR 44-70). Hematoma expansion occurred in 80 (30.5%). Clinical predictors of HE included: anticoagulant use at onset, 11.3% vs 3.8%, p=0.03; lower level of consciousness at ED arrival, median GCS 14 vs 15, p<0.001; greater neurologic deficit at ED arrival, NIHSS 21 vs 13, p<0.001, basal ganglia ICH location, 63.7% vs 46.2%, p =0.009; and shorter interval from onset to first imaging, 80.2 vs 84.5 mins, p=0.04. Features not predictive of HE in this hyperacute cohort included: age, blood pressure, and intraventricular hemorrhage extension on initial imaging. In multivariable analysis, independent predictors of HE were: anticoagulants at onset (aOR 4.2, 95%CI 1.5-12.9), GCS at arrival (aOR 1.2, 95%CI 1.0 – 1.4), and NIHSS at arrival (aOR 1.1, 95%CI 1.1 – 1.2), with c statistic 0.73. HE was associated with increased early (48h) neurologic deterioration (45.6% vs 15.5%, aOR 5.3, 95%CI 2.8-10.1), reduced 90d functional independence (mRS 0-2, 15.0% vs 36.5%, aOR 0.27, 95%CI 0.13-0.56), and increased 90d mortality (46.3% vs 11.0%, aOR 8.1, 95%CI 4.0-16.6). Conclusions: Hematoma expansion is frequent among hyperacute, EMS-transported ICH patients, occurring in more than 3 in 10 patients. Anticoagulant use, reduced level of consciousness, and greater neurologic deficit are independent determinants of HE, and collectively predict HE moderately well. Hematoma expansion is clinically consequential, associated with a 5-fold increase in odds of early neurology deterioration and 8-fold increase in odds of death by 90 days.

Abstract P116: Postpartum Catastrophe With Intracerebral Hemorrhage and Concurrent Cardiomyopathy

Introduction: Postpartum Cerebral Angiopathy (PCA) or Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome (RCVS) is a rare but important postpartum syndrome characterized by severe headaches with complications including seizures and intracranial hemorrhages. Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a known non-ischemic cardiomyopathy occurring mostly in the immediate postpartum period. This case is one of its kind to show the unique combination of PPCM and PCA. Case Report: 32 years old Hispanic female with no past medical history presented with worsening headache since epidural anesthesia used for her uneventful spontaneous vaginal delivery six days ago. While in ED she suddenly developed left hemiplegia and an immediate CT head showed right basal ganglia intracerebral hemorrhage causing 10mm right to left midline shift. An emergent frontotemporal craniotomy and evacuation of hemorrhage was done. A cerebral angiogram the next day showed diffuse cerebral arterial vasoconstriction responding to intra-arterial verapamil suggestive of RCVS. An echocardiogram was completely normal and vasculitis workup was negative. Patient was started on nimodipine however she became hypotensive requiring pressors. A week later repeat angiography showed persistent vasospasm and a repeat echocardiogram showed dilated left and right ventricles with global impairment in systolic function and an EF of 15-20%. The subsequent day there was a change in her neurological status where she lost all brain and brainstem reflexes, pupils got fixed and dilated. CT brain showed global edema and tonsillar herniation. Apnea test was done which was consistent with the diagnosis of brain death. Discussion: The pathophysiologic mechanism of RCVS is believed to be related to altered cerebral auto regulation in response to endothelial injury that usually resolves in 3 months. The diagnosis can be made by cerebral angiography, MRA or CTA that shows multifocal segmental arterial constrictive lesions. It is likely that a combination of diffuse persistent cerebral vasospasm accompanied by poor cardiac function that culminated in eventual brain death of this healthy, postpartum patient. Management includes calcium channel blockers, sequential cerebral angiograms and supportive care.

Urokinase vs Tissue-Type Plasminogen Activator for Thrombolytic Evacuation of Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage in Basal Ganglia.

Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a devastating form of stroke, which leads to a high rate of mortality and poor neurological outcomes worldwide. Thrombolytic evacuation with urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) or tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) has been showed to be a hopeful treatment for ICH. However, to the best of our knowledge, no clinical trials were reported to compare the efficacy and safety of these two fibrinolytics administrated following minimally invasive stereotactic puncture (MISP) in patients with spontaneous basal ganglia ICH. Therefore, the authors intended here to evaluate the differential impact of uPA and tPA in a retrospective study. In the present study, a total of 86 patients with spontaneous ICH in basal ganglia using MISP received either uPA (uPA group, n = 45) or tPA (tPA group, n = 41), respectively. The clinical baseline characteristics prior to the operation were collected. In addition, therapeutic responses were assessed by the short-term outcomes within 30 days postoperation, as well as long-term outcomes at 1 year postoperation. Our findings showed that, in comparison with tPA, uPA was able to better promote hematoma evacuation and ameliorate perihematomal edema, but the differences were not statistically significant. Moreover, the long-term functional outcomes of both groups were similar, with no statistical difference. In conclusion, these results provide evidence supporting that uPA and tPA are similar in the efficacy and safety for thrombolytic evacuation in combination with MISP in patients with spontaneous basal ganglia ICH.

Quantitative assessment on blood-brain barrier permeability of acute spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage in basal ganglia: a CT perfusion study.

Blood-brain barrier (BBB) damage aggravates perihematomal edema, and edema volume predicts prognosis independently. But the BBB permeability at the late stage of acute intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) patients is uncertain. We aimed to assess the BBB permeability of spontaneous basal ganglia ICH using computed tomographic perfusion (CTP) and investigates its relationship with hematoma and perihematomal edema volume. We performed CTP on 54 consecutive ICH patients within 24 to 72h after symptom onset. Permeability-surface area product (PS) derived from CTP imaging was measured in hematoma, "high-PS spot," perihematoma, normal-appearing, hemispheric, and contralateral regions. Hematoma and edema volumes were calculated from non-contrast CT. "High-PS spot" and perihematoma regions had higher PS than the contralateral regions (p<0.001). Hematoma PS was lower than that in the contralateral regions (p<0.001). Perihematoma PS of the large-hematoma group was higher than that of the small-hematoma group (p=0.011). Perihematomal edema volume correlated positively with hematoma volume (β=0.864, p<0.001) and perihematoma PS (β=0.478, p<0.001). Perihematoma PS correlated positively with hematoma volume (β=0.373, p=0.005). Locally elevated perihematoma PS was found in most spontaneous basal ganglia ICH patients within 24 to 72h after symptom onset. Perihematoma PS was higher in larger hematomas and was associated with larger edema volume. At this period, BBB leakage is likely to be an important factor in edema formation.

Distribution of lacunes in cerebral amyloid angiopathy and hypertensive small vessel disease.

To evaluate whether the burden of deep and lobar lacunes differs between patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) with definite/probable cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) per the Boston criteria and hypertensive small vessel disease (HTN-SVD; ICH in basal ganglia, thalami, brainstem). We defined lobar and deep lacunes similar to the topographic distribution used for ICH and cerebral microbleeds (CMBs). We then compared their distribution between patients with CAA-ICH and those with strictly deep CMB and ICH (HTN-ICH). The independent associations of lacune location with the diagnosis of CAA-ICH and HTN-ICH were evaluated with multivariable models. The relationship between lobar lacunes and white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volume was evaluated by means of partial correlation analyses adjusted for age and a validated visual scale. In our final cohort of 316 patients with ICH, lacunes were frequent (24.7%), with similar rates in 191 patients with CAA and 125 with HTN-ICH (23% vs 27.2%, p = 0.4). Lobar lacunes were more commonly present in CAA (20.4% vs 5.7%, p < 0.001), while deep lacunes were more frequent in HTN-ICH (15.2% vs 2.1%, p < 0.001). After correction for demographics and clinical and neuroimaging markers of SVD, lobar lacunes were associated with CAA (p = 0.003) and deep lacunes with HTN-ICH (p < 0.001). Lobar lacunes in 80% of the cases were at least in contact with WMH, and after adjustment for age, they were highly correlated to WMH volume (r = 0.42, p < 0.001). Lobar lacunes are associated with CAA, whereas deep lacunes are more frequent in HTN-SVD. Lobar lacunes seem to have a close relationship with WMH, suggesting a possible common origin.

Minimal invasive puncture and drainage versus endoscopic surgery for spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage in basal ganglia.

Two prevalent therapies for the treatment of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in basal ganglia are, minimally invasive puncture and drainage (MIPD), and endoscopic surgery (ES). Because both surgical techniques are of a minimally invasive nature, they have attracted greater attention in recent years. However, evidence comparing the curative effect of MIPD and ES has been uncertain. The indication for MIPD or ES has been uncertain till now. In the present study, 112 patients with spontaneous ICH in basal ganglia who received MIPD or ES were reviewed retrospectively. Baseline parameters prior to the operation, evacuation rate (ER), perihematoma edema, postoperative complications, and rebleeding incidences were collected. Moreover, 1-year postictus, the long-term functional outcomes of patients with regard to hematoma volume (HV) or Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score were judged, respectively, by the case fatality, Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS), Barthel Index (BI), and modified Rankin Scale (mRS). The ES group had a higher ER than the MIPD group on postoperative day 1. The MIPD group had fewer adverse outcomes, which included less perihematoma edema, anesthetic time, and blood loss, than the ES group. The functional outcomes represented by GOS, BI, and mRS were better in the MIPD group than in the ES group for patients with HV 30–60 mL or GCS score 9–14. These results indicate that ES is more effective in evacuating hematoma in basal ganglia, while MIPD is less invasive than ES. Patients with HV 30–60 mL or GCS score 9–14 may benefit more from the MIPD procedure than from ES.

A Fatal Case of Postpartum Cerebral Angiopathy with Concurrent Cardiomyopathy

Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome (RCVS) is a rare postpartum angiopathic syndrome which can cause ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke. Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a non-ischemiccardiomyopathy that also occurs postpartum. Here we report a case with concurrent of RCVS and PPCM. 32 years old female presented with worsening headache since her vaginal delivery six days ago. For a sudden onset left hemiplegia CT head showed a large right basal ganglia intracerebral hemorrhage causing midline shift leading to craniotomy.Cerebral angiogram done the next day showed diffuse intracranial vasoconstriction suggestive of RCVS and this persisted on angiogram a week later. Initial echocardiogram was normal with an ejection fraction (EF) of 6065% that reduced to 15–20% a week later. Postpartum day 10 she had fixed, dilated pupils. CT brain showed tonsillar herniation with apnea test confirming brain death. This case is the first one to show the unique combination of two conditions, PPCM and RCVSand sheds more light into perhaps common pathophysiologic mechanisms. Key words: Postpartum Cerebral Angiopathy, Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome, Peripartum cardiomyopathy, Subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Visualization of pressure related vessel compression in the perihemorrhagic zone during endoscopic ICH evacuation

ObjectivesThe existence of perihemorrhagic ischemia in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) has been subject to intense debate. In contrast, the concept of reduced cerebral blood flow (CBF) in the perihemorrhagic zone (PHZ) is widely accepted. This report aims to demonstrate preliminary experience with endoscopic visualization of perihemorrhagic vessel compression in patients with ICH. Patients and methodsEndoscopic findings in the PHZ during minimally invasive hematoma evacuation in six patients with basal ganglia ICH are described. 3D-Neuronavigation for exact real-time orientation and a translucent working channel for tissue visibility are used. ResultsWhile entering the hematoma with the endoscope, the same distinct areas are illustrated in five patients: In the cortical entry zone, uncompressed vessels are present. In the subcortical white matter, vessel quantity shows its physiological rarification. In perihemorrhagic white matter adjacent to the ICH however, vessels appear to be almost completely absent. After hematoma-evacuation, the lack of vessels in the PHZ vanishes and in contrast, correlates of hyperperfusion are observed. Occurrence of these findings does not show correlation with clinical or radiological parameters. However, the only patient without vessel compression in the PHZ had the best neurological outcome in this small case series. ConclusionWe present visual correlates of mechanical vasoconstriction due to tissue compression in the PHZ of patients with basal ganglia ICH. Removal of the hematoma leads to visible reperfusion of the PHZ. These findings may help to understand the perihemorrhagic pathophysiology associated with focal reduction of cerebral blood flow and possibly ischemic changes in ICH.

Abstract WMP94: Perihematomal Edema and Functional Outcomes in Intracerebral Hemorrhage: Influence of Hematoma Volume and Location

Background and Purpose: Perihematomal edema is associated with poor outcomes following intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Perihematomal edema evolves in the early period after ICH, providing a therapeutic target and window for intervention. We studied the effect of perihematomal edema volume expansion in the first 72 hours (iPHE) and its relationship with functional outcomes. Methods: We used data contained in the Virtual International Stroke Trials Archive. We included patients who presented within six-hours of symptom onset, had baseline clinical, radiological and laboratory data, and further computed tomographic scan data at 72 hours and 90-day functional outcomes. We calculated iPHE and used logistic regression analysis to assess relationships with outcome. We adjusted for confounding variables and the primary outcome measure poor day-90 outcome (defined as modified Rankin Scale score of ≥ 3. We performed subgroup analyses by location and volume of ICH. Results: We included 596 patients with ICH. Median baseline hematoma volume was 15.0 mL (IQR: 7.9- 29.2) and median baseline perihematomal edema volume of 8.7 mL (IQR: 4.5- 15.5). Hematoma expansion occured in 122 (34.9%) patients. Median iPHE was 14.7 mL (IQR: 6.6-30.3). The odds of a poor outcome were greater with increasing iPHE (OR: 1.78, CI: 1.12- 2.64 per mL increase). Subgroup analyses showed iPHE was only related to poor functional outcomes in basal ganglia and small (&lt;30 mL) ICH. Conclusion: Absolute increase in PHE over 72 hours was associated with worse functional outcomes following ICH, particularly with basal ganglia ICH and hematomas &lt;30 mL.

Perihematomal Edema and Functional Outcomes in Intracerebral Hemorrhage: Influence of Hematoma Volume and Location.

Perihematomal edema (PHE) is associated with poor outcomes after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). PHE evolves in the early period after ICH, providing a therapeutic target and window for intervention. We studied the effect of PHE volume expansion in the first 72 hours (iPHE) and its relationship with functional outcomes. We used data contained in the Virtual International Stroke Trials Archive. We included patients who presented within 6 hours of symptom onset, had baseline clinical, radiological, and laboratory data, and further computed tomographic scan data at 72 hours and 90-day functional outcomes. We calculated iPHE and used logistic regression analysis to assess relationships with outcome. We adjusted for confounding variables and the primary outcome measure poor day-90 outcome (defined as modified Rankin Scale score of ≥3. We performed subgroup analyses by location and by volume of ICH. We included 596 patients with ICH. Median baseline hematoma volume was 15.0 mL (IQR, 7.9-29.2) and median baseline PHE volume was 8.7 mL (IQR, 4.5-15.5). Hematoma expansion occurred in 122 (34.9%) patients. Median iPHE was 14.7 mL (IQR, 6.6-30.3). The odds of a poor outcome were greater with increasing iPHE (OR, 1.78; CI, 1.12-2.64 per mL increase). Subgroup analyses showed that iPHE was only related to poor functional outcomes in basal ganglia and small (<30 mL) ICH. Absolute increase in PHE during 72 hours was associated with worse functional outcomes after ICH, particularly with basal ganglia ICH and hematomas <30 mL.

Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Intracerebral hemorrhage can be classified as either secondary (due to trauma, vascular malformations, aneurysms, tumors, or hemorrhagic transformation of ischemic stroke) or primary (without a clear secondary cause). Intracerebral hemorrhage is a neurologic emergency, and leads to significant death and disability each year; care should be expedited and emergency departments should be equipped to appropriately care for and manage these patients. This review covers the risk factors, natural history, pathophysiology, stabilization and assessment, diagnosis and treatment, and disposition and outcomes for patients with intracerebral hemorrhage. Figures show head computed tomographic scans demonstrating a left basal ganglia intracerebral hemorrhage, and an algorithm of management of intracerebral hemorrhage in the emergency department. Tables list some common causes of intracerebral hemorrhage, Boston criteria for diagnosis of cerebral amyloid angiopathy, mechanism of action of common anticoagulants, and suggested reversal agents. This review contains 2 highly rendered figures, 4 tables, and 79 references.