High-grade Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Research Articles

Resilience After High-Grade Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Prospective Cohort Study on Quality of Life.

Treatment of patients who present with poor clinical condition is often postponed until neurological improvement is observed. Despite previous studies, it is still unclear how survivors perceive their quality of life (QoL). This study aimed to evaluate self-perceived QoL in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage who present with poor clinical condition, as defined by World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) grades 4 to 5, compared with those who present in more favorable clinical condition (WFNS 1-3). Between 2011 and 2021, 1160 patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage were admitted to the Amsterdam UMC. Among the 845 patients who survived, 537 participated in the QoL questionnaires. Patient characteristics, complications, EQ-5D questionnaires, modified Rankin Scale, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were analyzed using the nonparametric Mann-Whitney U test for continuous variables or the Pearson χ2 test for categorical variables. Of the 537 responders, 452 (84%) presented with low grade (WFNS 1-3) and 85 (16%) presented with high grade (WFNS 4-5). The high-grade group reported a self-perceived QoL score of 70 (of 100), while the low-grade group reported a score of 75 (P = .12). The mean EQ-5D index value was 0.74 for the high-grade group and 0.81 for the low-grade group (P < .01). In the high-grade group, 61 patients (72%) had a favorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale 0-3) compared with 419 (94%) in the low-grade group (P < .001). High-grade WFNS patients rated their QoL as satisfactory, with only a marginal 5-point difference on a 100-point scale compared with low-grade WFNS patients. In addition, almost three-quarters of high-grade WFNS survivors achieved a favorable outcome. Given that a subset of patients, despite presenting with a poor clinical condition, still achieve a favorable outcome, these findings reinforce our perspective advocating for early and comprehensive treatment.

Use of Proximal Suboccipital Segment of Occipital Artery as Donor for Posterior Circulation Revascularization Surgery: Technical Note

The distal suboccipital segment of the occipital artery is commonly used as a donor vessel for aneurysms of the posterior circulation requiring revascularization techniques. Isolating this segment of vessel can be challenging due to its course in and out of the various layers of the suboccipital musculature. We describe the use of the proximal suboccipital segment of the occipital artery within the occipital groove at the lateral skull base as a donor segment for an interposition graft in revascularization surgery. We present a case detailing the use of this technique for treatment of a dissecting PICA aneurysm and photographs from cadaveric dissections demonstrating relevant anatomy. Our patient is a 62-year-old man who presented with a high-grade subarachnoid hemorrhage from a proximal dissecting-type aneurysm of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA). Endovascular options were limited to coil sacrifice of the parent vessel, and thus the patient was taken for a far lateral craniotomy, trapping of the aneurysm, and revascularization of the PICA territory via a saphenous vein interposition graft sewn proximally and distally to the occipital artery within the occipital groove and a cortical segment of the affected PICA, respectively. Postoperative imaging demonstrated filling of the PICA territory via the graft, and the patient ultimately recovered from his subarachnoid hemorrhage. The use of the proximal suboccipital segment of the occipital artery is a viable option for a donor in posterior fossa revascularization surgery.

Hunt-Hess Score at 48 Hours Improves Prognostication in Grade 5 Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Patients with Hunt-Hess (HH)5 aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) have high mortality rates. Despite an initial moribund exam, a subset of patients progress to favorable outcomes. To evaluate the utility of delayed HH grading to improve prognostication. We retrospectively reviewed patients undergoing treatment of ruptured aneurysms at two level 1 stroke centers from January 2012 through December 2020. We collected relevant clinical information and developed a multivariate cox regression model to identify independent predictors of mortality. To evaluate the utility of delayed examinations in predicting outcomes, we re-assessed the HH grade at 48hours post admission and constructed a logistic regression model with potential confounders to predict mortality. From 2012 to 2020, 621 patients underwent treatment for aneurysmal SAH. We identified 63 HH5 patients (10%) with a mean age of 58years. Among these patients, the median length of stay was 14days, with 3 patients passing away within 48hours. The overall mortality rate was 63% at 24months. To predict mortality, our cox regression model found only age to be significant (P= 0.002). Delayed HH grading improved prognostication at 48hours and remained significant on multivariate analysis as a predictor of mortality (P= 0.0001). We observed a significant difference in mortality between patients HH5 and patients HH4 or lower at 48hours (P= 0.0003). Delayed reassessment of HH grade 48hours postadmission is a predictor of mortality, suggesting reassessment at 48hours in high grade SAH leads to better prognostication.

Subarachnoid Haemorrhage: A Systematic Review

Subarachnoid haemorrhage arises from the accumulation of blood between the arachnoid and pia mater resulting from an aneurysmal rupture or traumatic head injury. Subarachnoid haemorrhage is a life-threatening emergency that requires prompt treatment. The characteristic presenting symptom is the thunderclap headache, which patients may describe as the “worst headache of life” and may prompt further imaging. Associated symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and diplopia. Often signs of meningismus are present due to the presence of blood in the fourth ventricle and further down the spinal cord, causing neck and back pain. Findings of focal deficit increase the grade of subarachnoid haemorrhage and patients with a high-grade subarachnoid haemorrhage report to the Emergency room in a state of coma requiring evaluation and urgent treatment, as the coma can be reversible. Sometimes concurrent intraocular haemorrhage, known as Terson syndrome may be present warranting an ophthalmology service. Eighty per cent of patients that develop Terson syndrome require regular follow-up visits but may not require further intervention. This activity reviews the evaluation and management of subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH).

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Patients with Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Incidence, Predictive Factors, and Impact on Mortality.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a known predictor of poor outcomes in critically ill patients. We sought to examine the role ARDS plays in outcomes in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) patients. Prior studies investigating the incidence of ARDS in SAH patients did not control for SAH severity. Hence, we sought to determine the incidence ARDS in patients diagnosed with aneurysmal SAH and investigate the predisposing risk factors and impact upon outcomes. A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database for the years 2008 to 2014. Multivariate stepwise regression analysis was performed to identify the risk factors and outcome associated with developing ARDS in the setting of SAH. We identified 170,869 patients with non-traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage, of whom 6962 were diagnosed with ARDS and of those 4829 required mechanical ventilation. ARDS more frequently developed in high grade SAH patients (1.97 ± 0.05 vs. 1.15 ± 0.01; p < 0.0001). Neurologic predictors of ARDS included cerebral edema (OR 1.892, CI 1.180-3.034, p = 0.0035) and medical predictors included cardiac arrest (OR 4.642, CI 2.273-9.482, p < 0.0001) and cardiogenic shock (OR 2.984, CI 1.157-7.696, p = 0.0239). ARDS was associated with significantly worse outcomes (15.5% vs. 52.9% discharged home, 63.0% vs. 40.8% discharged to rehabilitation facility and 21.5% vs. 6.3% in-hospital mortality). Patients with SAH who developed ARDS were less likely to be discharged home, more likely to need rehabilitation and had a significantly higher risk of mortality. The identification of risk factors contributing to ARDS is helpful for improving outcomes and resource utilization.

Relationship of Pressure Reactivity Index and Delayed Cerebral Ischemia in Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

Patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) continue to have poor functional outcome due to the occurrence of delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI). Although vasospasm represents the primary therapeutic target for mitigating DCI, DCI occurs through multifocal etiologies that involve impaired cerebral autoregulation. Worse pressure reactivity index (PRx) values, which consists of a moving correlation coefficient between intracranial pressures and mean arterial pressures, have been shown to be associated with DCI in non-randomized clinical trials. We discuss two patients that presented with high-grade SAH and comatose exams. Patient one was a 34-year-old male diagnosed with SAH from a ruptured right middle cerebral artery aneurysm. He had intact PRx values (Mean: -0.07 during hospital days 9-19), while having severe, refractory vasospasm. At the conclusion of his hospitalization, he was functionally independent, had negligible DCI, and was successfully discharged home. Patient two was a 78-year-old female diagnosed with SAH from a ruptured anterior communicating artery aneurysm. She had an improving PRx ranging from -0.1 to 0.1 early in her hospitalization. However, upon developing severe vasospasm, her PRx increased to 0.6 (overall PRx from hospital days 4-16 was 0.3), and she suffered from extensive DCI in bilateral middle cerebral and anterior cerebral artery distributions that ultimately resulted in malignant cerebral edema and brain death. Cerebral autoregulation as measured by PRx may represent a viable target for neuroprognostication by evaluating DCI risk in patients with SAH who develop severe or refractory vasospasm. Further studies evaluating the role of cerebral autoregulation, PRx, and its pathophysiological role in DCI are warranted.

Cortical Spreading Depolarizations in Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: An Overview of Current Knowledge and Future Perspectives.

Despite significant advances in the management of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), morbidity and mortality remain devastating particularly for high-grade SAH. Poor functional outcome usually results from delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI). The pathogenesis of DCI during aneurysmal SAH has historically been attributed to cerebral vasospasm, but spreading depolarizations (SDs) are now considered to play a central role in DCI. During SAH, SDs may produce an inverse hemodynamic response leading to spreading ischemia. Several animal models have contributed to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of SDs during aneurysmal SAH and provided new therapeutic approaches including N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists and phosphodiesterase inhibitors. Herein we review the current knowledge in the field of SDs' pathogenesis and we detail the key experimental and clinical studies that have opened interesting new therapeutic approaches to prevent DCI in aneurysmal SAH.

Hierarchical Cluster Analysis Identifies Distinct Physiological States After Acute Brain Injury.

Analysis of intracranial multimodality monitoring data is challenging, and quantitative methods may help identify unique physiological signatures that inform therapeutic strategies and outcome prediction. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that data-driven approaches can identify distinct physiological states from intracranial multimodality monitoring data. This was a single-center retrospective observational study of patients with either severe traumatic brain injury or high-grade subarachnoid hemorrhage who underwent invasive multimodality neuromonitoring. We used hierarchical cluster analysis to group hourly values for heart rate, mean arterial pressure, intracranial pressure, brain tissue oxygen, and cerebral microdialysis across all included patients into distinct groups. Average values for measured physiological variables were compared across the identified clusters, and physiological profiles from identified clusters were mapped onto physiological states known to occur after acute brain injury. The distribution of clusters was compared between patients with favorable outcome (discharged to home or acute rehab) and unfavorable outcome (in-hospital death or discharged to chronic nursing facility). A total of 1704 observations from 20 patients were included. Even though the difference in mean values for measured variables between patients with favorable and unfavorable outcome were small, we identified four distinct clusters within our data: (1) events with low brain tissue oxygen and high lactate-to-pyruvate ratio-values (consistent with cerebral ischemia), (2) events with higher intracranial pressure values without evidence for ischemia (3) events which appeared to be physiologically "normal," and (4) events with high cerebral lactate without brain hypoxia (consistent with cerebral hyperglycolysis). Patients with a favorable outcome had a greater proportion of cluster 3 (normal) events, whereas patients with an unfavorable outcome had a greater proportion of cluster 1 (ischemia) and cluster 4 (hyperglycolysis) events (p < 0.0001, Fisher-Freeman-Halton test). A data-driven approach can identify distinct groupings from invasive multimodality neuromonitoring data that may have implications for therapeutic strategies and outcome predictions. These groupings could be used as classifiers to train machine learning models that can aid in the treatment of patients with acute brain injury. Further work is needed to replicate the findings of this exploratory study in larger data sets.

Neurocritical care management of poor-grade subarachnoid hemorrhage: Unjustified nihilism to reasonable optimism.

Historically, overall outcomes for patients with high-grade subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) have been poor. Generally, between physicians, either reluctance to treat, or selectivity in treating such patients has been the paradigm. Recent studies have shown that early and aggressive care leads to significant improvement in survival rates and favorable outcomes of grade V SAH patients. With advancements in both neurocritical care and end-of-life care, non-treatment or selective treatment of grade V SAH patients is rarely justified. Current paradigm shifts towards early and aggressive care in such cases may lead to improved outcomes for many more patients. We performed a detailed review of the current literature regarding neurointensive management strategies in high-grade SAH, discussing multiple aspects. We discussed the neurointensive care management protocols for grade V SAH patients. Acutely, intracranial pressure control is of utmost importance with external ventricular drain placement, sedation, optimization of cerebral perfusion pressure, osmotherapy and hyperventilation, as well as cardiopulmonary support through management of hypotension and hypertension. Advancements of care in SAH patients make it unethical to deny treatment to poor Hunt and Hess grade patients. Early and aggressive treatment results in a significant improvement in survival rate and favorable outcome in such patients.

Factors Associated With Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation in Patients With Subarachnoid Hemorrhage-The RAISE Score.

Patients suffering from spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage frequently require mechanical ventilation. Here, we aimed to identify factors associated with prolonged mechanical ventilation in subarachnoid hemorrhage patients and to create a new predictive score for prolonged mechanical ventilation. Prospective cohort study with retrospective data analysis. Neurocritical care unit at a tertiary academic medical center. Two hundred ninety-seven consecutive nontraumatic adult subarachnoid hemorrhage patients. In patients with mechanical ventilation, we identified factors associated with mechanical ventilation greater than 48 hours, greater than 7 days, and greater than 14 days compared with mechanical ventilation less than or equal to 48 hours, less than or equal to 7 days, or less than or equal to 14 days in multivariable generalized linear models. Ventilated patients who died before 48 hours, 7 days, or 14 days and those never ventilated were excluded from the respective analysis. We incorporated those factors into a new prognostic score (the RAISE score) to predict prolonged mechanical ventilation greater than 7 days. The calculation was based on a random dataset of 60% of subarachnoid hemorrhage patients and was internally validated. None. Patients were 57 years old (interquartile range, 47-68 yr) and presented with a median Hunt and Hess grade of 3 (1-5). Two hundred forty-two patients (82%) required mechanical ventilation for 9 days (2-20 d). In multivariable analysis, a higher Acute Physiology Score was associated with mechanical ventilation greater than 48 hours, greater than 7 days, and greater than 14 days, a higher Hunt and Hess grade with greater than 7 days and greater than 14 days. Early neuroimaging findings were associated with mechanical ventilation greater than 48 hours (hydrocephalus; high-grade Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Early Brain Edema Score), greater than 7 days (high-grade Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Early Brain Edema Score, co-occurrence of intracerebral bleeding) but not with prolonged mechanical ventilation greater than 14 days. The RAISE score, including age, Acute Physiology Score, Hunt and Hess grade, Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Early Brain Edema Score, and the co-occurrence of intracerebral hemorrhage accurately stratified patients by prolonged mechanical ventilation greater than 7 days (C-statistic 0.932). A RAISE score of 12 predicted 60% likelihood of mechanical ventilation greater than 7 days. Initial disease severity and neuroimaging findings detected within 24 hours after ICU admission were associated with the need for prolonged mechanical ventilation in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage. These results may be helpful for patient families and caregivers to better anticipate the course of therapy.

Endocrine Dysfunction in Traumatic Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Prospective Study

Abstract Background This study has prospectively investigated pituitary function and their correlation with severity, pressure effect, and Glasgow outcome scale in the acute phase of traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Most of the retrospective studies have demonstrated that traumatic SAH-mediated hypopituitarism could be more frequent than previously known. Objectives The aim of the study is to find the prevalence of endocrine dysfunction in traumatic SAH and its correlation with severity of injury and final outcome. Materials and Methods Eighty-four consecutive patients of traumatic SAH formed the study group. Apart from clinical assessment, noncontrast computed tomography of the head was performed on all patients on admission. The hormonal analysis (FT3, FT4, thyroid-stimulating hormone, growth hormone [GH], cortisol, prolactin, testosterone) was performed within 24 hours of traumatic brain injury and was repeated on the seventh day amongst the patients who survived. Results Most common hormone to increase on day one was cortisol (48.78%), while on day seven follicle-stimulating hormones and cortisol (15.38%) showed increment in levels. Most common hormone to decrease on day one was FT3 (36.84%) and GH (36.26%), while on day seven testosterone (66.67%) and FT4 (30.76%) showed decreasing levels. Hormone most resistant to change was prolactin. Conclusion Hormonal dysfunction is common in moderate to severe traumatic brain injury. There is a direct association between radiological grading (Fischer) of SAH and hormonal profile changes. Performance of hormonal analysis should be considered in patients with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury, preferably with high-grade SAH, so that appropriate hormonal replacement can be done to optimize the clinical outcome.

Intraventricular Hematoma Removal with Combined Drainage Techniques in Patients with High-Grade Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Surgical Technique.

To describe a surgical technique for removal of hematomas in the third ventricle in patients with high-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and report our intraoperative observations and surgical and clinical outcomes. Ninety-four patients with high-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhagic were included in the study. Prior to Sylvian dissection, a ventricular catheter was inserted as soon as possible. After surgical corridor opening and aneurysm clipping, the lamina terminalis (LT) was fenestrated. The free flow of isotonic solution from the back-side open syringe to the distal end of the catheter inside the third ventricle was allowed under gravitational force. The blood clot trapped in the third ventricle was removed through the aperture of the LT by propulsion of blood through the anterior movement of the solution. The procedure was continued until the clearance of solution was observed. The study population consisted of two groups, the combined surgical technique group and the control group, which included patients who underwent operation before the planned study, with 47 patients in each group. The Glasgow Coma, Hunt and Hess, and Fisher scales were used to determine the clinical and radiological severities of the cases. The Modified Rankin Scale was used to evaluate the surgical outcomes at presentation and the 6 < sup > th < /sup > and 12 < sup > th < /sup > postoperative months. Our reported surgical technique, which combines ventricular drainage and opening of the LT, will be useful for removing blood clots and blood breakdown products, and recirculating cerebrospinal fluid as much and as soon as possible in high-grade SAH patients with ventricular hemorrhage. Although combining these two well-known procedures as a novel technique does not have any reducing effect on mortality, it may have a significant reducing effect on hydrocephalus and shunt dependency.

Phase dynamics of cerebral blood flow in subarachnoid haemorrhage in response to sodium nitrite infusion

Aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) is a devastating subset of stroke. One of the major determinates of morbidity is the development of delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI). Disruption of the nitric oxide (NO) pathway and consequently the control of cerebral blood flow (CBF), known as cerebral autoregulation, is believed to play a role in its pathophysiology. Through the pharmacological manipulation of in vivo NO levels using an exogenous NO donor we sought to explore this relationship.Phase synchronisation index (PSI), an expression of the interdependence between CBF and arterial blood pressure (ABP) and thus cerebral autoregulation, was calculated before and during sodium nitrite administration in 10 high-grade SAH patients acutely post-rupture. In patients that did not develop DCI, there was a significant increase in PSI around 0.1 Hz during the administration of sodium nitrite (33%; p-value 0.006). In patients that developed DCI, PSI did not change significantly.Synchronisation between ABP and CBF at 0.1 Hz has been proposed as a mechanism by which organ perfusion is maintained, during periods of physiological stress. These findings suggest that functional NO depletion plays a role in impaired cerebral autoregulation following SAH, but the development of DCI may have a distinct pathophysiological aetiology.

Six-month mortality and functional outcomes in aneurysmal sub-arachnoid haemorrhage patients admitted to intensive care units in Australia and New Zealand: A prospective cohort study

Historical studies suggest survivors of aneurysmal sub-arachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) have at least a moderate burden of functional impairment. However, there is a paucity of modern data concerning these outcomes in those admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Accordingly, the aim of this multicentre prospective observational cohort study was to provide contemporary epidemiological data concerning 6-month outcomes of adult aneurysmal SAH patients admitted to ICU in Australia and New Zealand (ANZ). Between March 2016 and June 2018 (inclusive), 357 patients requiring ICU admission were enrolled into the study, from eleven (n = 11) neurosurgical centres in ANZ. The majority of patients were female (n = 242, 68%), the median [IQR] age was 57 [49, 67] years, and almost all were living independently prior to their SAH (n = 337, 94%). 38% (n = 134) suffered a high-grade (WFNS 4–5) SAH. The median index ICU and hospital lengths of stay (LOS) were 9 [4–14], and 20 [13–29] days, respectively. In-hospital mortality was 22% (n = 77). Of the evaluable cohort (n = 348), a further nine (n = 9) patients had died by 6-months, yielding an all cause mortality of 25% (n = 86). Moreover, 35% (n = 114) of assessable patients were ‘dead or disabled’ (modified Rankin scale ≥4) at 6-months, and there was significant variation between sites, independent of SAH severity. Overall, these patients consumed substantial healthcare resources, and given the burden of mortality and morbidity, in addition to the variability between institutions, there may be opportunity to improve patient outcomes.

The ESAS-score: A histological severity grading system of subarachnoid hemorrhage using the modified double hemorrhage model in rats

ObjectiveThe amount of extravasated blood is an established surrogate marker for subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) severity, which varies in different experimental SAH (eSAH) models. A comprehensive eSAH grading system would allow a more reliable correlation of outcome parameters with SAH severity. The aim of this study was to define a severity score for eSAH related to the Fisher-Score in humans.Material and methodsSAH was induced in 135 male rats using the modified double hemorrhage model. A sham group included 8 rats, in which saline solution instead of blood was injected. Histological analysis with HE(hematoxylin-eosin)-staining for the visualization of blood was performed in all rats on day 5. The amount and distribution of blood within the subarachnoid space and ventricles (IVH) was analyzed.ResultsThe mortality rate was 49.6% (71/143). In all except five SAH rats, blood was visible within the subarachnoid space. As expected, no blood was detected in the sham group. The following eSAH severity score was established (ESAS-score): grade I: no SAH visible; grade II: local or diffuse thin SAH, no IVH; grade III: diffuse / thick layers of blood, no IVH; grade IV: additional IVH. Grade I was seen in five rats (7.9%), grade II in 28.6% (18/63), grade III in 41.3% (26/63) and grade IV in 22.2% (14/63) of the rats with eSAH.ConclusionThe double hemorrhage model allows the induction of a high grade SAH in more than 60% of the rats, making it suitable for the evaluation of outcome parameters in severe SAH.

Microsurgical Clipping of Anterior Choroidal Artery Aneurysms: A Systematic Approach to Reducing Ischemic Complications in an Experience with 146 Patients.

Aneurysms of the anterior choroidal artery (AChA) have been associated with high treatment-associated morbidity due to ischemic complications. To report a large clinical experience of microsurgically treated AChA aneurysms and describe a systematic approach to reduce ischemic complications. One hundred forty-six patients with AChA aneurysms were retrospectively reviewed from a prospectively maintained database. Clinical characteristics, surgical techniques, clinical outcomes, arterial infarction, and use of intraoperative adjuncts (ie, ultrasonography, indocyanine green videoangiography, and neuromonitoring) were analyzed. In total, one hundred forty-three aneurysms (97.9%) were clipped. Temporary clipping was utilized in 47 cases (32.2%) with mean occlusion time of 5.6 min. Arterial infarction occurred in 12 patients (8.2%). In clipped aneurysms, 90.5% were completely obliterated, 8.8% had minimal residual (<5% of original), and 0.7% were incompletely occluded (>5% of original). Mortality (2.7%) was limited to patients with high-grade subarachnoid hemorrhage. Indocyanine green videoangiography and neuromonitoring altered operative technique in ∼20% of cases. Multivariate logistic regression identified intraoperative rupture as the sole predictor for arterial infarction. Open microsurgical clipping remains a safe, effective treatment for AChA aneurysms. Microsurgical technique is paramount in preserving AChA patency and reducing ischemic complications. Despite increasing reliance on qualitative measures of AChA blood flow (videoangiography and ultrasonography) and neurophysiological monitoring, these technologies aid us infrequently. However, these adjuncts provide important safety checks for AChA patency. Temporary clipping must be used judiciously to lower the risk of intraoperative rupture while limiting possible ischemia in the AChA territory.

Clinical Results and Surgical Details of Lamina Terminalis Fenestration in Patients with High Grade Subarachnoid Haemorrhage: One Year Experience of A Single Institute

Clinical Results and Surgical Details of Lamina Terminalis Fenestration in Patients with High Grade Subarachnoid Haemorrhage: One Year Experience of A Single Institute

Misdiagnosis of acute subarachnoid hemorrhage in the era of multimodal diagnostic options

ObjectivePatients suffering from aneurysmatic Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (SAH) may present with a variety of symptoms. The aim of this study is to evaluate the spectrum of misdiagnoses and to analyze the significance of delay of correct diagnosis on the clinical outcome. MethodsThe data was collected prospectively from 2003 to 2013. Patients diagnosed with disease different from aneurysmal SAH by the initially treating physician, and admitted to our department with a delay of at least 24 h after the beginning of the symptoms, were included in this study. We analyzed the various diagnoses that were ascertained instead of SAH and which medical specialty had provided them. ResultsOverall 704 patients were treated with acute SAH. The inclusion criteria were matched in 76 patients (13.7%). Eleven specialties were involved in the initial patients' treatment. The time interval between initial symptoms and neurosurgical admission varied enormously. Statistically, higher Hunt & Hess score did not lead to an earlier diagnosis (p = 0.56) nor did localisation of the aneurysm (p = 0.75). Lower Fisher score was led to delayed diagnosis (p = 0.02). Delay of diagnosis was not significantly associated with the outcome (p = 0.08) whereas Hunt & Hess grade on admission was a strong predictor for bad outcome (p = 0.00001) as was cerebral vasospasm on the first angiogram (p < 0.05). ConclusionA straightforward diagnosis of SAH despite diffuse and unspecific symptoms is crucial for the successful treatment of these patients, especially with high grade SAH.

Association between Early Hyperoxia and Neurologic Outcome in Patient with High Grade Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Background: Oxygenation support is a common practice in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The aim of this study was to analyze the association between early hyperoxia and the neurological outcome in patients presenting a High Grade SAH, using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 6 months. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data of SAH in a single center, retrospective, observational study. The inclusion criteria were patients’ ≥ 18 years-old, under mechanical ventilation upon admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) and presenting an aneurysmal SAH with a WFNS score ≥3. Hyperoxia was defined as PaO2 > 120 mmHg and classified into 3 subgroups: mild (121-200 mmHg), moderate (201-300 mmHg) and severe (> 300 mmHg). Patients with a 6 months-mRS >3 were considered as having a poor outcome. Results: One hundred and thirty-nine patients with aneurysmal SAH were included. 82% of patients were exposed to hyperoxia with predominance of mild hyperoxia (42.8%). A higher yet non-statistical, poor neurologic outcome was identified in the hyperoxic compared to normoxic group (72% vs. 87.7% OR 2.8 [1.02-7.71], p 0.12). Following a multivariate analysis, a statistical trend was identified between the hyperoxic group and a 6-month poor neurological outcome (OR 2.84, 95% CI, 0.99-8.19; p=0.052), but no statistical association was found with delayed cerebral ischemia (OR 1.68, 95% CI, 0.5-5.71, p=0.39) nor with 28-day mortality (OR 2.17, 95% CI, 0.82-5.75, p=0.11). Conclusions: Our findings suggest a statistical trend between early hyperoxia and a poor neurological outcome at 6 months, in patients with a high grade aneurysmal SAH admitted to the ICU. Further, large-scale studies are required to fully evaluate the effects of hyperoxia.

Continuous electroencephalography predicts delayed cerebral ischemia after subarachnoid hemorrhage: A prospective study of diagnostic accuracy.

Delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) is a common, disabling complication of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Preventing DCI is a key focus of neurocritical care, but interventions carry risk and cannot be applied indiscriminately. Although retrospective studies have identified continuous electroencephalographic (cEEG) measures associated with DCI, no study has characterized the accuracy of cEEG with sufficient rigor to justify using it to triage patients to interventions or clinical trials. We therefore prospectively assessed the accuracy of cEEG for predicting DCI, following the Standards for Reporting Diagnostic Accuracy Studies. We prospectively performed cEEG in nontraumatic, high-grade SAH patients at a single institution. The index test consisted of clinical neurophysiologists prospectively reporting prespecified EEG alarms: (1) decreasing relative alpha variability, (2) decreasing alpha-delta ratio, (3) worsening focal slowing, or (4) late appearing epileptiform abnormalities. The diagnostic reference standard was DCI determined by blinded, adjudicated review. Primary outcome measures were sensitivity and specificity of cEEG for subsequent DCI, determined by multistate survival analysis, adjusted for baseline risk. One hundred three of 227 consecutive patients were eligible and underwent cEEG monitoring (7.7-day mean duration). EEG alarms occurred in 96.2% of patients with and 19.6% without subsequent DCI (1.9-day median latency, interquartile range = 0.9-4.1). Among alarm subtypes, late onset epileptiform abnormalities had the highest predictive value. Prespecified EEG findings predicted DCI among patients with low (91% sensitivity, 83% specificity) and high (95% sensitivity, 77% specificity) baseline risk. cEEG accurately predicts DCI following SAH and may help target therapies to patients at highest risk of secondary brain injury. Ann Neurol 2018;83:958-969.