Intrasylvian/Intracerebral Hematomas Associated with Ruptured Middle Cerebral Artery Aneurysms: A Single-Center Series and Literature Review

Comparison Between Intrasylvian and Intracerebral Hematoma Associated with Ruptured Middle Cerebral Artery Aneurysms: Clinical Implications, Technical Considerations, and Outcome Evaluation

BACKGROUND

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) due to a middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysm rupture is often associated with an intracerebral hematoma (ICH) or intrasylvian hematoma (ISH).

METHODS

We reviewed 163 patients with ruptured MCA aneurysms associated with pure SAH or SAH plus ICH or ISH. The patients were first dichotomized according to the presence of a hematoma (ICH or ISH). Next, we performed a subgroup analysis comparing ICH versus ISH to explore their relationship with the most relevant demographic, clinical, and angioarchitectural features.

RESULTS

Overall, 85 patients (52%) had a pure SAH, and 78 (48%) had presented with an associated ICH or ISH. No significant differences were observed in the demographics or angioarchitectural features between the 2 groups. However, the Fisher grade and Hunt-Hess score were higher for the patients with hematomas. A good outcome was observed in a higher percentage of patients with pure SAH compared with those with an associated hematoma (76% vs. 44%), although the mortality rates were comparable. Age, Hunt-Hess score, and treatment-related complications were the main outcome predictors on multivariate analysis. Patients with ICH appeared worse clinically compared with those with ISH. We also found that older age, a higher Hunt-Hess score, larger aneurysms, decompressive craniectomy, and treatment-related complications were associated with poor outcomes among the patients with an ISH, but not an ICH, which appeared, per se, as a more severe clinical condition.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study has confirmed that age, Hunt-Hess score, and treatment-related complications influence the outcome of patients with ruptured MCA aneurysms. However, in the subgroup analysis of patients with SAH associated with an ICH or ISH, only the Hunt-Hess score at onset appeared as an independent predictor of the outcome.

Patterns of intracerebral hemorrhage that result in unfavorable outcomes in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage

OBJECTIVE(S)

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) contributes considerably to the high morbidity and mortality of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Specific patterns of aSAH-associated ICH that are not compatible with favorable outcome remain unknown. The main objective of this study is to report patterns of aSAH-associated ICH that result in unfavorable outcomes.

METHODS

This is a retrospective analysis of 1036 consecutive aSAH patients admitted to an academic neurosurgical center in a 15-year period (01/2005-12/2019). Admission imaging was investigated for presence, location and size of intracerebral hemorrhage. The rates of favorable outcome at 6 months (modified Rankin Scale) relative to ICH location and volume were analyzed to identify patterns of ICH which were incompatible with favorable outcome.

RESULTS

284 of 1036 patients (27.4%) suffered from aSAH-related ICH. The median ICH volume was 14.0 ml. Outcome of patients with ICH < 10 ml was comparable to patients without ICH. ICH volumes > 10 ml were associated with worse outcomes. We identified the fronto-basal brain to tolerate even larger ICH without compromise of neurological outcomes. ICH located in the frontal, fronto-insular, temporo-insular and temporal regions were associated with intermediate prognoses as outcome declined with larger ICH volumes. ICH located in the basal ganglia, cerebellum, corpus callosum and bifrontal ICH were associated with particularly poor outcomes irrespective of ICH volumes.

CONCLUSION

aSAH-associated ICH of the basal ganglia, cerebellum, corpus callosum and bifrontal brain are associated with exceptionally poor outcomes. ICH volume alone is insufficient for prognostic considerations.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on patients with intracranial aneurysm rupture

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

The present study aimed at evaluating the impact on the early outcome of patients with ruptured intracranial aneurysms.

METHODS

Our study prospectively included 26 consecutive patients with ruptured intracranial aneurysm managed at our institution in context of COVID-19 pandemic between March 1st, 2020 and April, 26th, 2020 (2020 group). A group control included other 28 consecutive patients managed at the same institution for the same disease in 2019, during the same time frame (2019 group). On admission, poor neurological status was defined as WFNS score >3. Severe radiological status was defined by the presence of intracerebral hematoma, or/and acute hydrocephalus requiring further EVD or/and the presence of vasospasm on presentation. Statistical analysis was performed to compare the 2 distinct groups.

RESULTS

Rates of poor neurological presentation and severe radiological presentation on hospital admission were higher in the 2020 group (p = 0.01 and p = 0.02, respectively). The delayed hospital admission was 2.7 days in 2020 group and 0.75 days in 2019 group (p = 0.005). Therefore, vasospasm's rate on presentation was also higher in the 2020 group (p = 0.04).

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, this is one of the first studies demonstrating influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients with urgent and severe intracranial aneurysmal disease. In case of recurrent COVID-19 pandemic, educating the population concerning specific symptoms such as sudden headache, neurological deficit or even sudden chest pain should be emphasized.

Serum SUR1 and TRPM4 in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage

Neuroinflammation plays an important role in neuronal injury after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Sulfonylurea receptor 1 (SUR1) and transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M member 4 (TRPM4) receptors play an important role in the pathogenesis of several neural injuries, such as neural edema, spinal cord damage, stroke, and neuronal damage in aSAH. This study aimed to investigate the relationship of serum SUR1 and TRPM4 levels with the neurological status within the first 15 days after aSAH. In this prospective study, blood samples were collected from 44 consecutive patients on the 1st, 4th, and 14th days after aSAH. Serum SUR1 and TRPM4 levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Glasgow coma scale and World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) scores upon presentation and Glasgow outcome scale (GOS) score on the 14th day were recorded. Serum SUR1 and TRPM4 levels on the 1st, 4th, and 14th days were significantly higher in patients with aSAH than in normal individuals. This increase in the levels varied among the 1st, 4th, and 14th days. On the first day, a correlation was observed between serum SUR1, but not TRPM4, levels and the WFNS score. Moreover, on the 14th day, an association of serum SUR1 and TRPM4 levels with the GOS score was noted. Serum SUR1 and TRPM4 levels were significantly upregulated in the peripheral blood samples. Further study is warranted to establish the utility of SUR1 and TRPM4 as biomarkers in patients with aSAH.

Treatment of Large and Giant Middle Cerebral Artery Aneurysms: Risk Factors for Unfavorable Outcomes

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the clinical and radiologic outcomes after neurosurgical treatment of large and giant aneurysms of the middle cerebral artery (MCA). In addition, we aimed to identify risk factors for unfavorable outcomes.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 105 patients with 106 large or giant MCA aneurysms treated with neurosurgical methods, including microsurgery and endovascular treatment, over a 15-year period.

RESULTS

The mean aneurysm size was 15.3 ± 7.1 mm. Ten (9.4%) were giant aneurysms. The MCA bifurcation was the most common aneurysm site, followed by the MCA trunk and distal MCA. Aneurysm clipping was the most common treatment method, followed by clipping or trapping with bypass surgery and endovascular treatment. However, acute cerebral infarction was the most common complication (16.0%), poor outcomes (modified Rankin Scale score, 3-6) developed in 12.3% of aneurysms after treatment, and 6.6% of treated aneurysms needed retreatment. Multivariate analysis showed that independent risk factors for acute cerebral infarction after treatment were aneurysms located on the MCA trunk and 2 or more underlying diseases. Initial presentation with subarachnoid hemorrhage and complications during treatment were independent risk factors for poor outcomes. In addition, endosaccular coiling was an independent risk factor for retreatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Neurosurgical management should be considered a priority for large and giant MCA aneurysms because of the high rupture rate and clinical symptoms. However, treatment outcomes remain unsatisfactory. Therefore, tailored management with consideration of risk factors for unfavorable outcomes should be implemented.