Computerized axial tomography of intracerebral and intraventricular hemorrhage

Betamethasone for Preterm Birth: Auckland Steroid Trial Full Results and New Insights 50 Years on

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to use modern analysis and reporting methods to present the full results of the first randomized trial of antenatal corticosteroids, performed 50 years ago.

STUDY DESIGN

In this single-center trial, women at risk of preterm birth at 24 to less than 37 weeks of gestation were randomized to receive 2 doses of betamethasone or placebo, 24 hours apart. Women and their caregivers were blinded to treatment allocation. The primary outcome was respiratory distress syndrome. Secondary outcomes included measures of neonatal mortality and morbidity, mode of birth, and maternal infection.

RESULTS

Between 1969 and 1974, 1115 women (1142 pregnancies) were randomized, 560 pregnancies (601 infants) to betamethasone and 582 (617 infants) to placebo. The risk of respiratory distress syndrome was significantly reduced in the betamethasone group compared with placebo (8.8% vs 14.4%, adjusted relative risk 0.62, 95% CI 0.45-0.86, P = .004). Subgroup analyses indicated greater efficacy in male than female infants but no effect of tocolytic therapy or doubling of betamethasone dose. Fetal or neonatal death, neonatal or maternal infection, neonatal hypoglycaemia, cesarean delivery, and lactation status at discharge were not different between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Antenatal betamethasone administered to women at risk of preterm birth between 24 and less than 37 weeks of gestation reduces the incidence of respiratory distress syndrome, with greater effect in male than in female infants. Doubling the dose of betamethasone does not provide additional benefit.

Intracerebral haemorrhage in bacterial meningitis

OBJECTIVE

To determine the incidence, clinical course, radiological patterns, and clinical outcome of intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) complicating community-acquired bacterial meningitis.

METHODS

The clinical characteristics and outcome of patients with ICH complicating bacterial meningitis were studied in a prospectively nationwide cohort in the Netherlands performed from 2006 to 2018.

RESULTS

ICH was identified in 44 of 2306 episodes of bacterial meningitis (1.9%). Nine of these patients (20%) were diagnosed with ICH on admission and 35 (80%) during clinical course after a median of 5 days (1-9). ICH occurred in 4 patients with endocarditis (9%), 9 patients on anticoagulation (vitamin K antagonists and heparin; 20%), and 10 patients with cerebral infarctions (23%). In 31 patients (70%) ICH was a lobar haematoma. ICH in bacterial meningitis was associated with high rates of death (24 of 44 [55%] vs. 346 of 2200 [16%]; P < 0.001) and unfavourable outcome compared to non-ICH patients (39 of 44 [89%] vs. 798 of 2200 [36%]; P < 0.001). Neurological sequelae on discharge occurred frequently in ICH survivors compared to non-ICH patients (15 of 20 [75%] vs. 203 of 1669 [12%]; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

ICH is a rare but severe complication in patients with bacterial meningitis occurring in those with endocarditis, cerebral infarction, and anticoagulant use. ICH complicating bacterial meningitis is associated with high rates of death and morbidity.

Predictive effects of admission white blood cell counts and hounsfield unit values on delayed cerebral ischemia after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

OBJECTIVE

Neuroinflammatory response is deemed the primary pathogenesis of delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) caused by aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Both white blood cell (WBC) count and Hounsfield Unit (HU) are gradually considered can reflect inflammation in DCI. This study aims to identify the relationship between WBC count and HU value and investigate the effects of both indicators in predicting DCI after aSAH.

METHODS

We enrolled 109 patients with aSAH admitted within 24 h of onset in our study. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the admission WBC count, HU value, and combined WBC-HU associated with DCI. The receiver operating characteristic curve and area under the curve (AUC) were used to determine thresholds and detect the predictive ability of these predictors. These indicators were also compared with the established inflammation markers.

RESULTS

Thirty-six (33%) patients developed DCI. Both WBC count and HU value were strongly associated with the admission glucose level (ρ = .303, p = .001; ρ = .273, p = .004), World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies grade (ρ = .452, p < .001; ρ = .578; p < .001), Hunt-Hess grade (ρ = .450, p < .001; ρ = .510, p < .001), and modified Fisher scale score (ρ = .357, p < .001; ρ = .330, p < .001). After controlling these public variables, WBC count (ρ = .300, p = .002) positively correlated with HU value. An early elevated WBC (odds ratio [OR] 1.449, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.183-1.774, p < .001) count and HU value (OR 1.304, 95%CI: 1.149-1.479, p < .001) could independently predict the occurrence of DCI. However, only these patients with both WBC count and HU value exceeding the cut-off points (OR 36.89, 95%CI: 5.606-242.78, p < .001) were strongly correlated with DCI. Compared with a single WBC count (AUC 0.811, 95%CI: 0.729-0.892, p < .001) or HU value (AUC 0.869, 95%CI: 0.803-0.936, p < .001), the combined WBC-HU (AUC 0.898, 95%CI: 0.839-0.957, p < .001) demonstrated a better ability to predict the occurrence of DCI. Inspiringly, the prediction performance of these indicators outperformed the established inflammatory markers.

CONCLUSION

An early elevated WBC count and HU value could independently predict DCI occurrence between 4 and 30 days after aSAH. Furthermore, WBC count was positively correlated with HU value, and the combined WBC-HU demonstrated a superior prediction ability for DCI development compared with the individual indicator.

50th anniversary of computed tomography: past and future applications in clinical neuroscience

Purpose: It has been 50 years since computed tomography was introduced to the worldwide neurologic medical and surgical community. In that time, tremendous advances in computer software and hardware, as well as creative changes in computerized tomographic (CT) hardware and tube technology, have dramatically improved the temporal and spatial resolution of CT. In this paper, I address what I feel are some of the most important impacts of CT in the field of clinical neuroscience over the last 50 years, as well as potential applications of CT that are on the horizon.

Approach: I have recounted from literature, colleagues, and personal recollection the historical impact of CT on neuroradiology practice and what appear to be near-term future applications.

Conclusions: Therapeutic applications beyond diagnosis, such as image-guided procedures, radiation, and surgical planning, and development of the field of theranostics have emerged and further increased the need for faster and more precise CT imaging. The integration of machine learning into the acquisition chain and radiologist tool kit has great implications for standardization, analysis, and diagnosis worldwide.

Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in Bacterial Meningitis Patients

INTRODUCTION

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) has been described as an uncommon complication of community-acquired bacterial meningitis. However, the incidence, clinical course, and outcome are unclear.

METHODS

We assessed the clinical characteristics, incidence, and clinical outcome of patients with SAH complicating bacterial meningitis in a prospective nationwide cohort study from 2006 to 2018 in the Netherlands. Patients were identified through the Netherlands Reference Laboratory for Bacterial Meningitis, which receives around 90% of CSF isolates of all Dutch patients with bacterial meningitis, or after direct report by the treating physician.

RESULTS

SAH was diagnosed in 22 of 2,306 episodes (0.9%), of which 7 (32%) were diagnosed upon admission and 15 (68%) during admission. All patients showed clinical deterioration before SAH was diagnosed: altered mental status in 18 of 22 patients (82%), focal neurological symptoms in 2 (9%) and, new-onset fever with severe tachycardia in 1 (5%). Acute onset of headache was not reported in any of the patients. Distribution of blood was diffuse in the subarachnoid space in 7 patients (32%), multifocal in 8 patients (36%), and focal in 7 patients (32%) of 22 patients. In 6 patients (27%), CT angiography, MR angiography, or digital subtraction angiography was performed, showing a mycotic aneurysm in 1 patient (5%) and vasculitis in 1 patient (5%). Presence of SAH in bacterial meningitis patients was associated with a poor prognosis assessed at discharge: 12 of 22 patients with SAH died (54%) compared to 361 of 2,257 (16%, p < 0.001) without SAH, and 19 of 22 had an unfavorable outcome (86%) compared to 831 of 2,257 (37%, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

SAH is an uncommon complication in bacterial meningitis and is associated with high case fatality and morbidity.

Calcified brain metastases may be more frequent than normally considered

Objectives

To verify the incidence of calcified brain metastases (CBM), illustrating the different presentation patterns and histology of primary tumor.

Methods

A series of 1002 consecutive brain computed tomography (CT) scans of patients with known primary tumors was retrospectively assessed. CBM were defined by the presence of calcification within intra-axial-enhancing lesions; identification of CBM was based on visual examination and ROI analysis (> 85 Hounsfield units). Also, calcifications in the primary tumor of all patients with brain metastases were evaluated. In CBM patients, we investigated the type of calcifications (punctate, nodular, cluster, ring, coarse), the histology of primary tumor, and if a previous RT was performed.

Results

Among 190 (18.9%) patients with brain metastatic disease, 34 presented with CBM (17.9%). Sixteen patients were previously treated with RT, while 18 presented calcifications ab initio (9.5% of all brain metastases). The majority of patients with CBM had a primitive lung adenocarcinoma (56%), followed by breast ductal invasive carcinoma (20%) and small cell lung carcinoma (11.8%). CBM were single in 44.1% of patients and multiple in 55.9%. With regard to the type of calcifications, the majority of CBM were punctate, without specific correlations between calcification type and histology of primary tumor. No patients with ab initio CBM had calcifications in primary tumor.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our data show that CBM are more common than usually thought, showing an incidence of 9.5% ab initio in patients with brain metastases. This study underlines that neuroradiologists should not overlook intraparenchymal brain calcifications, especially in oncologic patients.

Key Points

• Among the differential diagnosis of brain intraparenchymal calcifications, metastases are considered uncommon and found predominantly in patients treated with radiotherapy (RT).

• Our data show that CBM are more common than usually thought, showing an incidence of 9.5% ab initio in patients with brain metastases.

• A proportion of intraparenchymal brain calcifications, especially in oncologic patients, might represent evolving lesions and neuroradiologists should not overlook them to avoid a delay in diagnosis and treatment.

Hounsfield Unit Value of Interpeduncular Cistern Hematomas Can Predict Symptomatic Vasospasm

Background and Purpose- Symptomatic vasospasm is an important factor that affects the outcomes of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. Subarachnoid blood volume can predict symptomatic vasospasm, and we postulated that the blood clot density would also be an important factor involved in such events. The present study aimed to determine the relationship between the incidence of symptomatic vasospasm and the Hounsfield unit (HU) value of the interpeduncular cistern that reflects the density of hematomas. Methods- Data from 323 patients admitted and treated at a single center between 2008 and 2017 within 24 hours of subarachnoid hemorrhage onset were retrospectively analyzed. Initial HU values of the interpeduncular cistern were measured using CT, then correlations with the incidence of symptomatic vasospasm and HU values as well as other variables were assessed. Results- Symptomatic vasospasm developed in 54 (16.7%) of the 323 patients. The incidence of symptomatic vasospasm was low (1.8%, 2/166) for HU <50, but this incidence increased greatly when the HU value exceeded 50 (23.7%, 22/93 for HU >50 to ≤60, and 45.3%, 29/64 for HU >60). The odds ratio for symptomatic vasospasm was 2.0 (95% CI, 1.6-2.4) per 5 HU increase. Symptomatic vasospasm correlated significantly with intraventricular hemorrhage (P=0.05) and with intracerebral hematoma (P=0.046) but even more significantly with the HU value of the interpeduncular cistern (P<0.0001). Conclusions- The HU value of the interpeduncular cistern on initial CT is an accurate and reliable predictor of symptomatic vasospasm.

Intracranial Aneurysms: A Clinical, Angiographic and Computerized Tomographie Study

Fifty-six patients with 63 aneurysms were selected from a larger group of patients because they had at least one angiographic and one CT scan study. A total of 102 CT scans and 136 angiograms were analyzed. In five patients the aneurysm was visualized on the CT scan. There was a tendency for the location of the subarachnoid hemorrhage and intracerebral hematomas visualized on the CT scans to correlate with the site of the aneurysm as seen on the angiogram. The CT scan was useful in demonstrating the evolution of hydrocephalus and in differentiating hematoma from edema. The patients with normal CT scans were more likely to have good neurological grades. No single angiographic or CT scan feature correlated significantly with survival at lower than the 5 percent level.

Suspected brain metastasis from lung cancer mimicking intracerebral hemorrhage: A case report

RATIONALE

Hemorrhage rarely occurs in a solitary brain metastasis from lung carcinoma.

PATIENT CONCERNS

We report on a 54-year-old man who presented with a severe headache for 4 days.

DIAGNOSES

Based on computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging enhancement, the patient was diagnosed with a suspected hemorrhagic brain metastasis from lung carcinoma.

INTERVENTIONS

The patient's family rejected a pathological examination.

OUTCOMES

The patient's family requested discharge after diagnosis.

LESSONS

The present case emphasizes the need to consider hemorrhagic metastasis as a differential diagnosis in patients presenting with solitary intracerebral hemorrhage whose location is uncommon, especially when the poor general state of the patient cannot be attributed to hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage.

Early Quantification of Hematoma Hounsfield Units on Noncontrast CT in Acute Intraventricular Hemorrhage Predicts Ventricular Clearance after Intraventricular Thrombolysis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Thrombolytic efficacy of intraventricular rtPA for acute intraventricular hemorrhage may depend on hematoma composition. We assessed whether hematoma Hounsfield unit quantification informs intraventricular hemorrhage clearance after intraventricular rtPA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Serial NCCT was performed on 52 patients who received intraventricular rtPA as part of the Clot Lysis Evaluation of Accelerated Resolution of Intraventricular Hemorrhage trial and 12 controls with intraventricular hemorrhage, but no rtPA treatment. A blinded investigator calculated Hounsfield unit values for intraventricular hemorrhage volumes on admission (t0), days 3-4 (t1), and days 6-9 (t2). Controls were matched uniquely to 12 rtPA-treated patients for comparison.

RESULTS

Median intraventricular hemorrhage volume on admission for patients treated with intraventricular rtPA was 31.9 mL (interquartile range, 34.1 mL), and it decreased to 4.9 mL (interquartile range, 14.5 mL) (t2). Mean (±standard error of the mean) Hounsfield unit for intraventricular hemorrhage was 52.1 (0.59) at t0 and decreased significantly to 50.1 (0.63) (t1), and to 45.1 (0.71) (t2). Total intraventricular hemorrhage Hounsfield unit count was significantly correlated with intraventricular hemorrhage volume at all time points (t0: P = .002; t1: P < .001; t2: P < .001). On serologic and CSF analysis at t0, only higher CSF protein was positively correlated with intraventricular hemorrhage Hounsfield units (P = .03). In 24 matched patients treated with rtPA and controls, total intraventricular hemorrhage Hounsfield units were significantly lower in patients treated with rtPA at t2 (P = .02). Higher Hounsfield unit quantification of fourth ventricle hematomas independently predicted slower clearance of this ventricle (95% CI, 0.02-0.14; P = .02), along with higher intraventricular hemorrhage volume (95% CI, 0.02-0.41; P = .03) and lower CSF protein levels (95% CI, -0.003 to -0.002; P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Intraventricular hemorrhage Hounsfield unit counts decrease significantly in the acute phase and to a greater extent with intraventricular rtPA treatment. Intraventricular hemorrhage Hounsfield units are correlated significantly with CSF protein and not with serum erythrocyte or platelet concentrations. Hounsfield unit counts may reflect intraventricular hemorrhage clot composition and rtPA sensitivity.

History and evolution of brain tumor imaging: insights through radiology

This review recounts the history of brain tumor diagnosis from antiquity to the present and, indirectly, the history of neuroradiology. Imaging of the brain has from the beginning held an enormous interest because of the inherent difficulty of this endeavor due to the presence of the skull. Because of this, most techniques when newly developed have always been used in neuroradiology and, although some have proved to be inappropriate for this purpose, many were easily incorporated into the specialty. The first major advance in modern neuroimaging was contrast agent-enhanced computed tomography, which permitted accurate anatomic localization of brain tumors and, by virtue of contrast enhancement, malignant ones. The most important advances in neuroimaging occurred with the development of magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion-weighted sequences that allowed an indirect estimation of tumor cellularity; this was further refined by the development of perfusion and permeability mapping. From its beginnings with indirect and purely anatomic imaging techniques, neuroradiology now uses a combination of anatomic and physiologic techniques that will play a critical role in biologic tumor imaging and radiologic genomics.

Computed tomography: revolutionizing the practice of medicine for 40 years

Computed tomography (CT) has had a profound effect on the practice of medicine. Both the spectrum of clinical applications and the role that CT has played in enhancing the depth of our understanding of disease have been profound. Although almost 90 000 articles on CT have been published in peer-reviewed journals over the past 40 years, fewer than 5% of these have been published in Radiology. Nevertheless, these almost 4000 articles have provided a basis for many important medical advances. By enabling a deepened understanding of anatomy, physiology, and pathology, CT has facilitated key advances in the detection and management of disease. This article celebrates this breadth of scientific discovery and development by examining the impact that CT has had on the diagnosis, characterization, and management of a sampling of major health challenges, including stroke, vascular diseases, cancer, trauma, acute abdominal pain, and diffuse lung diseases, as related to key technical advances in CT and manifested in Radiology.

Quantitative assessment of the superior sagittal sinus on unenhanced computed tomography

PURPOSE

To determine the relationship between hemoglobin levels and attenuation measurements of the superior sagittal sinus (SSS) on unenhanced computed tomography (UECT). Secondly, to determine if SSS attenuation values are normally distributed such that measurements below and above certain thresholds are suggestive of pathology, such as anemia or acute venous thrombosis respectively.

METHODS

Institutional review board approval was obtained for retrospective review of adult patients having both an UECT head examination and a complete blood count within 24 h of the scan. A cohort of 151 consecutive patients formed the study sample (76 males and 75 females, 17-91 years of age with a mean of 61). The dorsal aspect of the SSS was divided into upper, middle and lower segments. Using freehand and circle region of interest (ROI) techniques, a total of six attenuation measurements were obtained from each patient. Next, statistical analyses were preformed to assess the correlation between Hgb levels and attenuation values, and distribution curves were plotted to assess the normal range of SSS attenuation measurements.

RESULTS

There is a moderate, yet statistically significant (p<0.001), correlation between Hgb levels and attenuation values in upper, middle and lower segments of the SSS (r=0.487, 0.497 and 0.533 respectively). Based on the calculated mean, median and mode, the attenuation values are normally distributed. When using the freehand ROI technique, the mean value is 50 Hounsfield Units (HU) with a standard deviation (SD) of 7.5. Attenuation values less than 2 SDs (35 HU) are highly suggestive of anemia (specificity and PPV=100%).

CONCLUSION

There is a moderate, yet statistically significant, correlation between Hgb levels and attenuation of the SSS on UECT. Furthermore, attenuation measurements of the SSS are normally distributed with a mean of 50 HU and a SD of 7.5. Therefore, quantitative assessment of the SSS may prove useful in the clinical practice of a radiologist; namely, in the diagnosis of anemia and acute venous thrombosis.

The diagnostic accuracy of CSF analyses in stroke

The ability of routine analyses of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to differentiate between haemorrhage and infarction was evaluated in 231 stroke patients, whose diagnoses were based on computed tomography or autopsy. In all diagnostic groups the mean protein level was above normal, the highest values being associated with haemorrhage. Taking a protein level greater than 1 g/l to be characteristic of bleeding, sensitivity was 89% and specificity 92%. Spectrophotometric CSF absorbance was measured at wave lengths of 410, 415, 455 and 630 nm. Validity was equal for the first three. Taking absorbance greater than or equal to 0.040 at 415 nm to be diagnostic for haemorrhage, sensitivity was 72% and specificity 94%. The human eye was almost as sensitive as spectrophotometry in this context. Thus, among 100 patients with stroke, 7-9 out of 10 plausible cases of haemorrhage would be identified by means of routine CSF analyses. At the same time, 5-9 patients with ischaemic lesions would be diagnosed incorrectly as bleedings.

Antithrombotic Therapy in Valvular Heart Disease—Native and Prosthetic

This chapter about antithrombotic therapy in native and prosthetic valvular heart disease is part of the Seventh ACCP Conference on Antithrombotic and Thrombolytic Therapy: Evidence Based Guidelines. Grade 1 recommendations are strong and indicate that the benefits do, or do not, outweigh risks, burden, and costs. Grade 2 suggests that individual patients' values may lead to different choices (for a full understanding of the grading see Guyatt et al, CHEST 2004; 126:179S-187S). Among the key recommendations in this chapter are the following: For patients with rheumatic mitral valve disease and atrial fibrillation (AF), or a history of previous systemic embolism, we recommend long-term oral anticoagulant (OAC) therapy (target international normalized ratio [INR], 2.5; range, 2.0 to 3.0) [Grade 1C+]. For patients with rheumatic mitral valve disease with AF or a history of systemic embolism who suffer systemic embolism while receiving OACs at a therapeutic INR, we recommend adding aspirin, 75 to 100 mg/d (Grade 1C). For those patients unable to take aspirin, we recommend adding dipyridamole, 400 mg/d, or clopidogrel (Grade 1C). In people with mitral valve prolapse (MVP) without history of systemic embolism, unexplained transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), or AF, we recommended against any antithrombotic therapy (Grade 1C). In patients with MVP and documented but unexplained TIAs, we recommend long-term aspirin therapy, 50 to 162 mg/d (Grade 1A). For all patients with mechanical prosthetic heart valves, we recommend vitamin K antagonists (Grade 1C+). For patients with a St. Jude Medical (St. Paul, MN) bileaflet valve in the aortic position, we recommend a target INR of 2.5 (range, 2.0 to 3.0) [Grade 1A]. For patients with tilting disk valves and bileaflet mechanical valves in the mitral position, we recommend a target INR of 3.0 (range, 2.5 to 3.5) [Grade 1C+]. For patients with caged ball or caged disk valves, we suggest a target INR of 3.0 (range, 2.5 to 3.5) in combination with aspirin, 75 to 100 mg/d (Grade 2A). For patients with bioprosthetic valves, we recommend vitamin K antagonists with a target INR of 2.5 (range, 2.0 to 3.0) for the first 3 months after valve insertion in the mitral position (Grade 1C+) and in the aortic position (Grade 2C). For patients with bioprosthetic valves who are in sinus rhythm and do not have AF, we recommend long-term (> 3 months) therapy with aspirin, 75 to 100 mg/d (Grade 1C+).

Blood clot resolution in human cerebrospinal fluid: evidence of first-order kinetics

OBJECTIVE

To determine the kinetics of blood clot resolution in human cerebrospinal fluid.

METHODS

Computed tomographic scans of 17 adult patients with intraventricular hemorrhages were analyzed. Intraventricular clot volume was determined and analyzed over time to determine both a standardized percentage rate and an absolute rate of clot resolution. Results were analyzed by use of regression for cross sectional time-series data. To determine the kinetics of intraventricular clot resolution, the effect of the clot volume on the percentage rate of clot resolution, clot half-life, and absolute rate of clot resolution was analyzed. The potential effect of age, sex, type of hemorrhage, and treatment with external ventricular drainage on the percentage rate of clot resolution was assessed.

RESULTS

The percentage rate of clot resolution was 10.8% per day (95% confidence interval, 9.05-12.61 %), and it was independent of initial clot volume, age, sex, type of underlying hemorrhage, and use of external ventricular drainage. The absolute rate of clot resolution varied directly with the maximal clot volume (R2 = 0.88; P < 0.001). The percentage clot resolution data are consistent with events during the first 24 to 48 hours that antagonize clot resolution.

CONCLUSION

These findings demonstrate that intraventricular blood clot resolution in patients with intraventricular hemorrhage follows first-order kinetics. The thrombolytic enzyme system responsible for intraventricular clot resolution seems to be saturated at 24 to 48 hours after the initial hemorrhage.

[Subarachnoidal hemorrhage with cranial tomography without bleeding signals]

We observed 23 patients with clinical hypothesis of subarachnoidal hemorrhage (SAH) having cranial tomography (CT) without bleeding signals. The final diagnosis of SAH was made upon the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) results. Twenty cases were submitted to brain angiography. They were focused under the clinical classification of Hunt & Hess. The main results were 1) 1/3 of patients had interval time between 24 and 48 hours after ictus and before CT and CSF making; this was the most sensitive CT time; 2) 55% of patients with brain angiography had aneurysm predominantly in the carotid and anterior cerebral artery territory; 3) the dominant clinical degree was Hunt & Hess I e II.

CONCLUSION

the results demonstrate the need of CSF test in case of SAH clinical diagnosis with CT showing no bleeding signals.

Sensitivity of new-generation computed tomography in subarachnoid hemorrhage

OBJECTIVE

To determine the sensitivity of the initial new-generation CT (NGCT) scan interpretation for detection of acute nontraumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and to decide whether lumbar puncture (LP) should follow a "normal" NGCT scan.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed of patients admitted between March 1988 and July 1994 with proven SAH. Exclusion criteria were age < 2 years, diagnosis other than acute SAH, history of head trauma within 24 hours before symptom onset, NGCT scan not done before diagnosis, and records not available. Patients were placed into two groups: symptom duration < 24 hours (group 1) and > 24 hours (group 2) prior to CT scan. The resolution of each NGCT scanner was recorded. An NGCT scanner was defined as a third-generation scanner or more recent.

RESULTS

Of 349 SAH patients, 181 met inclusion criteria. The sensitivity of NGCT scans for SAH was 93.1% for the group 1 patients (n = 144) and 83.8% for the group 2 patients (n = 37). The overall sensitivity was 91.2%. All the patients who had SAH not detected by NGCT scans were diagnosed by LP. There was no significant relationship between NGCT scanner resolution and sensitivity for SAH.

CONCLUSION

Initial interpretation of NGCT scans to detect SAH does not approach 100% sensitivity. A "normal" NGCT scan does not reliably exclude the need for LP in patients who have symptoms suggestive of SAH.

Intraparenchymal blood-fluid levels in traumatic intracerebral haematomas

Blood-fluid levels within the cerebral parenchyma are observed more frequently on CT and MRI in traumatic intracerebral haematomas than in those of other aetiologies. The intraparenchymal blood-fluid interface can be formed without a fluid cavity. It is suggested that the blood-fluid levels represent layering of red blood cells within areas of contusion necrosis as well as extensive contusion oedema. The more extensive the damage to brain tissue, the more often blood-fluid levels formed. A poorer outcome can be therefore predicted when an intraparenchymal blood-fluid interface is seen.

Ultrasound evaluation of subdural haematoma

14 patients with subdural haematoma (SDH) diagnosed by ultrasonography (US) and confirmed by computerized tomography (CT) were reviewed. We describe the morphology of SDH on US and discuss the ultrasound findings which may suggest outcome. SDH appeared as a crescentic mass overlying the cerebral hemisphere and producing medial displacement of the Sylvian fissure, midline shift, ventricular compression, sutural diastasis, changes in the sulcal pattern and echogenicity of the ipsilateral side of the brain. Hydrocephalus was the most common complication. It was the presence of cerebral complications and not the midline shift or ventricular compression which correlated with poor outcome.

CT indications for surgery and evaluation of prognosis in patients with spontaneous intracerebral haematomas

This study retrospectively analyzes the CT findings of 50 patients with spontaneous intracerebral haematomas and correlates them with the clinical condition at admission and the outcome. The volume of the haematoma was well correlated with the outcome and was a very useful indicator for surgery. In patients with haematoma volume lower than 25 ml and above 80 ml there was no indication for surgery; in patients with haematoma volume between 25 and 50 ml the operation does not significantly modify the survival rate, but favours a more rapid and complete recovery of the neurological deficits, whereas a haematoma volume between 50 and 80 ml favours the rate of survival.

Prognosis in solitary intraventricular haemorrhage. Clinical and computed tomographic observations

Isolated intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) in the absence of parenchymal haematoma is unusual. Fifteen patients with solitary IVH among 170 with intracranial haemorrhage were studied. Clinical details and computed tomographic features were analysed to evaluate the prognostic significance of various clinical and CT parameters. Outcome is affected by hypertension, level of consciousness, clinical progression, pupillary changes and restriction of eye movements. Factors found on CT to have prognostic significance included degree of ventricular bleed, presence of cisternal bleed, hydrocephalus and cerebral atrophy.

Post-traumatic acute obstructive hydrocephalus

Two cases of acute obstructive hydrocephalus from intraventricular hemorrhage following head injury are presented. Each patient was involved in a motor vehicle accident and sustained closed-head trauma. Computed tomography scans revealed a fourth ventricular hematoma with obstructive hydrocephalus in each case, and both cases required emergency ventricular drainage to manage acute cerebrospinal fluid hypertension. Ventriculostomy resulted in complete recovery in the first case; however, the second patient eventually underwent ventriculoperitoneal shunting. One patient manifested an eight-hour lucid interval prior to neurologic deterioration.

Intracerebral haematoma mimicking intracranial neoplasm at computed tomography

The diagnosis of a typical acute intracerebral haematoma is comparatively specific with computed tomography. Three cases are presented to illustrate computed tomographic similarities between intracerebral haematomas and intracranial neoplasms. In the appropriate clinical setting, an incorrect diagnosis may be reached unless these similarities are borne in mind.

Spontaneous intraventricular haemorrhage

Twenty-one patients with spontaneous intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) were reviewed with particular reference to the clinical outcome. Based on clinical and computed tomography (CT) findings, as well as possible mechanisms governing the formation of IVH, we were able to identify two separate groups: patients with haemorrhage into ventricles without clinical or CT evidence of a lesion in adjacent brain parenchyma and patients with IVH occurring as a result of erosion of the ventricular wall by either a juxtaventricular small haematoma shown by CT and/or IVH with focal neurological deficit. Out of 12 patients in the first group, 8 survived and resumed their previous activities; in the second group (i.e. patients with clinical and/or CT evidence of adjacent intraparenchymal bleeding only three patients survived, two with considerable handicap. The overall prognosis, however, was significantly better in patients with IVH of unknown cause. Altered sensorium as an initial presentation was associated with a grave prognosis, irrespective of the cause of IVH. The outcome was not affected by the age of patient or the amount of blood within the ventricles. Our data suggest a favourable outcome in a relatively large percentage of patients with spontaneous IVH, if there is no clinical or CT evidence of concomitant parenchymal bleeding. Hence we question the notion that there is a grave prognosis in all kinds of IVH.

Clinico-epidemiologic study of stroke in Akita, Japan

An analysis was performed of 2,168 consecutive stroke patients who were examined by computed tomography and entered into a hospital-based stroke registry in Akita Prefecture, Japan. The occurrence of cerebral hemorrhage, cerebral infarction, and subarachnoid hemorrhage was 30, 55, and 14%, respectively. Age-specific rates of subarachnoid hemorrhage were higher in women than men; other types of stroke showed a preponderance in men. Total strokes increased in the winter; this seasonal difference was confined to cerebral hemorrhage. Putaminal hemorrhages predominated in the younger age groups; thalamic hemorrhage and cerebellar hemorrhage were predominant in the older age groups. The increased accuracy of the diagnosis of stroke subtypes by the use of computed tomography in this study is in contrast to other community-based epidemiologic studies that have relied solely on clinical diagnosis. This increased accuracy is seen to be the reason that new ratios of stroke subtype incidence have been identified.

Chronic subdural hematoma: correlation of computerized tomography with colour

The computerized tomographic and operative findings in 10 patients with chronic subdural hematoma (SDH) are reviewed. A constant correlation was found between the CT density and the colour of the hematoma evacuated thus enabling an accurate prediction of the colour of fluid one would expect to find at operation. Certain clinical features and CT appearances are highlighted to prevent the likelihood of misdiagnoses.

Prognostic factors in intraparenchymatous hematoma with ventricular hemorrhage

Intraventricular hemorrhage following intraparenchymatous hematoma is thought to be a frequent and often fatal event. Computerized tomography has proved to be valuable for its diagnosis. Hospital records of seventy-eight patients with intraparenchymatous hematoma and intraventricular hemorrhage diagnosed by computerized tomography were retrospectively reviewed to evaluate initial clinical features and CT findings in order to assess potential prognostic factors.

Tissue damage at computed tomography following resolution of intracerebral hematomas

Tissue damage as sequelae after spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage in eight consecutive patients was investigated with computed tomography performed 3 days, 2 weeks and 6 months after the stroke. The presence of contrast enhancement after 2 weeks, hypodense areas after 6 months, and atrophy of adjacent structures were considered to be markers of irreversible tissue damage. Except for a narrow zone in the periphery of the hematoma (ring blush) contrast enhancement was not observed, neither in the hematoma nor in areas where resolution had taken place. After 6 months the site of the hematomas was not identifiable in 3 patients, and 4 patients had small 'lacunar' hypodense lesions. Only one patient had a more extensive hypodense area 6 months after the hemorrhage. The most prominent sequelae after intracerebral hematoma were atrophy of adjacent structures (i.e. atrophy of basal ganglia, thalamus and ventricular enlargement) which were seen in all patients even though irreversible de loco damage in the hematoma area was sparse or absent.

Spontaneous intracerebral haematomas. Clinical and computertomographic findings and long-term outcome after surgical treatment

Fifty-four patients, aged 15 to 81 years had a spontaneous intracerebral haematoma surgically removed (51 patients) or had ventricular drainage. One-third had arterial hypertension. Two thirds were alert or drowsy preoperatively and two thirds presented with hemiparesis or decerebrate rigidity. Lobar haematomas constituted 72%, deep supratentorial constituted 21% and cerebellar haematomas 7%. Volume of the haematomas ranged from 10 to 205 ml. 10 patients died in the early postoperative phase and 8 patients died later. Among 36 survivors, 35 were evaluated 15-115 months postoperatively. 10 had resumed part of their earlier occupation. Another 12 were incapacitated and the remaining 13 patients needed nursing care. No patient was neurologically or neuropsychologically intact, but 19 had only slight disabilities. CT-changes at follow-up ranged from no abnormalities at all to low-density lesions, possibly associated with dilatation of a lateral ventricle or porencephaly depending on the size of the haematoma and possible ventricular penetration. Surgical evacuation of ICH is recommended in lobar or deep supratentorial haematomas exceeding 20 ml except in patients older than 60 already unconscious. Smaller haematomas with intraventricular extension may benefit from ventricular drainage or, in the fossa posterior, even from evacuation in case of increasing brain stem compression.

Spin-echo MR imaging of intracranial hemorrhage

This retrospective study was performed to describe the appearance of intracranial hemorrhagic lesions on magnetic resonance (MR) imaging at 0.35 tesla using the spin-echo technique, and define the present clinical role of MRI in this particular pathology. Forty-eight examinations of forty-three patients with forty-seven intracranial hemorrhagic lesions (39 true hematomas and 8 hemorrhagic lesions mixed with other tissues) were reviewed for this study. Comparative CT studies were available for all the patients. In our limited experience with acute hematomas (less than 3 days old), low or isointense signal was seen with a short TR (0.5 s), but a relative increase in signal intensity was observed with a long TR (2.0 s). This appearance of acute hematoma was not specific. Chronic hematomas (more than 3 days old) were imaged as foci of bright signal intensity on both short and long TR. This pattern was characteristic of chronic hematoma. With a short TR (0.5 s), two hemorrhagic lesions (5 and 7 days old) were displayed as an isointense signal surrounded by a rim of high intensity signal. This peripheral zone most likely represented liquefaction at the clot's periphery and the initial formation of methemoglobin. T1 and T2 relaxation times were found to be very long for acute hematomas (first two days). T1 values of chronic hematomas (more than 3 days old) were comparatively short and in the same range as T1 of white matter. T2 values of chronic hematomas decreased also but remained very long.

Hypesthetic-ataxic-hemiparesis in thalamic hemorrhage

Acute onset hypesthetic-ataxic-hemiparesis is described in two hypertensive patients. Computed tomography (CT) showed an area of increased attenuation consistent with blood in contralateral thalamus. The pathophysiologic implications of the cerebellar and pyramidal system in thalamic hemorrhage is discussed.

Acute traumatic intraventricular hemorrhage in children

Four cases are reported of acute traumatic intraventricular hemorrhage in children revealed by computed tomography (CT). In most cases, the intraventricular hemorrhage had been produced by severe sagittal impact. All of the children were 7 or less on the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) on admission. Three had hemorrhage in all ventricles, and one had an intraventricular hemorrhage in the lateral and fourth ventricles. One of them showed enhancement of the blood-filled ventricles, with the appearance of increased ventricular size, on the contrast enhancement CT. Two children with ventricular dilation died soon after injury, although ventricular drainage had been performed; one child remained in a persistent vegetative state, and the other enjoyed good recovery with conservative therapy. Certain features of acute traumatic intraventricular hemorrhage in children are discussed in relation to this series.

Prognosis for patients treated conservatively for spontaneous intracerebral hematomas

The long-term clinical and CT-outcome of 53 conservatively treated patients with spontaneous intracerebral hematomas (ICH) was studied in relation to the acute findings. The acute mortality of ICH was 27%. Determinant for the immediate prognosis was the level of consciousness and the volume of the hematoma. The crucial size was 50 ml with a mortality of 90% for hematomas larger and 10% for hematomas smaller than that. Intraventricular hemorrhage was a bad prognostic sign only in the ganglionic-thalamic hematomas. At follow-up at a median of 4 1/2 years after ICH, 30% of the total series had a completely normal neurological examination and 28% had resumed work. Thirteen per cent had minor neurological deficits and 17% had debilitating sequelae. During the follow-up period 7 patients had died, which indicates an excess mortality for ICH survivors. The CT findings at follow-up consisted of low density areas smaller than the original hematomas, focal atrophy, calcifications and porencephalic cysts. In 10% the CT scan revealed no trace of the previous hematoma.

The prognostic value of the CT scan in conservatively treated patients with intracerebral hematoma

Prognostic factors for survival and neurological recovery were assessed in 42 patients with nontraumatic intracerebral hematoma (ICH) diagnosed by CT scan. None underwent surgical evacuation of hematoma. CT scans were used to determine location and volume of ICH and presence or absence of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH). Only 11 patients (26%) died and 17 patients (40.5%) recovered fully. Mortality was associated with: 1) loss of consciousness as a presenting symptom (63.5% mortality rate versus 13% when there was no loss of consciousness at the onset; p less than 0.01). 2) extension of the bleeding into the ventricular system (45% mortality rate versus 9% when hemorrhages were confined to brain parenchyma; p less than 0.01). 3) location of hematoma in the posterior fossa (mortality rate of 43% versus 23% for intrahemispheric hematomas). Mortality was unaffected by age of patients and size of ICH. Full neurological and functional recovery occurred mainly when estimated volume of hematomas was less than 15 cc and with lobar hematomas regardless of size. In survivors there is CT evidence of complete resolution of ICH. Our data indicates a favourable outcome in a relatively large percentage of patients with ICH treated conservatively and therefore questions the need for surgical evacuation of hematoma.