Hypertensive primary intraventricular hemorrhage due to a phaeochromocytoma

Primary intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) is rare. We defined primary IVH as haemorrhage into the ventricles only as detected by computerized tomographic (CT) brain scan. This is in contrast with other intracerebral haemorrhages (e.g. basal ganglia/thalamic with intraventricular extension). The clinical condition of the patient ranges from minimal neurological deficits to coma/death. It also carries with it a poor prognosis of up to 80% when all four ventricles are involved. We present a 45-year-old Chinese female who presented with a hypertensive IVH which was managed successfully with ventricular drainage and intraventricular urokinase therapy. An adrenal phaeochromocytoma was diagnosed which was subsequently removed laparoscopically. The patient has recovered well in all aspects. This case report will discuss management of IVH and the importance of searching for secondary causes of hypertension.