Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 13, 2026
09:14
Pre-Chiasmatic, Single Injection of Autologous Blood to Induce Experimental Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in a Rat Model
Published on: June 18, 2021
Cerebral infarction associated with acute subarachnoid hemorrhage
J Michael Schmidt1, Fred Rincon, Andres Fernandez
1Neurological Intensive Care Unit, Division of Stroke and Critical Care, Department of Neurology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY 10032, USA.
Neurocritical Care
|July 28, 2007
Summary
Early cerebral infarction after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is rare but serious. Acute infarction on admission CT, associated with coma and edema, indicates a poor prognosis for SAH patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Radiology
Background:
- Cerebral infarction is a known complication of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).
- Early infarction associated with the primary hemorrhage is poorly understood.
- Existing knowledge focuses on later complications like vasospasm.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency, causes, and clinical impact of acute cerebral infarction.
- To investigate early infarction in patients with aneurysmal SAH.
- To identify factors associated with early infarction and its outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 487 patients admitted within 3 days of SAH onset.
- Cerebral infarction presence assessed on admission computed tomography (CT).
- Exclusion of infarcts from angiography or treatment complications; 3-month outcomes assessed using modified Rankin Scale.
Main Results:
- 17 patients (3%) presented with acute cerebral infarction on admission CT.
- Solitary infarcts were in the distal territory; multiple infarcts were territorial and symmetric.
- Associations found with coma, global cerebral edema, intraventricular hemorrhage, and loss of consciousness; increased mortality and disability observed.
Conclusions:
- Early cerebral infarction is a rare but devastating complication of acute SAH.
- Associations suggest intracranial circulatory arrest may contribute to early infarction.
- Early infarction is linked to worse patient outcomes, including death or severe disability.
Related Concept Videos
01:17Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction
A hemorrhagic stroke is an acute neurological event that occurs when a weakened cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to accumulate within or around the brain. The sudden release of blood forms a focal hematoma that increases intracranial pressure, displaces neural tissue, and can obstruct cerebrospinal fluid pathways. These effects may be compounded by intraventricular extension of the hemorrhage, cerebral edema, or compression of adjacent structures, all of which contribute to...
01:29Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology
A hemorrhagic stroke develops when a cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to escape into the surrounding brain tissue, as in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), or into the subarachnoid space, as in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Because the skull is a rigid compartment, the sudden presence of extravascular blood rapidly increases intracranial pressure and compresses adjacent neural structures, leading to immediate tissue injury and impaired cerebral perfusion.Mass Effect and Primary...
01:15Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology
An ischemic stroke occurs when a cerebral blood vessel becomes obstructed, most often by a thrombus or embolus, interrupting the delivery of oxygen and glucose to brain tissue. Because neurons rely on continuous aerobic metabolism, energy failure begins within minutes of reduced perfusion. The region receiving the least blood flow becomes the infarct core, an area of irreversible cellular death. Surrounding this core lies the penumbra, a zone of hypoperfused but still viable tissue that is...
01:15Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction
Ischemic stroke is an acute cerebrovascular condition in which blood flow to a brain region is suddenly interrupted, leading to tissue infarction. Neurons depend on continuous oxygen and glucose supply, so even brief reductions in perfusion cause energy failure, ionic imbalance, and irreversible injury. Ischemic strokes are classified into thrombotic and embolic types based on their underlying mechanisms.Thrombotic MechanismsThrombotic stroke develops when a clot forms within a cerebral artery.
01:26Transient Ischemic Attack l: Introduction
A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a brief episode of neurological dysfunction caused by a temporary, focal reduction in cerebral blood flow. Although symptoms resemble those of an ischemic stroke, the interruption in perfusion is short-lived and does not cause permanent infarction. TIAs are clinically important because they often serve as early warning events for future stroke.Mechanisms of Transient Cerebral IschemiaTransient cerebral ischemia may arise through several mechanisms. One...
01:29Stroke: Introduction and Types
A stroke is an acute neurological event caused by the sudden disruption of cerebral blood flow, leading to rapid loss of neuronal function. Neurons depend on continuous oxygen and glucose supply, so even brief interruptions can cause irreversible injury within minutes. Strokes are classified into ischemic and hemorrhagic types.Ischemic StrokeIschemic strokes are most common and occur due to arterial occlusion, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. This leads to energy failure, ionic...