Microembolic signals in subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Vascular Surgery
• Neurocritical Care

Background:

• Microembolic signals (MES) detected by transcranial Doppler (TCD) are noted in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).
• The origin and role of MES in SAH-related brain ischemia are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the incidence of MES in SAH patients.
• To identify the potential sources of MES in this population.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving 27 SAH patients (15 aneurysmal, 12 non-aneurysmal).
• Transcranial Doppler (TCD) monitoring using a 2 MHz probe and Monolateral Multigate mode.
• Regular monitoring for vasospasm and MES in middle cerebral arteries (MCAs).

Main Results:

• MES were detected in 47% of aneurysmal SAH patients, but none in non-aneurysmal SAH patients (p=0.007).
• Vasospasm occurred in 52% of patients, with clinical symptoms in only 18.5%.
• No significant association was found between MES and vasospasm (p=0.224) or aneurysm location (p=0.685).

Conclusions:

• MES are primarily associated with aneurysmal SAH.
• The findings suggest MES in SAH may originate from vascular pathologies distinct from the aneurysm itself or vasospasm.