Poor-grade ruptured middle cerebral artery aneurysm with intracerebral hematoma: bleeding characteristics and...

Poor-grade ruptured middle cerebral artery aneurysm is frequently associated with intraparenchymal hemorrhage, which is associated with high morbidity rates. We analyzed the clinical presentations and surgical strategies of 23 cases of ruptured middle cerebral artery aneurysm. Hematomas were divided into three types: temporal hematoma (7 patients), sylvian hematoma (10 patients), and frontal hematoma (6 patients). In 13 of 23 patients, preoperative brainstem symptoms suggested impeding uncal herniation. Surgical procedures included external decompression in 11 patients, simple lateral temporal lobectomy in 5, and selective uncectomy in 9. Three patients died. Favorable outcome defined as upper half of severely disabled or better in the extended Glasgow Outcome Scale was achieved in 13 patients. Patients with frontal hematomas presented with both uncal herniation and brainstem signs preoperatively, but this subgroup showed unexpectedly good recovery. Patients with sylvian hematomas had relatively poor outcomes. The present series suggests that aggressive decompression and evacuation of hematoma in the acute stage may prevent significant postoperative brain swelling, and will not compromise the treatment of vasospasm.