[Subarachnoid hemorrhage of unknown etiology]

A group of 73 patients is described in whom diagnostic procedures failed to demonstrate the source of haemorrhage. In this group 92% of patients were in good clinical condition after the episode (I and II clinical group). In only one patient with angiographically demonstrated diffuse vasospasm in one cerebral hemisphere signs of focal brain damage developed leading to death. The remaining 95.9% of patients left the hospital in good condition, without focal signs. During follow-up in two (3.2%) out of 62 patients with known condition a recurrence of subarachnoid haemorrhage developed. Most patients were in good condition, fully fit up to 3 years after the haemorrhage. In summary, the authors stress a mild course of subarachnoid haemorrhage of unknown aetiology, good prognosis as to return of full fitness, and relatively low risk of development of focal brain damage or death from haemorrhage.