Serial changes in focal hyperemia associated with hypertensive putaminal hemorrhage

Seventeen separate xenon-enhanced computed tomographic images were performed in seven patients with hypertensive putaminal hemorrhage. Regional cerebral blood flow maps were then computed and assessed. All patients were categorized as being of good recovery potential, with moderate-sized hematomas, and all were treated conservatively. The regional cerebral blood flow assessments were scheduled within 4 days after, 2 weeks after, and less than 25 days after the ictus. The initial decrease in hemispheric blood flow ipsilateral to the side of the hematoma was calculated as the ratio of ipsilateral to contralateral hemispheric blood flow and was correlated with the size of the hematoma; that is, the larger the hematoma, the greater the decrease in the ratio of ipsilateral to contralateral hemispheric blood flow. The decrease persisted for 1 month. The mean of the ratio at 2 weeks after onset was 70%, the lowest during follow-up. All cases examined within 4 days after onset demonstrated perihematomatous focal hyperemia, or "luxury perfusion," which accounted for the delayed decrease. The same tissue that had previously shown hyperemia showed decreased regional cerebral blood flow 2 weeks after onset. Our results demonstrate that the luxury perfusion syndrome caused the secondary brain damage even in the cases that were in relatively good condition. The feasibility of treatment can be assessed by considering these results.