Primary intracerebral hemorrhage: impact of CT on incidence

Neurology
|May 1, 1984
PubMed

Insights

Primary intracerebral hemorrhage (PIH) incidence rose due to better CT identification, with survival rates significantly improving from 8% to 44%. Anticoagulant use was linked to higher PIH rates.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Epidemiology
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Historically, primary intracerebral hemorrhage (PIH) incidence showed a decreasing trend.
  • Previous diagnostic methods may have led to misclassification of PIH as infarction.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the changing incidence and survival rates of PIH.
  • To evaluate the impact of diagnostic advancements on PIH identification and outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of PIH cases in Rochester, MN, from 1945-1979.
  • Comparison of incidence and 30-day survival rates between different time periods.
  • Assessment of potential misdiagnosis and influence of anticoagulant therapy.

Main Results:

  • PIH incidence increased from 1975-1979 compared to prior years.
  • 30-day survival rates for PIH improved dramatically from 8% (1945-1974) to 44% (1975-1979).
  • An estimated 24% of earlier PIH cases were mislabeled as infarction; anticoagulant use correlated with a 45% higher incidence rate.

Conclusions:

  • Improved CT scan technology led to more accurate and frequent identification of small PIH cases.
  • Enhanced diagnostic capabilities contributed to the observed increase in PIH incidence and improved patient survival rates.

Related Concept Videos

Stroke: Introduction and Types01:29

Stroke: 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...
Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology01:15

Ischemic 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...
Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction01:17

Hemorrhagic 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...
Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology01:29

Hemorrhagic 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...
Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction01:14

Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction

Intracranial hypertension is a sustained elevation of intracranial pressure (ICP) above 22 mm Hg. In supine adults, normal ICP is ~7–15 mm Hg.The rigid, nonexpandable cranium contains three components—brain tissue, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)—that total ~1,700 mL in a typical adult: 1,400 mL brain (~80%), 150 mL blood (~10%), and 150 mL CSF (~10%). According to the Monro–Kellie doctrine, total intracranial volume is effectively fixed. When one component expands, CSF and venous blood...
Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology01:29

Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology

Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) refers to a potentially life-threatening rise in pressure inside the skull. This usually happens when there is a major change in the volume of brain tissue, blood, or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) — the three components inside the skull. According to the Monro-Kellie doctrine, if the volume of one component increases, the volumes of the other components must decrease to maintain normal pressure. If this does not happen, ICP rises.The process often begins with...