Computertomography in subarachnoid haemorrhage and aneurysm

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Radiology
• Neurosurgery

Background:

• Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a critical condition often caused by ruptured cerebral aneurysms.
• Early detection and characterization of SAH complications are vital for patient management.
• Computed tomography (CT) and angiography are key diagnostic tools in SAH evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the diagnostic yield of CT and angiography in patients with SAH.
• To determine the frequency of aneurysms, intracerebral hemorrhage, infarcts, and hydrocephalus in SAH patients.
• To explore the relationship between vasospasm and recent infarcts in the context of SAH.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 50 patients diagnosed with SAH and suspected aneurysms.
• Utilized CT scans and angiography for patient investigation.
• Assessed the presence and timing of blood in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) spaces on CT scans.

Main Results:

• 67 aneurysms were identified in 59 patients.
• Blood in CSF spaces was visualized on CT up to 9 days post-SAH in 67% of patients.
• Findings included aneurysms (31%), intracerebral hemorrhage (29%), recent infarcts (19%), and hydrocephalus (13%).
• Vasospasm was observed in 8 of 12 patients with recent infarcts, correlating temporally and spatially.

Conclusions:

• CT is effective in visualizing SAH and associated findings for up to 9 days.
• Aneurysms and intracerebral hemorrhages are frequent complications of SAH.
• Vasospasm is a significant factor in the development of recent infarcts following SAH.