[Non-lethal brain stem hematomas in hypertensive patients]

Brain stem hemorrhages (peduncular, pontine, medullary) were demonstrated by CT scan in hypertensive patients, the outcome being favorable without surgical intervention. Such lesions are considered as being usually massive and fatal. A review of the literature show that hemorrhages in the brain stem represent 5 to 9 p. cent of intraparenchymatous hemorrhages, and are usually located in the pons. A favorable course was known to occur before the use of computed tomography: the rare cases described were often related to subacute hematomas in young normotensive subjects which could be treated by surgery with or without ventricular shunting. Clinical diagnosis is based on the rapid progressive course of the disorder and the location of the lesion. Computed tomography provides an immediate correlation between anatomical and clinical findings, and allows a better evaluation of semiological and prognostic features that were previously considered well established. A major element appears to be the degree to which the hematoma is tolerated. As far as possible neurosurgical procedures should be avoided in hypertensive patients.