The added value of cerebrospinal fluid analysis in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage after negative noncontrast CT

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
René van den Berg ◽  
Lung Jeung ◽  
René Post ◽  
Bert A. Coert ◽  
Jantien Hoogmoed ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVE In patients presenting within 6 hours after signs and symptoms of suspected subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), CSF examination is judged to be no longer necessary if a noncontrast CT (NCCT) scan rules out SAH. In this study, the authors evaluated the performance of NCCT to rule out SAH in patients with positive CSF findings. METHODS Between January 2006 and April 2018, 1657 patients were admitted with a nontraumatic SAH. Of these patients, 1546 had positive SAH findings on the initial NCCT and 111 patients had an NCCT scan that was reported as negative in the acute setting, but with positive CSF examination for subarachnoid blood. Demographic data, World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies grade, and SAH time points (ictus, time of NCCT, and time of lumbar puncture) were collected. All 111 NCCT scans were reevaluated by an experienced neuroradiologist. RESULTS Of the 111 patients with positive CSF findings, SAH was initially missed on NCCT in 25 patients (23%). Reevaluation of 21 patients presenting within 6 hours of symptom onset confirmed NCCT negative findings in 12 (5 aneurysms), an aneurysmal SAH (aSAH) pattern in 8 (7 aneurysms), and a perimesencephalic pattern in 1 patient. Reevaluation of 90 patients presenting after 6 hours confirmed negative NCCT findings in 74 patients (37 aneurysms), aSAH pattern in 10 (4 aneurysms), and a perimesencephalic pattern in 6 (2 aneurysms). CONCLUSIONS CSF examination is still mandatory to rule out SAH as NCCT can fail to show blood, even within 6 hours after symptom onset. In addition, the diagnosis SAH was frequently missed during initial reporting.

2015 ◽  
Vol 122 (2) ◽  
pp. 408-413 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Fung ◽  
Mathias Balmer ◽  
Michael Murek ◽  
Werner J. Z'Graggen ◽  
Janine Abu-Isa ◽  
...  

OBJECT After subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), seizure occurs in up to 26% of patients. The impact of seizure on outcome has been studied, yet its impact on grading is unknown. The authors evaluated the impact of early-onset seizures (EOS) on grading of spontaneous SAH and on outcome. METHODS This retrospective analysis included consecutive patients with SAH who were treated at the NeuroCenter, Inselspital, University Hospital Bern, Switzerland, between January 2005 and December 2010. Demographic data, clinical data, and reports of EOS were recorded. The EOS were defined as seizures occurring within 24 hours after ictus. Patients were graded according to the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) scale pre- and postresuscitation and dichotomized into good (WFNS I–III) and poor (WFNS IV–V) grades. Outcome was assessed at 6 months by using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS); an mRS score of 0–3 was considered a good outcome and an mRS score of 4–6 was considered a poor outcome. RESULTS Forty-one of 425 patients with SAH had EOS. Twenty-seven of those 41 patients (65.9%) had a poor WFNS grade. Twenty-eight (68.3%) achieved a good outcome, 11 (26.8%) had a poor outcome, and 2 (4.9%) were lost to followup. Early-onset seizures were proven in 9 of 16 electroencephalograms. The EOS were associated with poor WFNS grade (OR 2.81, 97.5% CI 1.14–7.46; p = 0.03) and good outcome (OR 4.01, 97.5% CI 1.63–10.53; p = 0.03). Increasing age, hydrocephalus, intracerebral hemorrhage, and intraventricular hemorrhage were associated with poor WFNS grade, whereas only age, intracerebral hemorrhage (p < 0.001), and poor WFNS grade (p < 0.001) were associated with poor outcome. CONCLUSIONS Patients with EOS were classified significantly more often in a poor grade initially, but then they significantly more often achieved a good outcome. The authors conclude that EOS can negatively influence grading. This might influence decision making for the care of patients with SAH, so grading of patients with EOS should be interpreted with caution.


2019 ◽  
Vol 81 (03) ◽  
pp. 220-226 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Neumann ◽  
Claudia Ditz ◽  
Hannes Schacht ◽  
Linda Aulmann ◽  
Volker Martin Tronnier ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective In cases of spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (sSAH) and symptomatic cerebral vasospasm (sCVS), multiple intra-arterial treatments (IATs) can be potentially useful for the functional outcome, even if the prognosis is initially poor. But the actual influence of the number of IATs has yet to be clarified. We wanted to assess if there are differences in the functional outcome between patients with a singular IAT and multiple IATs for sCVS after sSAH. Methods In a single-center study, 405 consecutive patients with nontraumatic SAH were analyzed retrospectively. A total of 126 developed sCVS, and 86 received IAT (32 singular and 54 multiple, i.e., more than one) with nimodipine with or without percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA). Both groups were compared for demographic data, initial treatment (clipping or endovascular), and initial grading (World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies/Fisher classification, intraventricular hemorrhage, and intracerebral hemorrhage). The modified Rankin Scale (mRS) was used to assess functional outcome at the time of discharge and after 3 and 6 months. The development of CVS-associated infarction was assessed by computed tomography (CT). Categorical variables of the patient groups were analyzed in contingency tables using the Fisher exact test, chi-square test, and the Mann-Whitney U test. Statistical significance was accepted at p < 0.05. Results Patient groups with singular and multiple IATs were comparable concerning demographic data and initial grading. At the end of follow-up after 6 months, both groups showed comparable functional outcomes. A favorable outcome (mRS: 0–3) was observed in 14 of 26 patients (53.9%) with a single IAT and for 29 of 49 patients (59.2%) with multiple IATs. An unfavorable outcome (mRS: 4–6) occurred in 12 of 26 patients (46.1%) with a single IAT and for 20 of 49 patients (40.8%) with multiple IATs (p = 0.420). In the group with a single IAT, 22 of 32 patients (68.8%) developed CVS-associated infarction; 32 of 54 patients (59.3%) showed brain infarcts after multiple IATs (p = 0.259). Conclusion For patients with sCVS after sSAH, multiple IATs (nimodipine with or without additional PTA) can be applied safely because no significant differences in functional outcome were observed compared with a singular IAT. We conclude that patients should be treated repeatedly if vasospasm reoccurs.


2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (12) ◽  
pp. 1368-1373
Author(s):  
Michael Bender ◽  
Marco Stein ◽  
Eberhard Uhl ◽  
Marcus H. T. Reinges

Objective: The elevation of serum cardiac troponin I (TNI) in patients with nontraumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (ntSAH) is a well-known phenomenon. However, the relation between elevated TNI and different cardiopulmonary parameters (CPs) within the first 24 hours after ntSAH is unknown. The present study was conducted to investigate the association between TNI and different CP in patients with ntSAH within the first 24 hours of intensive care unit (ICU) treatment. Patients and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed a consecutive group of 117 patients with ntSAH admitted to our emergency department between January 2008 and February 2017. Blood samples were taken to determine TNI values on admission. Demographic data, baseline Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) score, baseline Fisher grade (FG), norepinephrine application rate (NAR) in µg/kg/min, and inspiratory oxygen fraction (OF) were recorded within the first 24 hours. Results: An increased TNI value was found in 32 (27.4%) of 117 patients. There was a significant correlation between initial elevated TNI and a low WFNS score ( P = .007), a low GCS score ( P = .003) as well as a high OF ( P = <.001). The FG ( P = .27) and NAR ( P = .08) within the first 24 hours of ICU treatment did not show any significant correlation. Conclusions: In the present study, an increased TNI value was significantly associated with a low WFNS score and GCS score on admission. The TNI was a predictor of the need for a higher OF within the first 24 hours after ntSAH so that TNI could be an informative biomarker to improve ICU therapy.


2021 ◽  
Vol 134 (1) ◽  
pp. 95-101 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Loch Macdonald ◽  
Daniel Hänggi ◽  
Poul Strange ◽  
Hans Jakob Steiger ◽  
J Mocco ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVEThe objective of this study was to measure the concentration of nimodipine in CSF and plasma after intraventricular injection of a sustained-release formulation of nimodipine (EG-1962) in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).METHODSPatients with SAH repaired by clip placement or coil embolization were randomized to EG-1962 or oral nimodipine. Patients were classified as grade 2–4 on the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies grading scale for SAH and had an external ventricular drain inserted as part of their standard of care. Cohorts of 12 patients received 100–1200 mg of EG-1962 as a single intraventricular injection (9 per cohort) or they remained on oral nimodipine (3 per cohort). Plasma and CSF were collected from each patient for measurement of nimodipine concentrations and calculation of maximum plasma and CSF concentration, area under the concentration-time curve from day 0 to 14, and steady-state concentration.RESULTSFifty-four patients in North America were randomized to EG-1962 and 18 to oral nimodipine. Plasma concentrations increased with escalating doses of EG-1962, remained stable for 14 to 21 days, and were detectable at day 30. Plasma concentrations in the oral nimodipine group were more variable than for EG-1962 and were approximately equal to those occurring at the EG-1962 800-mg dose. CSF concentrations of nimodipine in the EG-1962 groups were 2–3 orders of magnitude higher than in the oral nimodipine group, in which nimodipine was only detected at low concentrations in 10% (21/213) of samples. In the EG-1962 groups, CSF nimodipine concentrations were 1000 times higher than plasma concentrations.CONCLUSIONSPlasma concentrations of nimodipine similar to those achieved with oral nimodipine and lasting for 21 days could be achieved after a single intraventricular injection of EG-1962. The CSF concentrations from EG-1962, however, were at least 2 orders of magnitude higher than those with oral nimodipine. These results supported a phase 3 study that demonstrated a favorable safety profile for EG-1962 but yielded inconclusive efficacy results due to notable differences in clinical outcome based on baseline disease severity.Clinical trial registration no.: NCT01893190 (ClinicalTrials.gov).


2012 ◽  
Vol 27 (7) ◽  
pp. 374-377 ◽  
Author(s):  
B Akbulut ◽  
H İ UÇAr ◽  
M Öç ◽  
M İKizler ◽  
C Yorgancoğlu ◽  
...  

Objectives Syndromes of venous hypertension and reduced venous clearance are important causes of morbidity and disability in patients with varicose venous disease. Published estimates of the prevalence of varicosities range from 7% to 55% in the adult population, with most studies demonstrating clinical varicose reflux in about 40% of the population where the frequency of venous insufficiency is believed to be higher in Westernized and industrialized nations, most likely due to differences in lifestyle and activity. Unfortunately, the prevalence in a Turkish population is not known. The goal of the VEYT-I study was to determine the characteristics of venous insufficiency in a Turkish population. Method Randomized patients who applied to a health-care centre were included in this study. The Tübingen questionnaire was used to evaluate the signs and symptoms of venous insufficiency and their seriousness in a Turkish population. Patients were additionally questioned on demographic data, education, working, living habits, quality of life and actual health status. Results A total of 2167 patients were involved in this study. Four patients with chronic renal failure and 40 patients with congestive heart failure were excluded. In patients with venous insufficiency, 90.1% did not receive any therapy. In all, 51.53% of patients with venous insufficiency were men, and mean age was 56.9 ± 9.4. Conclusion The prevalence of venous insufficiency seems to be somewhat higher when compared with Western populations. One of the most prominent facts is that about 90% of patients with venous insufficiency did not receive any therapy. Therefore, disease-related complications or discomfort might emerge soon, and so more importance should be given to venous insufficiency. The VEYT-I study is a continuing database study and the target is to enlarge the study population.


2021 ◽  

Background and purpose: There are high occurrences of abnormal electrocardio-graphic (ECG) in patients with acute subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Thus, we want to determine whether any specific characteristics in ECG are associated with poor clinical outcomes in patients with SAH inhospital. Methods: A total of 145 patient who selected from 270 cases with non-traumatic SAH was included in this study. A standard surface ECG was assessed for all patients within 72 hours of SAH onset. All patients were stratified into Good or Poor outcome groups according to the in-hospital mortality or neurological worsening (World Federation of Neurological Surgeons, WFNS class) when they discharge from our hospital. Results: These patients in Poor outcome (n = 29) had significantly high heart rate (93.52± 22.23 bpm vs 78.42 ± 18 bpm, P < 0.01), prolonged QTc (458.17 ± 44.88 ms vs 436.89 ± 43.46 ms, P = 0.027) and corrected Tpeak–Tend interval (cTp-e, 106.19 ± 22.22 ms vs 93.14 ± 21.04 ms, P = 0.007) and high occurrence of ECG abnormalities including ST segment (90% vs 44%, P < 0.01) and left ventricular high voltage (28%vs 10%, P = 0.03). Multivariable logistic regression identified independent variables indicating poor outcome in-hospital including abnormal ST (OR = 2.507, 95% CI, 1.051-5.941, P = 0.037) and WFNS class (OR = 2.280, 95% CI, 1.605-3.240, P < 0.001). Conclusions: Abnormal ST segment of ECG is an independent indicator for poor inhospital outcomes regardless the severity of patients with SAH and warrant to further study their mechanism in the future.


2018 ◽  
Vol 68 (676) ◽  
pp. e765-e774 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark H Ebell ◽  
Isabella Locatelli ◽  
Yolanda Mueller ◽  
Nicolas Senn ◽  
Kathryn Morgan

BackgroundTest and treatment thresholds have not yet been described for decision-making regarding the likelihood of pneumonia in patients with acute cough.AimTo determine decision thresholds in the management of patients with acute cough.Design and settingSet among primary care physicians attending meetings in the US and Switzerland, using data from a prospective cohort of primary care patients.MethodClinical vignettes were used to study the clinical decisions of physicians regarding eight patients with cough that varied by six signs and symptoms. The probability of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) was determined for each vignette based on a multivariate model. A previously published approach based on logistic regression was used to determine test and treatment thresholds.ResultsIn total, 256 physicians made 764 clinical decisions. Initial physician estimates systematically overestimated the likelihood of CAP; 75% estimating a higher probability than that predicted by the multivariate model. Given the probability of CAP from a multivariate model, 16.7% (125 of 749) changed their decision from ‘treat’ to ‘test’ or ‘test’ to ‘rule out’, whereas only 3.5% (26/749) changed their decision from ‘rule out’ to ‘test’ or ‘test’ to ‘treat’. Test and treatment thresholds were 9.5% (95% confidence interval (CI) = 8.7 to 10.5) and 43.1% (95% CI = 40.1 to 46.4) and were updated to 12.7% (95% CI = 11.7 to 13.8) and 51.3% (95% CI = 48.3 to 54.9) once the true probability of CAP was given. Test thresholds were consistent between subgroups. Treatment thresholds were higher if radiography was available, for Swiss physicians, and for non-primary care physicians.ConclusionTest and treatment thresholds for CAP in patients with acute cough were 9.5% and 43.1%, respectively. Physicians tended to overestimate the likelihood of CAP, and providing information from a clinical decision rule (CDR) changed about 1 in 6 clinical decisions.


2011 ◽  
Vol 114 (4) ◽  
pp. 1045-1053 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelly B. Mahaney ◽  
Michael M. Todd ◽  
James C. Torner

ObjectThe past 30 years have seen a shift in the timing of surgery for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Earlier practices of delayed surgery that were intended to avoid less favorable surgical conditions have been replaced by a trend toward early surgery to minimize the risks associated with rebleeding and vasospasm. Yet, a consensus as to the optimal timing of surgery has not been reached. The authors hypothesized that earlier surgery, performed using contemporary neurosurgical and neuroanesthesia techniques, would be associated with better outcomes when using contemporary management practices, and sought to define the optimal time interval between SAH and surgery.MethodsData collected as part of the Intraoperative Hypothermia for Aneurysm Surgery Trial (IHAST) were analyzed to investigate the relationship between timing of surgery and outcome at 3 months post-SAH. The IHAST enrolled 1001 patients in 30 neurosurgical centers between February 2000 and April 2003. All patients had a radiographically confirmed SAH, were World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies Grades I–III at the time of surgery, and underwent surgical clipping of the presumed culprit aneurysm within 14 days of the date of hemorrhage. Patients were seen at 90-day follow-up visits. The primary outcome variable was a Glasgow Outcome Scale score of 1 (good outcome). Intergroup differences in baseline, intraoperative, and postoperative variables were compared using the Fisher exact tests. Variables reported as means were compared with ANOVA. Multiple logistic regression was used for multivariate analysis, adjusting for covariates. A p value of less than 0.05 was considered to be significant.ResultsPatients who underwent surgery on Days 1 or 2 (early) or Days 7–14 (late) (Day 0 = date of SAH) fared better than patients who underwent surgery on Days 3–6 (intermediate). Specifically, the worst outcomes were observed in patients who underwent surgery on Days 3 and 4. Patients who had hydrocephalus or Fisher Grade 3 or 4 on admission head CT scans had better outcomes with early surgery than with intermediate or late surgery.ConclusionsEarly surgery, in good-grade patients within 48 hours of SAH, is associated with better outcomes than surgery performed in the 3- to 6-day posthemorrhage interval. Surgical treatment for aneurysmal SAH may be more hazardous during the 3- to 6-day interval, but this should be weighed against the risk of rebleeding.


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