Search

Background The number of patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) who are on antithrombotic agents before ictus is rising. However, their effect on early brain injury and disease development remains unclear. The primary aim of this study was to determine if antithrombotic agents (antiplatelets and anticoagulants) were associated with a worse initial hemorrhage severity, rebleeding rate, clinical course, and functional recovery after aSAH. Methods In this observational study, those 888 patients with aSAH, treated at the neurosurgical department, Uppsala University Hospital, between 2008 and 2018 were included. Demographic, clinical, radiological (Fisher and Hijdra score), and outcome (Extended Glasgow Outcome Scale one year post-ictus) variables were assessed. Results Out of 888 aSAH patients, 14% were treated with antithrombotic agents before ictus. Seventy-five percent of these were on single therapy of antiplatelets, 23% on single therapy of anticoagulants, and 3% on a combination of antithrombotic agents. Those with antithrombotic agents pre-ictus were significantly older and exhibited more co-morbidities and a worse coagulation status according to lab tests. Antithrombotic agents, both as one group and as subtypes (antiplatelets and anticoagulants), were not associated with hemorrhage severity (Hijdra score/Fisher) nor rebleeding rate. The clinical course did not differ in terms of delayed ischemic neurological deficits or last-tier treatment with thiopental and decompressive craniectomy. These patients experienced a higher mortality and lower rate of favorable outcome in univariate analyses, but this did not hold true in multiple logistic regression analyses after adjustment for age and co-morbidities. Conclusions After adjustment for age and co-morbidities, antithrombotic agents before aSAH ictus were not associated with worse hemorrhage severity, rebleeding rate, clinical course, or long-term functional recovery.

Purpose There is an an increasing awareness of the importance of health and lifestyle for stroke diseases like spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). However, the importance of pre-existing medical conditions for clinical course and mortality after SAH has not been studied. The aim of the present study was to identify pre-existing conditions contributing to mortality after SAH. Methods Data were extracted from a Swedish national prospective study on patients with SAH. Variables were defined for age, sex, body mass index (BMI), clinical condition at admission, and for 10 pre-existing medical conditions. Models predicting mortality in three time intervals with all possible subsets of these variables were generated, compared and selected using Akaike’s information criterion. Results 1155 patients with ruptured aneurysms were included. The mortality within 1 week was 7.6%, 1 month 14.3%, and 1 year 18.7%. The most common pre-existing medical conditions were smoking (57.6%) and hypertension (38.7%). The model’s best predicting mortality within 1 week and from 1 week to 1 month included only the level of consciousness at admission and age, and these two variables were present in all the models among the top 200 in Akaike score for each time period. The most predictive model for mortality between 1 month and 1 year added previous stroke, diabetes, psychiatric disease, and BMI as predictors. Conclusion Mortality within the first month was best predicted simply by initial level of consciousness and age, while mortality within from 1 month to 1 year was significantly influenced by pre-existing medical conditions.

Background The primary aim was to determine to what extent continuously monitored neurointensive care unit (neuro-ICU) targets predict cerebral blood flow (CBF) and delivery of oxygen (CDO2) after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. The secondary aim was to determine whether CBF and CDO2 were associated with clinical outcome. Methods In this observational study, patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage treated at the neuro-ICU in Uppsala, Sweden, from 2012 to 2020 with at least one xenon-enhanced computed tomography (Xe-CT) obtained within the first 14 days post ictus were included. CBF was measured with the Xe-CT and CDO2 was calculated based on CBF and arterial oxygen content. Regional cerebral hypoperfusion was defined as CBF 2 was defined as CDO2 2/100 g/min. Neuro-ICU variables including intracranial pressure (ICP), pressure reactivity index, cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP), optimal CPP, and body temperature were assessed in association with the Xe-CT. The acute phase was divided into early phase (day 1–3) and vasospasm phase (day 4–14). Results Of 148 patients, 27 had underwent a Xe-CT only in the early phase, 74 only in the vasospasm phase, and 47 patients in both phases. The patients exhibited cerebral hypoperfusion and poor CDO2 for medians of 15% and 30%, respectively, of the cortical brain areas in each patient. In multiple regressions, higher body temperature was associated with higher CBF and CDO2 in the early phase. In a similar regression for the vasospasm phase, younger age and longer pulse transit time (lower peripheral resistance) correlated with higher CBF and CDO2, whereas lower hematocrit only correlated with higher CBF but not with CDO2. ICP, CPP, and pressure reactivity index exhibited no independent association with CBF and CDO2. R2 of these regressions were below 0.3. Lower CBF and CDO2 in the early phase correlated with poor outcome, but this only held true for CDO2 in multiple regressions. Conclusions Systemic and cerebral physiological variables exhibited a modest association with CBF and CDO2. Still, cerebral hypoperfusion and low CDO2 were common and low CDO2 was associated with poor outcome. Xe-CT imaging could be useful to help detect secondary brain injury not evident by high ICP and low CPP.

Background The primary aim was to determine the diagnostic yield of vascular work-up, the clinical course during neurointensive care (NIC), and rate of functional recovery for patients with computed tomography (CT)-negative, lumbar puncture (LP)-verified SAH. Methods In this retrospective study, 1280 patients with spontaneous SAH, treated at our NIC unit, Uppsala University Hospital, Sweden, between 2008 and 2018, were included. Demography, admission status, radiological examinations (CT angiography (CTA) and digital subtraction angiography (DSA)), treatments, and functional outcome (GOS-E) at 12 months were evaluated. Results Eighty (6%) out of 1280 SAH patients were computed tomography (CT)-negative, LP-verified cases. Time between ictus and diagnosis was longer for the LP-verified SAH cohort in comparison to the CT-positive patients (median 3 vs 0 days, p < 0.001). One fifth of the LP-verified SAH patients exhibited an underlying vascular pathology (aneurysm/AVM), which was significantly less common than for the CT-verified SAH cohort (19% vs. 76%, p < 0.001). The CTA- and DSA-findings were consistent in all of the LP-verified cases. The LP-verified SAH patients exhibited a lower rate of delayed ischemic neurological deficits, but no difference in rebleeding rate, compared to the CT-verified cohort. At 1-year post-ictus, 89% of the LP-verified SAH patients had recovered favorably, but 45% of the cases did not reach good recovery. Having an underlying vascular pathology and an external ventricular drainage were associated with worse functional recovery (p = 0.02) in this cohort. Conclusions LP-verified SAH constituted a small proportion of the entire SAH population. Having an underlying vascular pathology was less frequent in this cohort, but still occurred in one out of five patients. Despite the small initial bleeding in the LP-verified cohort, many of these patients did not reach good recovery at 1 year, this calls for more attentive follow-up and rehabilitation in this cohort.

Background The aim was to study the course of body temperature in the acute phase of poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) in relation to the primary brain injury, cerebral physiology, and clinical outcome. Methods In this observational study, 166 patients with aSAH treated at the neurosurgery department at Uppsala University Hospital in Sweden between 2008 and2018 with temperature, intracranial pressure (ICP), and microdialysis (MD) monitoring were included. The first 10 days were divided into the early phase (days 1–3) and the vasospasm phase (days 4–10). Results Normothermia (temperature = 36–38 °C) was most prevalent in the early phase. A lower mean temperature at this stage was univariately associated with a worse primary brain injury, with higher Fisher grade and higher MD glycerol concentration, as well as a worse neurological recovery at 1 year. There was otherwise no association between temperature and cerebral physiological variables in the early phase. There was a transition toward an increased burden of hyperthermia (temperature > 38 °C) in the vasospasm phase. This was associated with concurrent infections but not with neurological or radiological injury severity at admission. Elevated temperature was associated with higher MD pyruvate concentration, lower rate of an MD pattern indicative of ischemia, and higher rate of poor neurological recovery at 1 year. There was otherwise no association between temperature and cerebral physiological variables in the vasospasm phase. The associations between temperature and clinical outcome did not hold true in multiple logistic regression analyses. Conclusions Spontaneously low temperature in the early phase reflected a worse primary brain injury and indicated a worse outcome prognosis. Hyperthermia was common in the vasospasm phase and was more related to infections than primary injury severity but also with a more favorable energy metabolic pattern with better substrate supply, possibly related to hyperemia.

Higher intracranial pressure variability (ICPV) has been associated with a more favorable cerebral energy metabolism, lower rate of delayed ischemic neurologic deficits, and more favorable outcome in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). We have hypothesized that higher ICPV partly reflects more compliant and active cerebral vessels. In this study, the aim was to further test this by investigating if higher ICPV was associated with lower cerebrovascular resistance (CVR) and higher cerebral blood flow (CBF) after aSAH. In this observational study, 147 aSAH patients were included, all of whom had been treated in the Neurointensive Care (NIC) Unit, Uppsala, Sweden, 2012–2020. They were required to have had ICP monitoring and at least one xenon-enhanced computed tomography (Xe-CT) scan to study cortical CBF within the first 2 weeks post-ictus. CVR was defined as the cerebral perfusion pressure in association with the Xe-CT scan divided by the concurrent CBF. ICPV was defined over three intervals: subminute (ICPV-1m), 30-min (ICPV-30m), and 4 h (ICPV-4h). The first 14 days were divided into early (days 1–3) and vasospasm phase (days 4–14). In the vasospasm phase, but not in the early phase, higher ICPV-4h (β = − 0.19, p

In this study, we investigated the roles of cerebral blood flow (CBF) and cerebral oxygen delivery (CDO2) in relation to cerebral energy metabolism after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH).Fifty-seven adult aSAH patients treated on the neurointensive care unit at Uppsala, Sweden between 2012 and 2020, with at least 1 xenon-enhanced computed tomography (Xe-CT) scan in the first 14 days after ictus and concurrent microdialysis (MD) monitoring, were included in this retrospective study. CBF was measured globally and focally (around the MD catheter) with Xe-CT, and CDO2 calculated. Cerebral energy metabolites were measured using MD.Focal ischemia (CBF20 mL/100 g/min around the MD catheter was associated with lower median [interquartile range]) MD-glucose (1.2 [0.7 to 2.2] mM vs. 2.3 [1.3 to 3.5] mM; P=0.05) and higher MD-lactate-pyruvate (LPR) ratio (34 [29 to 66] vs. 25 [21 to 32]; P=0.02). A compensated/normal MD pattern (MD-LPR25) was observed in the majority of patients (22/23, 96%) without focal ischemia, whereas 4 of 11 (36%) patients with a MD pattern of poor substrate supply (MD-LPR25, MD-pyruvate120 µM) had focal ischemia as did 5 of 20 (25%) patients with a pattern of mitochondrial dysfunction (MD-LPR25, MD-pyruvate120 µM) (P=0.04). Global CBF and CDO2, and focal CDO2, were not associated with the MD variables.While MD is a feasible tool to study cerebral energy metabolism, its validity is limited to a focal area around the MD catheter. Cerebral energy disturbances were more related to low CBF than to low CDO2. Considering the high rate of mitochondrial dysfunction, treatments that increase CBF but not CDO2, such as hemodilution, may still benefit glucose delivery to drive anaerobic metabolism.

OBJECTIVE The primary aim of this study was to determine the combined effect of insult intensity and duration of intracranial pressure (ICP), cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP), and pressure reactivity index (PRx) on outcome measured with the Glasgow Outcome Scale–Extended (GOS-E) in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) or aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). METHODS This observational study included all TBI and aSAH patients treated in the neurointensive care unit in Uppsala, Sweden, 2008–2018, with at least 24 hours of ICP monitoring during the first 10 days following injury and available long-term clinical outcome data. ICP, CPP, and PRx insults were visualized as 2D plots to highlight the effects of both insult intensity and duration on patient outcome. RESULTS Of 950 included patients, 436 were TBI and 514 aSAH patients. The TBI patients were younger, more often male, and exhibited worse neurological status at admission, but recovered more favorably than the aSAH patients. There was a transition from good to poor outcome with ICP above 15–20 mm Hg in both TBI and aSAH. The two diagnoses had opposite CPP patterns. In TBI patients, CPP episodes at or below 80 mm Hg were generally favorable, whereas CPP episodes above 80 mm Hg were favorable in the aSAH patients. In the TBI patients there was a transition from good to poor outcome when PRx exceeded zero, but no evident transition was found in the aSAH cohort. CONCLUSIONS The insult intensity and duration plots formulated in this study illustrate the similarities and differences between TBI and aSAH patients. In particular, aSAH patients may benefit from much higher CPP targets than TBI patients.

BackgroundAdverse events (AEs) or complications may arise secondary to the treatment of aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). The aim of this study was to identify AEs associated with microsurgical occlusion of ruptured aneurysms, as well as to analyse their risk factors and impact on functional outcome.MethodsPatients with aneurysmal SAH admitted to the neurosurgical centres in Sweden were prospectively registered during a 3.5-year period (2014–2018). AEs were categorised as intraoperative or postoperative. A range of variables from patient history and SAH characteristics were explored as potential risk factors for an AE. Functional outcome was assessed approximately 1 year after the bleeding using the extended Glasgow Outcome Scale.ResultsIn total, 1037 patients were treated for ruptured aneurysms, of which, 322 patients were treated with microsurgery. There were 105 surgical AEs in 97 patients (30%); 94 were intraoperative AEs in 79 patients (25%). Aneurysm rerupture occurred in 43 patients (13%), temporary occlusion of the parent artery >5 min in 26 patients (8%) and adjacent vessel injury in 25 patients (8%). High Fisher grade and brain oedema on CT were related to increased risk of AEs. At follow-up, 38% of patients had unfavourable outcome. Patients suffering AEs were more likely to have unfavourable outcome (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.10 to 4.69).ConclusionIntraoperative AEs occurred in 25% of patients treated with microsurgery for ruptured intracerebral aneurysm in this nationwide survey. Although most operated patients had favourable outcome, AEs were associated with increased risk of unfavourable outcome.

Background In this study, the association of the arterial content of oxygen, carbon dioxide, glucose, and lactate with cerebral pressure reactivity, energy metabolism and clinical outcome after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) was investigated. Methods In this retrospective study, 60 patients with aSAH, treated at the neurointensive care (NIC), Uppsala University Hospital, Sweden, between 2016 and 2021 with arterial blood gas (ABG), intracranial pressure, and cerebral microdialysis (MD) monitoring were included. The first 10 days were divided into an early phase (day 1 to 3) and a vasospasm phase (day 4 to 10). Results Higher arterial lactate was independently associated with higher/worse pressure reactivity index (PRx) in the early phase (β = 0.32, P = .02), whereas higher pO2 had the opposite association in the vasospasm phase (β = −0.30, P = .04). Arterial glucose and pCO2 were not associated with PRx. Higher arterial lactate (β = 0.29, P = .05) was independently associated with higher MD-glucose in the vasospasm phase, whereas higher pO2 had the opposite association in the vasospasm phase (β = −0.33, P = .03). Arterial glucose and pCO2 were not associated with MD-glucose. Higher pCO2 in the early phase, lower arterial glucose in both phases, and lower arterial lactate in the vasospasm phase were associated ( P Conclusions Arterial variables associated with more vasoconstriction (higher pO2 and lower arterial lactate) were associated with better cerebral pressure reactivity, but worse energy metabolism. In severe aSAH, when cerebral large-vessel vasospasm with exhausted distal vasodilation is common, more vasoconstriction could increase distal vasodilatory reserve and pressure reactivity, but also reduce cerebral blood flow and metabolic supply. The MD may be useful to monitor the net effects on cerebral metabolism in PRx-targeted NIC.

Background The aim was to investigate the association between intracranial pressure (ICP)- and cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) threshold-insults in relation to cerebral energy metabolism and clinical outcome after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Methods In this retrospective study, 75 aSAH patients treated in the neurointensive care unit, Uppsala, Sweden, 2008–2018, with ICP and cerebral microdialysis (MD) monitoring were included. The first 10 days were divided into early (day 1–3), early vasospasm (day 4–6.5), and late vasospasm phase (day 6.5–10). The monitoring time (%) of ICP insults (> 20 mmHg and > 25 mmHg), CPP insults ( 10 mmHg, and within the optimal interval ∆CPPopt ± 10 mmHg) were calculated in each phase. Results Higher percent of ICP above the 20 mmHg and 25 mmHg thresholds correlated with lower MD-glucose and increased MD-lactate-pyruvate ratio (LPR), particularly in the vasospasm phases. Higher percentage of CPP below all four thresholds (60/70/80//90 mmHg) also correlated with a MD pattern of poor cerebral substrate supply (MD-LPR > 40 and MD-pyruvate Conclusions Keeping ICP below 20 mmHg and CPP at least above 60 mmHg may improve cerebral energy metabolism and clinical outcome.

Purpose High intracranial pressure variability (ICPV) is associated with favorable outcome in traumatic brain injury, by mechanisms likely involving better cerebral blood flow regulation. However, less is known about ICPV in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). In this study, we investigated the explanatory variables for ICPV in aSAH and its association with delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) and clinical outcome. Methods In this retrospective study, 242 aSAH patients, treated at the neurointensive care, Uppsala, Sweden, 2008–2018, with ICP monitoring the first ten days post-ictus were included. ICPV was evaluated on three time scales: (1) ICPV-1 m—ICP slow wave amplitude of wavelengths between 55 and 15 s, (2) ICPV-30 m—the deviation from the mean ICP averaged over 30 min, and (3) ICPV-4 h—the deviation from the mean ICP averaged over 4 h. The ICPV measures were analyzed in the early phase (day 1–3), in the early vasospasm phase (day 4–6.5), and the late vasospasm phase (day 6.5–10). Results High ICPV was associated with younger age, reduced intracranial pressure/volume reserve (high RAP), and high blood pressure variability in multiple linear regression analyses for all ICPV measures. DCI was associated with reduced ICPV in both vasospasm phases. High ICPV-1 m in the post-ictal early phase and the early vasospasm phase predicted favorable outcome in multiple logistic regressions, whereas ICPV-30 m and ICPV-4 h in the late vasospasm phase had a similar association. Conclusions Higher ICPV may reflect more optimal cerebral vessel activity, as reduced values are associated with an increased risk of DCI and unfavorable outcome after aSAH.

Background Treatment of intracranial arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) includes surgery, radiation therapy, endovascular occlusion, or a combination. Proton radiation therapy enables very focused radiation, minimizing dose to the surrounding brain. Purpose To evaluate the presence of radiation-induced changes on post-treatment MRI in patients with AVMs treated with proton radiation and to compare these with development of symptoms and nidus obliteration. Material and Methods Retrospective review of pre- and post-treatment digital subtraction angiography and MRI and medical records in 30 patients with AVMs treated with proton radiation. Patients were treated with two or five fractions; total radiation dose was 20–35 physical Gy. Vasogenic edema (minimal, perinidal, or severe), contrast enhancement (minimal or annular), cavitation and nidus obliteration (total, partial, or none) were assessed. Results 26 of 30 patients (87%) developed MRI changes. Vasogenic edema was seen in 25 of 30 (83%), abnormal contrast enhancement in 18 of 26 (69%) and cavitation in 5 of 30 (17%). Time from treatment to appearance of MRI changes varied between 5 and 25 months (median 7, mean 10). Seven patients developed new or deteriorating symptoms that required treatment with corticosteroids; all these patients had extensive MRI changes (severe vasogenic edema and annular contrast enhancement). Not all patients with extensive MRI changes developed symptoms. We found no relation between MRI changes and nidus obliteration. Conclusion Radiation-induced MRI changes are seen in a majority of patients after proton radiation treatment of AVMs. Extensive MRI changes are associated with new or deteriorating symptoms.

The complexity of the inflammatory response post subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) may require temporal analysis of multiple protein biomarkers simultaneously to be more accurately described.Ventricular cerebrospinal fluid was collected at days 1, 4 and 10 after SAH in 29 patients. Levels of 92 inflammation-related proteins were simultaneously measured using Target 96 Inflammation ® assay (Olink Proteomics, Uppsala, Sweden) based on Proximity Extension Assay (PEA) technology. Twenty-eight proteins were excluded from further analysis due to lack of50% of measurable values. Temporal patterns of the remaining 64 proteins were analyzed. Repeated measures ANOVA and its nonparametric equivalent Friedman's ANOVA were used for comparisons of means between time points.Four different patterns (Groups A-D) were visually observed with an early peak and gradually decreasing trend (11 proteins), a middle peak (10 proteins), a late peak after a gradually increasing trend (30 proteins) and no specific pattern (13 proteins). Statistically significant early peaks defined as Day 1Day 4 values were noticed in 4 proteins; no significant decreasing trends defined as Day 1Day 4Day 10 values were observed. Two proteins showed significant middle peaks (i.e. Day 1Day 4Day 10 values). Statistically significant late peaks (i.e. Day 4Day 10 values) and increasing trends (i.e. Day 1Day 4Day 10 values) were observed in 14 and 10 proteins, respectively. Four of Group D proteins showed biphasic peaks and the rest showed stable levels during the observation period.The comprehensive data set provided in this explorative study may act as an illustration of an inflammatory profile of the acute phase of SAH showing groups of potential protein biomarkers with similar temporal patterns of activation, thus facilitating further research on their role in the pathophysiology of the disease.

Background: Patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage often have impaired consciousness and cannot regulate nutritional intakes themselves. Previous studies have demonstrated elevated energy expenditure in the acute phase, but it is not known whether the energy demand is constant during the first week after onset of the disease. In this study, we performed daily measurements of energy expenditure with indirect calorimetry during the first 7 days after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage in mechanically ventilated patients. Methods: Metabolic measurements were performed daily with indirect calorimetry in 26 patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. All patients were intubated and mechanically ventilated. The measured value was compared to the predicted values from the Harris–Benedict equation and the Penn State University 1998 equation. Urinary nitrogen excretion was measured daily. Results: There was a significant increase in energy expenditure during days 2–3 compared to days 5–6. The Harris–Benedict equation underestimated metabolic demand. The Penn State 1998 equation was closer to the measured values, but still underestimated caloric need. Urinary nitrogen excretion increased throughout the first week from initially low values. Conclusions: There is a dynamic course in energy expenditure in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, with increasing metabolic demand during the first week of the disease. Indirect calorimetry could be used more often to help provide an adequate amount of energy.

Background High intracranial pressure (ICP) and low cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) may induce secondary brain injury following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). In the current study, we aimed to determine the temporal incidence of insults above/below certain ICP/CPP thresholds, the role of pressure autoregulation in CPP management (PRx and CPPopt), and the relation to clinical outcome. Methods In this retrospective study, 242 patients were included with aSAH, who were treated in the neurointensive care unit, Uppsala University Hospital, Sweden, 2008–2018, with ICP monitoring the first 10 days post-ictus. Data from ICP, pressure autoregulation (PRx), CPP, and CPPopt (the CPP with the lowest/optimal PRx) were analyzed the first 10 days. The percentage of good monitoring time (GMT) above/below various ICP and CPP thresholds was calculated, e.g., ICP > 20 mm Hg (%), CPP Results Of the 242 patients, 63 (26%) had favorable (GOS-E 5–8) and 179 (74%) had unfavorable (GOS-E 1–4) outcome at 12 months. Higher proportion (GMT) of ICP insults above 20 mm Hg was most common the first 3 days post-ictus and was then independently associated with unfavorable outcome. CPP gradually increased throughout the 10 days post-ictus, and higher proportion of GMT with CPP Conclusions Avoiding intracranial hypertension early and maintaining a high CPP in the vasospasm phase when the pressure autoregulation is most disturbed may improve clinical outcome after aSAH.

ObjectivesThe aim was to describe the course of sickness absence (SA), disability pension (DP) and work-related economic situation defined as earnings (EA) and disposable income (DI), after spontaneous subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). Associations of SA, DP, EA and DI with demographic factors were also studied.DesignA longitudinal cohort study of all 1932 people in Sweden who in January 2005 to December 2010 had a first time SAH when aged 17 to 64 years and survived during the 3-year follow-up. Microdata from four nationwide administrative registers were used.Main outcome measuresPrimary outcome was the presence of SA and DP and how this changed during the study period of 5 years (the year before, the year of SAH and the following 3 years). The secondary outcome was the development of the income variables EA and DI. Demographic factors analysed were sex, age, source of bleeding, country of birth, family situation, educational level and type of living area.ResultsThe year before the SAH, 7.9% of women and 4.6% of men had some SA registered (pConclusionsSAH influenced future SA, DP, as well as EA. Both SA, DP and the economic variables studied were predicted by models including sex.

Background Neuroinflammation has been extensively studied in the context of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in recent years. A common approach is correlation of levels of single or few inflammatory biomarkers with clinical parameters such as cerebral vasospasm and outcome. However, the complexity of the inflammatory response post SAH may require a more comprehensive overall approach by analyzing multiple biomarkers simultaneously. Methods Twenty-nine patients with SAH requiring insertion of external ventricular drainage were enrolled and ventricular cerebrospinal fluid was collected at days 1, 4 and 10 after hemorrhage. The levels of 92 inflammatory biomarkers were simultaneously measured in the samples using Proseek Multiplex Inflammation 1® assay (Olink Proteomics, Uppsala, Sweden) based on Proximity Extension Assay (PEA) technology. Thirty-eight proteins were excluded from further analysis due to lack of >10% of measurable values. Temporal patterns for each of the remaining 54 proteins were illustrated on graphs with medians and quartiles. Wilcoxon matched pairs test was used for comparison of the medians between time points. Results Four different patterns were visually observed with an early peak and gradually decreasing trend (9 proteins), middle peak (14 proteins), late peak after a gradually increasing trend (27 proteins) and no specific pattern (4 proteins). Several biomarkers showed statistically significant increasing trends (defined as day 1 < day 4 < day 10 values) and late peaks (day 4 < day 10), such as chemokines CXCL6 and CCL23, or significant early peaks (that is, day 1 > day 4) such as leukemia inhibitor factor (LIF) and macrophage inflammatory factor-1β (MIP-1β). No statistically significant decreasing trends (defined as day 1 > day 4 > day 10) were observed. Two proteins showed statistically significant middle peaks (chemokine CCL28 and Delta and Notch epidermal growth factor-related receptor-DNER). Conclusion The comprehensive data set provided in this study may act as an illustration of an inflammatory profile of the acute phase of SAH showing groups of biomarkers with similar temporal patterns of activation. Further studies can be designed based on these data in order to explore potential implications on early and late clinical events in the disease course.

The aim of this study was to describe our experience in the treatment of various pathological conditions of the cranial and spinal blood vessels and hypervascularized lesions using dual lumen balloon catheters. Twenty-five patients were treated with endovascular techniques: two with vasospasm of cerebral blood vessels caused by subarachnoid hemorrhage, one with a hypervascularized metastasis in the vertebral body, two with spinal dural fistula, four with cerebral dural fistula, three with cerebral arteriovenous malformations, and 13 with aneurysms. The dual lumen balloon catheters were used for remodeling of the coil mesh, injection of various liquid embolic agents, particles and nimodipine, for the prevention of reflux and deployment of coils and stents. The diameter of catheterized blood vessels varied from 0.7 mm to 4 mm. Two complications occurred: perforation of an aneurysm in one case and gluing of the tip of balloon catheter by embolic material in another case. All other interventions were uneventful, and therapeutic goals were achieved in all cases except in the case with gluing of the tip of balloon catheter. The balloons effectively prevented reflux regardless of the type of the embolic material and diameter of blood vessel. The results of our study show that dual lumen balloon catheters allow complex interventions in the narrow cerebral and spinal blood vessels where the safe use of two single lumen catheters is either limited or impossible.

The mechanisms leading to neurological deterioration and the devastating course of delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) are still not well understood. Bedside xenon-enhanced computerized tomography (XeCT) enables measurements of regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) during neurosurgical intensive care. In the present study, CBF characteristics in the early phase after severe SAH were explored and related to clinical characteristics and early clinical course outcome.Patients diagnosed with SAH and requiring mechanical ventilation were prospectively enrolled in the study. Bedside XeCT was performed within day 0 to 3.Data from 64 patients were obtained. Median global CBF was 34.9 mL/100 g/min (interquartile range [IQR], 26.7 to 41.6). There was a difference in CBF related to age with higher global CBF in the younger patients (30 to 49 y). CBF was also related to the severity of SAH with lower CBF in Fisher grade 4 compared with grade 3. rCBF disturbances and hypoperfusion were common; in 43 of the 64 patients rCBF20 mL/100 g/min was detected in more than 10% of the region-of-interest (ROI) area and in 17 patients such low-flow area exceeded 30%. rCBF was not related to the localization of the aneurysm; there was no difference in rCBF of ipsilateral compared with contralateral vascular territories. In patients who initially were in HuntHess grade I to III, median global CBF day 0 to 3 was significantly lower for patients who were in poor neurological state at discharge compared with patients in good neurological state, 25.5 mL/100 g/min (IQR, 21.3 to 28.3) versus 37.8 mL/100 g/min (IQR, 30.5 to 47.6).CBF disturbances are common in the early phase after SAH. In many patients, CBF was heterogenic and substantial areas with low rCBF were detected. Age and CT Fisher grade were factors influencing global cortical CBF. Bedside XeCT may be a tool to identify patients at risk of deteriorating so they can receive intensified management, but this needs further exploration.

Background The postoperative course after surgery for primary brain tumours can be difficult to predict. We examined the time course of postoperative neurological deficits and analysed possible predisposing factors. Method Hundred adults with a radiological suspicion of low- or high-grade glioma were prospectively included and the postoperative course analysed. Possible predictors of postoperative neurological deterioration were evaluated. Results New postoperative neurologic deficits occurred in 37% of the patients, and in 4%, there were worsening of a preoperative deficit. In 78%, the deficits occurred directly after surgery. The probable cause of deterioration was EEG-verified seizures in 7, ischemic lesion in 5 and both in 1, resection of eloquent tissue in 6, resection close to eloquent tissue including SMA in 11 and postoperative haematoma in 1 patient. Seizures were the main cause of delayed neurological deterioration. Two-thirds of patients with postoperative deterioration showed complete regression of the deficits, and in 6% of all patients, there was a slight disturbance of the function after 3 months. Remaining deficits were found in 6% and only in patients with preoperative neurological deficits and high-grade tumours with mainly eloquent locations. Eloquent tumour location was a predictor of postoperative neurological deterioration and preoperative neurological deficits of remaining deficits. Conclusions Postoperative neurological deficits occurred in 41% and remained in 6% of patients. Remaining deficits were found in patients with preoperative neurological deficits and high-grade tumours with mainly eloquent locations. Eloquent tumour location was a predictor of neurological deterioration and preoperative neurological deficits of remaining deficits.

OBJECTIVEDespite the multifactorial pathogenesis of delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), augmentation of cerebral blood flow (CBF) is still considered essential in the clinical management of DCI. The aim of this prospective observational study was to investigate cerebral metabolic changes in relation to CBF during therapeutic hypervolemia, hemodilution, and hypertension (HHH) therapy in poor-grade SAH patients with DCI.METHODSCBF was assessed by bedside xenon-enhanced CT at days 0–3, 4–7, and 8–12, and the cerebral metabolic state by cerebral microdialysis (CMD), analyzing glucose, lactate, pyruvate, and glutamate hourly. At clinical suspicion of DCI, HHH therapy was instituted for 5 days. CBF measurements and CMD data at baseline and during HHH therapy were required for study inclusion. Non-DCI patients with measurements in corresponding time windows were included as a reference group.RESULTSIn DCI patients receiving HHH therapy (n = 12), global cortical CBF increased from 30.4 ml/100 g/min (IQR 25.1–33.8 ml/100 g/min) to 38.4 ml/100 g/min (IQR 34.2–46.1 ml/100 g/min; p = 0.006). The energy metabolic CMD parameters stayed statistically unchanged with a lactate/pyruvate (L/P) ratio of 26.9 (IQR 22.9–48.5) at baseline and 31.6 (IQR 22.4–35.7) during HHH. Categorized by energy metabolic patterns during HHH, no patient had severe ischemia, 8 showed derangement corresponding to mitochondrial dysfunction, and 4 were normal. The reference group of non-DCI patients (n = 11) had higher CBF and lower L/P ratios at baseline with no change over time, and the metabolic pattern was normal in all these patients.CONCLUSIONSGlobal and regional CBF improved and the cerebral energy metabolic CMD parameters stayed statistically unchanged during HHH therapy in DCI patients. None of the patients developed metabolic signs of severe ischemia, but a disturbed energy metabolic pattern was a common occurrence, possibly explained by mitochondrial dysfunction despite improved microcirculation.

Background Prolonged seizures generate cerebral hypoxia and increased intracranial pressure, resulting in an increased risk of neurological deterioration, increased long-term morbidity, and shorter survival. Seizures should be recognized early and treated promptly. The aim of the study was to investigate the occurrence of postoperative seizures in patients undergoing craniotomy for primary brain tumors and to determine if non-convulsive seizures could explain some of the postoperative neurological deterioration that may occur after surgery. Methods A single-center prospective study of 100 patients with suspected glioma. Participants were studied with EEG and video recording for at least 24 h after surgery. Results Seven patients (7%) displayed seizure activity on EEG recording within 24 h after surgery and another two patients (2%) developed late seizures. One of the patients with early seizures also developed late seizures. In five patients (5%), there were non-convulsive seizures. Four of these patients had a combination of clinically overt and non-convulsive seizures and in one patient, all seizures were non-convulsive. The non-convulsive seizures accounted for the majority of total seizure time in those patients. Non-convulsive seizures could not explain six cases of unexpected postoperative neurological deterioration. Postoperative ischemic lesions were more common in patients with early postoperative seizures. Conclusions Early seizures, including non-convulsive, occurred in 7% of our patients. Within this group, non-convulsive seizure activity had longer durations than clinically overt seizures, but only 1% of patients had exclusively non-convulsive seizures. Seizures were not associated with unexpected neurological deterioration. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s00701-019-03982-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Background Arterial hyperglycemia is associated with poor outcome in traumatic brain injury (TBI), but the pathophysiology is not completely understood. Previous preclinical and clinical studies have indicated that arterial glucose worsens pressure autoregulation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship of arterial glucose to both pressure reactivity and cerebral energy metabolism. Method This retrospective study was based on 120 patients with severe TBI treated at the Uppsala University hospital, Sweden, 2008–2018. Data from cerebral microdialysis (glucose, pyruvate, and lactate), arterial glucose, and pressure reactivity index (PRx55-15) were analyzed the first 3 days post-injury. Results High arterial glucose was associated with poor outcome/Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended at 6-month follow-up (r = − 0.201, p value = 0.004) and showed a positive correlation with both PRx55-15 (r = 0.308, p = 0.001) and cerebral lactate/pyruvate ratio (LPR) days 1–3 (r = 0. 244, p = 0.014). Cerebral lactate-to-pyruvate ratio and PRx55-15 had a positive association day 2 (r = 0.219, p = 0.048). Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that high arterial glucose predicted poor pressure autoregulation on days 1 and 2. Conclusions High arterial glucose was associated with poor outcome, poor pressure autoregulation, and cerebral energy metabolic disturbances. The latter two suggest a pathophysiological mechanism for the negative effect of arterial hyperglycemia, although further studies are needed to elucidate if the correlations are causal or confounded by other factors.

Inflammatory processes play a key role in the pathophysiology of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). This study evaluated whether different temporal patterns of intrathecal and systemic inflammation could be identified in the acute phase after SAH. The intensity of the inflammation was also assessed in clinical subgroups.Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood samples were collected at days 1, 4, and 10 after ictus in 44 patients with severe SAH. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) was analyzed by a routine monoclonal antibody-based method. Median IL-6 values for each day were calculated. Day 4 IL-6 values were compared in dichotomized groups (age, sex, World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies [WFNS] grade, Fisher scale grade, outcome, vasospasm, central nervous system infection and systemic infections).CSF IL-6 levels were significantly elevated from day 1 to days 4 and 10, whereas plasma IL-6 showed a different trend at lower levels. Median CSF IL-6 concentrations for days 1, 4, and 10 were 876.5, 3361, and 1567 ng/L, whereas plasma was 26, 27.5, and 15.9 ng/L, respectively. No significant differences in CSF concentrations were observed between the subgroups, with the most prominent one being in day 4 IL-6 in the WFNS subgroups (grades 1-3 vs. 4-5, 1158.5 vs. 5538 ng/L; P = 0.056). Patients with systemic infection had significantly higher plasma IL-6 concentrations than patients without infection (31 vs. 16.05 ng/L, respectively; P = 0.028).Distinctly different inflammatory patterns could be seen intrathecally compared with the systemic circulation. In plasma, a significant difference in the intensity of the inflammation was seen in cases with systemic infection. No other subgroup showed statistically significant differences.

BACKGROUND: Management of delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is difficult and still carries controversies. In this study, the effect of therapeutic hypervolemia, hemodilution, and hypertension (HHH-therapy) on cerebral blood flow (CBF) was assessed by xenon-enhanced computerized tomography (XeCT) hypothesizing an increase in CBF in poorly perfused regions. METHODS: Bedside XeCT measurements of regional CBF in mechanically ventilated SAH patients were routinely scheduled for day 0-3, 4-7, and 8-12. At clinical suspicion of DCI, patients received 5-day HHH-therapy. For inclusion, XeCT was required at 0-48 h before start of HHH (baseline) and during therapy. Data from corresponding time-windows were also collected for non-DCI patients. RESULTS: Twenty patients who later developed DCI were included, and twenty-eight patients without DCI were identified for comparison. During HHH, there was a slight nonsignificant increase in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and a significant reduction in hematocrit. Median global cortical CBF for the DCI group increased from 29.5 (IQR 24.6-33.9) to 38.4 (IQR 27.0-41.2) ml/100 g/min (P = 0.001). There was a concomitant increase in regional CBF of the worst vascular territories, and the proportion of area with blood flow below 20 ml/100 g/min was significantly reduced. Non-DCI patients showed higher CBF at baseline, and no significant change over time. CONCLUSIONS: HHH-therapy appeared to increase global and regional CBF in DCI patients. The increase in SBP was small, while the decrease in hematocrit was more pronounced, which may suggest that intravascular volume status and rheological effects are of importance. XeCT may be potentially helpful in managing poor-grade SAH patients.

OBJECTIVEDelayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is one of the major contributors to poor outcome. It is crucial to be able to detect early signs of DCI to prevent its occurrence. The objective of this study was to determine if low cerebral blood flow (CBF) measurements and pathological microdialysis parameters measured at the bedside can be observed early in patients with SAH who later developed DCI.METHODSThe authors included 30 patients with severe SAH. The CBF measurements were performed at Day 0–3 after disease onset, using bedside xenon-CT. Interstitial glucose, lactate, pyruvate, glycerol, and glutamate were measured using microdialysis.RESULTSNine of 30 patients developed DCI. Patients with DCI showed significantly lower global and regional CBF, and lactate was significantly increased in these patients. A high lactate/pyruvate ratio was also detected in patients with DCI.CONCLUSIONSEarly low CBF measurements and a high lactate and lactate/pyruvate ratio may be early warning signs of the risk of developing DCI. The clinical value of these findings needs to be confirmed in larger studies.

In this case report we describe colloid cysts in the third ventricles of monozygotic twin sisters. They were 26 years old when their condition was discovered. One woman was admitted to us on an emergency basis, with signs of high intracranial pressure such as unconsciousness and extension posturing. Her sister was also brought to the hospital since she had a history of attacks of headache. They were both operated with removal of the colloid cysts, and the clinical courses are described in the case report. In reviewing the literature another 30 familial cases were found. Of these were two pairs of monozygotic and one pair of dizygotic twins.

Object The rupture of an intracranial aneurysm is followed by increased intracranial pressure and decreased cerebral blood flow. A major systemic stress reaction follows, presumably to restore cerebral blood flow. However, this reaction can also cause adverse effects, including myocardial abnormalities, which are common and can be serious, and increased levels of natriuretic peptides, especially brain natriuretic peptide (BNP). The association of BNP with fluid and salt balance, vasospasm, brain ischemia, and cardiac injury has been studied but almost exclusively regarding events after admission. Brain natriuretic peptide has also been measured at various time points and analyzed in different ways statistically. The authors approached BNP measurement in a new way; they used the calculated area under the curve (AUC) for the first 4 days to quantitatively measure the BNP load during the first critical part of the disease state. Their rationale was a suspicion that early BNP load is a marker of the severity of the ictus and will influence the subsequent course of the disease by disturbing the fluid and salt balance. Methods The study included 156 patients with acute spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Mean patient age was 59.8 ± 11.2 years, and 105 (67%) of the patients were female. An aneurysm was found in 138 patients. A total of 82 aneurysms were treated by endovascular coiling, 50 were treated by surgery, and 6 were untreated. At the time of admission, serum samples were collected for troponin-I analysis and for the N-terminal prohormone of BNP (NT-proBNP); daily thereafter, samples were collected for the NT-proBNP analysis. The cumulative BNP load was calculated as the AUC for NT-proBNP during the first 4 days. The following variables were studied in terms of their influence on the AUC for NT-proBNP: sex, age, World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies grade of SAH, Fisher grade, angiographic result, treatment of aneurysm, clinical neurological deterioration, verified infections, vasospasm treatment, and 6-month outcome. Results The AUC for NT-proBNP was larger when variables indicated a more severe SAH. These variables were higher Fisher and World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies grades, high levels of troponin-I at admission, an aneurysm, neurological deficits, and infections. The AUC for NT-proBNP was also larger among women, older patients, and patients with poor outcomes. Linear regression showed that the best predicting model for large AUC for NT-proBNP was the combination of the following: female sex, high levels of troponin-I, an aneurysm, neurological deficits, and advanced age. Conclusions The cumulative BNP load during the first days after SAH can be predicted by variables describing the severity of the disease already known at the time of admission. This information can be used to identify patients at risk for an adverse course of the disease.

Objectives The management of patients with spontaneous subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) has changed, in part due to interventions now being extended to patients who are older and in a worse clinical condition. This study evaluates the effects of these changes on a complete 5-year patient material. Methods Demographic data and results from 615 patients with SAH admitted from 2007 to 2011 were put together. Aneurysms were found in 448 patients (72.8%). They were compared with the aneurysm group (n = 676) from a previously published series from our centre (2001–2006). Linear regression was used to determine variables predicting functional outcome in the whole aneurysm group (2001–2011). Results Patients in the more recent aneurysm group were older, and they were in a worse clinical condition on admission. Regarding younger patients admitted in World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies SAH grading (WFNS) 3, there were fewer with a good outcome. In the whole aneurysm group 2001–2011, outcome was best predicted by age, clinical condition at admission, and the size of the bleeding, and not by treatment mode or localization of aneurysm. Conclusion It seems important for the outcome that aneurysms are treated early. The clinical course after that depends largely on the condition of the patient on admission rather than on aneurysm treatment method. This, together with the fact that older patients and those in worse condition are now being admitted, increases demands on neurointensive care. Further improvement in patient outcome depends on better understanding of acute brain injury mechanisms and improved neurointensive care as well as rehabilitation measures.

Background Somatotropic and thyroid hormones are probably important for the recovery after acute brain injury. Still, the dynamics of these hormones after spontaneous subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) is not well described. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relation between somatotropic and thyroid hormones and clinical factors after SAH.

Background Cerebral pressure autoregulation can be quantified with the pressure reactivity index (PRx), based on the correlation between blood pressure and intracranial pressure. Using PRx optimal cerebral perfusion pressure (CPPopt) can be calculated, i.e., the level of CPP where autoregulation functions best. The relation between cerebral blood flow (CBF) and CPPopt has not been examined. The objective was to assess to which extent CPPopt can be calculated in SAH patients and to investigate CPPopt in relation to CBF. Methods Retrospective study of prospectively collected data. CBF was measured bedside with Xenon-enhanced CT (Xe-CT). The difference between actual CPP and CPPopt was calculated (CPPa dagger). Correlations between CPPa dagger and CBF parameters were calculated with Spearman's rank order correlation coefficient (rho). Separate calculations were done using all patients (day 0-14 after onset) as well as in two subgroups (day 0-3 and day 4-14). Results Eighty-two patients with 145 Xe-CT scans were studied. Automated calculation of CPPopt was possible in adjunct to 60% of the Xe-CT scans. Actual CPP < CPPopt was associated with higher numbers of low-flow regions (CBF < 10 ml/100 g/min) in both the early phase (day 0-3, n = 39, Spearman's rho = -0.38, p = 0.02) and late acute phase of the disease (day 4-14, n = 35, Spearman's rho = -0.39, p = 0.02). CPP level per se was not associated with CBF. Conclusions Calculation of CPPopt is possible in a majority of patients with severe SAH. Actual CPP below CPPopt is associated with low CBF.

Background This study was performed to investigate the incidence and etiology of ventriculostomy-related infections (VRIs) in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and to assess adherence to local clinical guidelines regarding empirical antimicrobial therapy and diagnostic routines. Methods A total of 191 consecutive SAH patients treated in the neuro-intensive care unit of Uppsala University Hospital between 2010 and 2013 were included retrospectively. Information regarding cerebrospinal fluid samples, bacterial cultures, ventriculostomy treatment, patient characteristics, and antibiotic treatment were collected from electronic patient records. Results Eleven patients developed VRI, resulting in an incidence of 5.8% per patient, 5.4% per ventriculostomy catheter, and 4.1 per 1000 catheter days. Coagulase-negative staphylococci caused nine cases of VRI and Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus caused one each. Empirical VRI therapy was initiated on 97 occasions in 81 subjects (42.4%). Out of the 11 patients with VRI, four did not receive empirical antibiotic therapy before the positive culture result. The clinical actions performed after analysis of CSF samples were in line with the action suggested by the local guidelines in 307 out of 592 cases (51.9%). Conclusions The incidence of VRI in our cohort was comparable to what has previously been reported. Coagulase-negative staphylococci was the most common agent. Our study demonstrates the difficulty in diagnosing VRI in SAH patients. Improved adherence to clinical guidelines could to some extent reduce the use of empirical antibiotic treatment, but better diagnostic methods and routines are needed.

A measurement of quality of life (QoL) should cover the important aspects of daily life and be easy to perform. Ease of performance is especially important for patients with spontaneous subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH), since fatigue and cognitive disabilities are known sequeles. EuroQoL (EQ-5D) is a preference-based instrument measuring QoL, based on self-reported health status in five dimensions: Mobility, Self-Care, Usual Activities, Pain/Discomfort and Anxiety/Depression. In the present study EuroQoL was used in patients with aneurysmal SAH (aSAH) in comparison with a Swedish reference population. We also determined the extent to which demographic characteristics and clinical parameters predicted outcome. Seven hundred fifty-five patients with aSAH were studied after a median 12 months. The proportion of patients in the best QoL category for each dimension was compared with the corresponding proportion in an age matched reference population. Disease severity was measured using the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies’ SAH grading system and the Fisher scale. The extent to which demographic and clinical factors predicted outcome was evaluated using linear regression. Aneurysmal SAH patients generally had a worse QoL compared with the reference population, in all five dimensions of EQ-5D. In the patient population, disease severity predicted worse outcome in all five dimensions. Female gender and surgery as treatment method (in the case of anterior aneurysms) predicted worse outcome in Usual Activities and Anxiety/Depression. The nature of the sequeles after SAH depends on severity of disease, gender and treatment method. These factors should be more emphasised in planning rehabilitation.

Background Increased interest in radiation dose reduction in neurointerventional procedures has led to the development of a method called “spot fluoroscopy” (SF), which enables the operator to collimate a rectangular or square region of interest anywhere within the general field of view. This has potential advantages over conventional collimation, which is limited to symmetric collimation centered over the field of view. Purpose To evaluate the effect of SF on the radiation dose. Material and Methods Thirty-five patients with intracranial aneurysms were treated with endovascular coiling. SF was used in 16 patients and conventional fluoroscopy in 19. The following parameters were analyzed: the total fluoroscopic time, the total air kerma, the total fluoroscopic dose-area product, and the fluoroscopic dose-area product rate. Statistical differences were determined using the Welch’s t-test. Results The use of SF led to a reduction of 50% of the total fluoroscopic dose-area product (CF = 106.21 Gycm2, SD = 99.06 Gycm2 versus SF = 51.80 Gycm2, SD = 21.03 Gycm2, p = 0.003884) and significant reduction of the total fluoroscopic dose-area product rate (CF = 1.42 Gycm2/min, SD = 0.57 Gycm2/s versus SF = 0.83 Gycm2/min, SD = 0.37 Gycm2/min, p = 0.00106). The use of SF did not lead to an increase in fluoroscopy time or an increase in total fluoroscopic cumulative air kerma, regardless of collimation. Conclusion The SF function is a new and promising tool for reduction of the radiation dose during neurointerventional procedures.

Object The aim in the present investigation was to study the relation between brain interstitial and systemic blood glucose concentrations during the acute phase after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The authors also evaluated the effects of insulin administration on local brain energy metabolism. Methods Nineteen patients with spontaneous SAH were prospectively monitored with intracerebral microdialysis (MD). The relation between plasma glucose and MD-measured interstitial brain glucose concentrations as well as the temporal pattern of MD glucose, lactate, pyruvate, glutamate, and glycerol was studied for 7 days after SAH. Using a target plasma glucose concentration of 5–10 mmol/L, the effect of insulin injection was also evaluated. Results The mean (± SD) correlation coefficient between plasma glucose and MD glucose was 0.27 ± 0.27 (p = 0.0005), with a high degree of individual variation. Microdialysis glucose, the MD/plasma glucose ratio, and MD glutamate concentrations decreased in parallel with a gradual increase in MD pyruvate and MD lactate concentrations. There were no significant changes in the MD L/P ratio or MD glycerol levels. Insulin administration induced a decrease in MD glucose and MD pyruvate. Conclusions After SAH, there was a positive correlation between plasma and MD glucose concentrations with a high degree of individual variation. A gradual decline in MD glucose and the MD/plasma glucose ratio and an increase in MD pyruvate and MD lactate concentrations during the 1st week after SAH suggest a transition to a hyperglycolytic state with increased cerebral glucose consumption. The administration of insulin was related to a lowering of MD glucose and MD pyruvate, often to low levels even though plasma glucose values remained above 6 mmol/L. After SAH, the administration of insulin could impede the glucose supply of the brain.

Introduction Little is known about the roles that lifetime psychiatric disorders play in psychiatric and vocational outcomes of aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). Materials and methods Eighty-three SAH patients without apparent cognitive dysfunction were assessed using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV axis I disorders (SCID-I) after their SAH. Diagnoses were assessed for three time periods, ‘lifetime before SAH', ‘12 months before SAH’ and ‘7 months after SAH'. Results Forty-five percentage of patients with SAH reported at least one lifetime psychiatric disorder. After SAH, symptoms of depression and/or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were seen in 41%, more often in those with a psychiatric history prior to SAH (p = 0.001). In logistic regressions, depression after SAH was associated with a lifetime history of major depression, or of anxiety or substance use disorder, as well as with lifetime psychiatric comorbidity. Subsyndromal or full PTSD was predicted by a lifetime history of major depression. After the SAH, 18 patients (22%) had received psychotropic medication and/or psychological treatment, 13 of whom had a disorder. Those with a lifetime history of major depression or treatment with antidepressants before SAH had lower return to work rates than others (p = 0.019 and p = 0.031, respectively). This was also true for those with symptoms of depression and/or PTSD, or with antidepressant treatment after SAH 0 = 0.001 and p = 0.031, respectively). Conclusions Depression and PTSD are present in a substantial proportion of patients 7 months after SAH. Those with a history of psychiatric morbidity, any time before the SAH, are more at risk and also constitute a risk group for difficulties in returning to work.

Previous studies on spontaneous aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) treatment have found the presence of global cerebral oedema on the first CT scan to be a predictor of poor outcome. We have reviewed our own experience with SAH in order to evaluate the relation of global cerebral oedema to clinical parameters at admission and to functional outcome.One hundred ninety patients with spontaneous aneurysmal SAH were included in the study. The first CT scan for each patient was evaluated for signs of global cerebral oedema. Clinical status on admission was assessed according to the HuntHess score and the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) grade and functional outcome using the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS). Clinical condition at admission was dichotomised as 'better' (HuntHess 1-2, WFNS 1-2) or 'worse' (HuntHess 3-5, WFNS 3-5) and outcome as 'favourable' (GOS 4-5) or 'poor' (GOS 1-3). The amount of blood on the CT scan was assessed using the Fisher scale. Comparisons were made between patients with and without global cerebral oedema on the first CT regarding clinical condition, age, gender, mode of aneurysm treatment, outcome, 6-month mortality, amount of blood on the CT scan and time lag to the first CT scan.Global cerebral oedema was observed in 57% of patients admitted with aneurysmal SAH, which is a much higher frequency than has been reported previously. Patients with oedema were admitted in a worse clinical status, but there was no difference between patients with and without oedema regarding other clinical parameters or outcome. The median time between the haemorrhage and the first CT scan was short compared to earlier studies, 2.5 h for those with oedema and 3.4 for those without. This difference was significant, suggesting that global cerebral oedema can be a very early phenomenon after SAH, and may be missed in later CT scans.Early global brain oedema, occurring within a few hours of bleeding, may be more common than previously thought. In aneurysmal SAH patients, the presence of global cerebral oedema was associated with a worse clinical condition at admission which in turn could indicate a more severe initial injury. The clinical significance of early oedema may differ from that of late oedema, which may explain the lack of an association between global oedema and poor outcome in this study. However, the nature of the oedema as well as its relation to the clinical course has to be further studied in separate studies.