Intraventricular hemorrhage due to rupture of arteriovenous malformations.

From 96 cases of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), 7 (7%) were due to rupture of arteriovenous malformation (AVM). 1 patient with a giant AVM had a primary IVH. Others had intracerebral hematoma (ICH) with rupture into the ventricular system. The severity of IVH (SIVH) correlated with neurological deficits on admission and with outcome of 6 (85%) patients and was considered as a reliable radiological prognostic indicator. 1 (14%) patient deceased and 4 (57%) survived with no or minor, 1 (14%) with moderate and 1 (14%) with major disability. Reviewing the literature, the conclusion is made, that in this relatively benign form of IVH, an active neurosurgical attitude regarding immediate evacuation of large ICHs and IVHs and if within reach AVMs is justified.