Intracerebral haematomas from aneurysm rupture: their clinical significance.

Two series of patients (814 cases altogether) with ruptured intracranial aneurysms are analyzed in order to try to outline the clinical significance of space-occupying intracerebral haematomas (ICH) which may accompany SAH. In particular the question of whether intracerebral clots are or are not to be taken into account in planning emergency surgery is debated. From the reported series, it would appear that ICH after aneurysm rupture seldom lead to increasing intracranial hypertension warranting urgent surgery. This evolution was observed in approximately 5% of patients with expanding ICH. In 35% the intracerebral effusions were associated with irreversible lesions and in 20% the initial symptomatology definitely improved. Finally, in a relatively high percentage of cases (about 40%) ICH lacked of clinical significance.