Long-term prognosis of subarachnoid hemorrhages of unknown etiology.

Forty-nine patients who suffered a spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), and in whom panangiography did not show the cause of the bleeding, were evaluated after a long follow-up (median 8 years). No relationship was found between outcome and antifibrinolytic treatment or blood pressure level. Angiography was repeated in cases with spasm or after rebleeding: one aneurysm was found (7%). The authors suggest that angiography should be repeated in these circumstances. The early mortality was 2%. Late functional capacity was normal in 94% of the patients. No particular restrictions should therefore be recommended.