Diferencia entre revisiones de «Subarachnoid hemorrhage»
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==Background== | ==Background== | ||
*Bleeding into the subarachnoid space (between arachnoid and pia mater) | |||
*Ruptured cerebral aneurysm accounts for ~85% of nontraumatic SAH | |||
**Most common locations: anterior communicating artery (30%), posterior communicating artery (25%), MCA bifurcation (20%) | |||
*Other causes: arteriovenous malformation, perimesencephalic (benign, ~10%), vasculitis, coagulopathy, drug use | |||
*Mortality: ~50% overall (25% die before reaching hospital, 25% die within 30 days) | |||
*Risk factors: | |||
**[[Hypertension]] (most important modifiable risk factor) | |||
**Smoking, heavy alcohol use | |||
**Family history of SAH or aneurysm (first-degree relative) | |||
**Polycystic kidney disease, Ehlers-Danlos, connective tissue disorders | |||
**Prior SAH (risk of rebleeding) | |||
**Sympathomimetic drug use ([[cocaine]], [[amphetamines]]) | |||
*Peak incidence: age 40-60; female predominance (1.6:1) | |||
== | ==Clinical Features== | ||
* | *"Worst headache of my life" — sudden onset, maximal at onset (thunderclap headache) | ||
* | *'''Sentinel headache''': warning leak days-weeks before major rupture (present in ~30-50%) | ||
* | *Meningismus (neck stiffness, photophobia) — may take 6-12 hours to develop | ||
* | *Loss of consciousness at onset (~50%) | ||
* | *Nausea, vomiting (common) | ||
* | *Focal neurologic deficits (CN III palsy → posterior communicating artery aneurysm) | ||
* | *Seizures (~10% at onset) | ||
* | *Terson syndrome: intraocular hemorrhage (subhyaloid/vitreous) associated with severe SAH | ||
*'''May present as syncope, cardiac arrest, or altered mental status without headache''' | |||
=== | ===Hunt-Hess Grading=== | ||
* | *Grade I: asymptomatic or mild headache | ||
* | *Grade II: moderate-severe headache, nuchal rigidity, CN palsy | ||
*Grade III: drowsiness, confusion, mild focal deficit | |||
*Grade IV: stupor, moderate-severe hemiparesis | |||
*Grade V: coma, decerebrate posturing | |||
* | |||
* | |||
* | |||
==Differential Diagnosis== | ==Differential Diagnosis== | ||
*Primary [[headache]] (migraine, tension, cluster) | |||
*[[Meningitis]] / [[encephalitis]] | |||
*[[Intracerebral hemorrhage]] | |||
*[[Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis]] | |||
*[[Hypertensive emergency]] | |||
*Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) | |||
*[[Cervical artery dissection]] | |||
*[[Pituitary apoplexy]] | |||
{{Headache DDX}} | |||
==Evaluation== | ==Evaluation== | ||
===Non-Contrast CT Head=== | |||
=== | *First-line test | ||
*Sensitivity ~98% within 6 hours of onset, ~93% at 12 hours, decreasing to ~50% by day 5-7<ref>Perry JJ, et al. Sensitivity of computed tomography performed within six hours of onset of headache for diagnosis of subarachnoid haemorrhage. ''BMJ''. 2011;343:d4277. PMID 21768192</ref> | |||
* | *Fisher grade: amount of blood predicts vasospasm risk | ||
*Modern thin-cut CT with experienced radiologist within 6 hours may approach 100% sensitivity | |||
''' | ===Lumbar Puncture=== | ||
*Required if CT negative and clinical suspicion remains | |||
*Classic finding: xanthochromia (yellow discoloration from bilirubin in CSF) | |||
**Takes 6-12 hours to develop — LP performed <6 hours after onset may miss xanthochromia | |||
*'''Elevated RBCs that do NOT clear''' across sequential tubes (vs traumatic tap which clears) | |||
*Elevated opening pressure | |||
*Traumatic tap vs SAH: controversial; visual xanthochromia and clinical context are most important | |||
=== | ===Ottawa SAH Rule=== | ||
*For alert patients >15 years with new severe nontraumatic headache reaching maximum intensity within 1 hour | |||
*100% sensitivity (validation study) — if none present, SAH effectively ruled out<ref>Perry JJ, et al. Clinical decision rules to rule out subarachnoid hemorrhage for acute headache. ''JAMA''. 2013;310(12):1248-1255. PMID 24065011</ref>: | |||
**Age ≥40 | |||
**Neck pain or stiffness | |||
**Witnessed loss of consciousness | |||
**Onset during exertion | |||
**Thunderclap headache (instant peak) | |||
**Limited neck flexion on exam | |||
===CT Angiography (CTA)=== | |||
*SAH | *Obtain with initial CT if SAH confirmed or high suspicion | ||
*Identifies aneurysm location and morphology for surgical/endovascular planning | |||
*Sensitivity >95% for aneurysms >3 mm | |||
=== | ===Labs=== | ||
* | *CBC, BMP, coagulation studies (PT/INR, PTT) | ||
*Type and screen | |||
*Troponin (neurogenic myocardial stunning) | |||
*Finger stick glucose | |||
* | |||
* | |||
* | |||
==Management== | ==Management== | ||
===ED Management=== | |||
*ABCs, IV access, continuous monitoring | |||
*Blood pressure control: | |||
**Target SBP <160 mmHg until aneurysm secured (reduce rebleeding risk) | |||
**Nicardipine infusion (5-15 mg/hr, titrate q5min) — preferred | |||
**Labetalol 10-20 mg IV q10-20min | |||
**Avoid nitroprusside (increases ICP) | |||
*Seizure management: benzodiazepines acutely; prophylactic AEDs controversial | |||
*Treat headache: acetaminophen; short-acting opioids cautiously | |||
**Avoid ketorolac (platelet inhibition) | |||
*Aminocaproic acid (tranexamic acid): may reduce rebleeding risk before aneurysm secured — 4g IV loading dose (discuss with neurosurgery) | |||
*Reverse anticoagulation if applicable | |||
===Definitive Treatment=== | |||
*Neurosurgery/neurointerventional consultation emergently | |||
*Aneurysm securing (within 24 hours ideally): | |||
**Endovascular coiling (preferred for most aneurysms) OR | |||
**Surgical clipping | |||
*ICU admission | |||
===Complications (Post-Hemorrhage)=== | |||
*'''Rebleeding''': highest risk in first 24 hours (~4%); '''most devastating complication''' | |||
*Vasospasm: occurs days 3-14 (peak day 7); monitor with daily TCDs | |||
**Treat with nimodipine 60 mg PO/NG q4h x 21 days (improves outcomes; does not prevent vasospasm) | |||
**Triple-H therapy (hypertension, hypervolemia, hemodilution) — only after aneurysm secured | |||
*Hydrocephalus: acute (requires EVD) or chronic (VP shunt) | |||
*Hyponatremia: cerebral salt wasting vs SIADH | |||
*Neurogenic cardiac dysfunction: Takotsubo-like, neurogenic pulmonary edema | |||
==Disposition== | ==Disposition== | ||
* | *All confirmed SAH: emergent neurosurgical consultation and ICU admission | ||
*Transfer to neurosurgical center if local capabilities unavailable | |||
*SAH ruled out (negative CT + negative LP): may discharge with headache precautions and PCP follow-up | |||
* | |||
* | |||
== | == Calculators == | ||
{{Ottawa SAH Calculator}} | |||
{{Fisher Scale Calculator}} | |||
{ | |||
{ | |||
==See Also== | ==See Also== | ||
*[[ | *[[Intracerebral hemorrhage]] | ||
*[[ | *[[Subdural hemorrhage]] | ||
*[[Epidural hemorrhage]] | |||
*[[Headache]] | |||
*[ | *[[Thunderclap headache]] | ||
*[[Lumbar puncture]] | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
<references/> | <references/> | ||
*Connolly ES Jr, et al. Guidelines for the management of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a guideline from the AHA/ASA. ''Stroke''. 2012;43(6):1711-1737. PMID 22556195 | |||
*Edlow JA, et al. Diagnosis of subarachnoid hemorrhage. ''Stroke''. 2023;54(4):1058-1072. PMID 36848423 | |||
*van Gijn J, et al. Subarachnoid haemorrhage. ''Lancet''. 2007;369(9558):306-318. PMID 17258671 | |||
[[Category:Neurology]] | [[Category:Neurology]] | ||
[[Category:Critical Care]] | |||
[[Category:Neurosurgery]] | |||
Revisión actual - 09:56 22 mar 2026
Background
- Bleeding into the subarachnoid space (between arachnoid and pia mater)
- Ruptured cerebral aneurysm accounts for ~85% of nontraumatic SAH
- Most common locations: anterior communicating artery (30%), posterior communicating artery (25%), MCA bifurcation (20%)
- Other causes: arteriovenous malformation, perimesencephalic (benign, ~10%), vasculitis, coagulopathy, drug use
- Mortality: ~50% overall (25% die before reaching hospital, 25% die within 30 days)
- Risk factors:
- Hypertension (most important modifiable risk factor)
- Smoking, heavy alcohol use
- Family history of SAH or aneurysm (first-degree relative)
- Polycystic kidney disease, Ehlers-Danlos, connective tissue disorders
- Prior SAH (risk of rebleeding)
- Sympathomimetic drug use (cocaine, amphetamines)
- Peak incidence: age 40-60; female predominance (1.6:1)
Clinical Features
- "Worst headache of my life" — sudden onset, maximal at onset (thunderclap headache)
- Sentinel headache: warning leak days-weeks before major rupture (present in ~30-50%)
- Meningismus (neck stiffness, photophobia) — may take 6-12 hours to develop
- Loss of consciousness at onset (~50%)
- Nausea, vomiting (common)
- Focal neurologic deficits (CN III palsy → posterior communicating artery aneurysm)
- Seizures (~10% at onset)
- Terson syndrome: intraocular hemorrhage (subhyaloid/vitreous) associated with severe SAH
- May present as syncope, cardiac arrest, or altered mental status without headache
Hunt-Hess Grading
- Grade I: asymptomatic or mild headache
- Grade II: moderate-severe headache, nuchal rigidity, CN palsy
- Grade III: drowsiness, confusion, mild focal deficit
- Grade IV: stupor, moderate-severe hemiparesis
- Grade V: coma, decerebrate posturing
Differential Diagnosis
- Primary headache (migraine, tension, cluster)
- Meningitis / encephalitis
- Intracerebral hemorrhage
- Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis
- Hypertensive emergency
- Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS)
- Cervical artery dissection
- Pituitary apoplexy
Headache
Common
Killers
- Meningitis/encephalitis
- Myocardial ischemia
- Retropharyngeal abscess
- Intracranial Hemorrhage (ICH)
- SAH / sentinel bleed
- Acute obstructive hydrocephalus
- Space occupying lesions
- CVA
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Basilar artery dissection
- Preeclampsia
- Cerebral venous thrombosis
- Hypertensive emergency
- Depression
Maimers
- Giant cell arteritis of temporal artery (temporal arteritis)
- Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (Pseudotumor Cerebri)
- Acute Glaucoma
- Acute sinusitis
- Cavernous sinus thrombosis or cerebral sinus thrombosis
- Carotid artery dissection
Others
- Mild traumatic brain injury
- Trigeminal neuralgia
- TMJ pain
- Post-lumbar puncture headache
- Dehydration
- Analgesia abuse
- Various ocular and dental problems
- Herpes zoster ophthalmicus
- Herpes zoster oticus
- Cryptococcosis
- Febrile headache (e.g. pyelonephritis, nonspecific viral infection)
- Ophthalmoplegic migraine
- Superior Vena Cava Syndrome
Aseptic Meningitis
- Viral
- Tuberculosis
- Lyme disease
- Syphilis
- Leptospirosis
- Fungal (AIDS, transplant, chemotherapy, chronic steroid use)
- Noninfectious
Evaluation
Non-Contrast CT Head
- First-line test
- Sensitivity ~98% within 6 hours of onset, ~93% at 12 hours, decreasing to ~50% by day 5-7[1]
- Fisher grade: amount of blood predicts vasospasm risk
- Modern thin-cut CT with experienced radiologist within 6 hours may approach 100% sensitivity
Lumbar Puncture
- Required if CT negative and clinical suspicion remains
- Classic finding: xanthochromia (yellow discoloration from bilirubin in CSF)
- Takes 6-12 hours to develop — LP performed <6 hours after onset may miss xanthochromia
- Elevated RBCs that do NOT clear across sequential tubes (vs traumatic tap which clears)
- Elevated opening pressure
- Traumatic tap vs SAH: controversial; visual xanthochromia and clinical context are most important
Ottawa SAH Rule
- For alert patients >15 years with new severe nontraumatic headache reaching maximum intensity within 1 hour
- 100% sensitivity (validation study) — if none present, SAH effectively ruled out[2]:
- Age ≥40
- Neck pain or stiffness
- Witnessed loss of consciousness
- Onset during exertion
- Thunderclap headache (instant peak)
- Limited neck flexion on exam
CT Angiography (CTA)
- Obtain with initial CT if SAH confirmed or high suspicion
- Identifies aneurysm location and morphology for surgical/endovascular planning
- Sensitivity >95% for aneurysms >3 mm
Labs
- CBC, BMP, coagulation studies (PT/INR, PTT)
- Type and screen
- Troponin (neurogenic myocardial stunning)
- Finger stick glucose
Management
ED Management
- ABCs, IV access, continuous monitoring
- Blood pressure control:
- Target SBP <160 mmHg until aneurysm secured (reduce rebleeding risk)
- Nicardipine infusion (5-15 mg/hr, titrate q5min) — preferred
- Labetalol 10-20 mg IV q10-20min
- Avoid nitroprusside (increases ICP)
- Seizure management: benzodiazepines acutely; prophylactic AEDs controversial
- Treat headache: acetaminophen; short-acting opioids cautiously
- Avoid ketorolac (platelet inhibition)
- Aminocaproic acid (tranexamic acid): may reduce rebleeding risk before aneurysm secured — 4g IV loading dose (discuss with neurosurgery)
- Reverse anticoagulation if applicable
Definitive Treatment
- Neurosurgery/neurointerventional consultation emergently
- Aneurysm securing (within 24 hours ideally):
- Endovascular coiling (preferred for most aneurysms) OR
- Surgical clipping
- ICU admission
Complications (Post-Hemorrhage)
- Rebleeding: highest risk in first 24 hours (~4%); most devastating complication
- Vasospasm: occurs days 3-14 (peak day 7); monitor with daily TCDs
- Treat with nimodipine 60 mg PO/NG q4h x 21 days (improves outcomes; does not prevent vasospasm)
- Triple-H therapy (hypertension, hypervolemia, hemodilution) — only after aneurysm secured
- Hydrocephalus: acute (requires EVD) or chronic (VP shunt)
- Hyponatremia: cerebral salt wasting vs SIADH
- Neurogenic cardiac dysfunction: Takotsubo-like, neurogenic pulmonary edema
Disposition
- All confirmed SAH: emergent neurosurgical consultation and ICU admission
- Transfer to neurosurgical center if local capabilities unavailable
- SAH ruled out (negative CT + negative LP): may discharge with headache precautions and PCP follow-up
Calculators
Template:Ottawa SAH Calculator
Modified Fisher Scale
| CT Findings | Select Grade |
|---|---|
| Grade |
1 Grade 0 — No SAH or IVH (0) Grade 1 — Thin SAH, no IVH (1) Grade 2 — Thin SAH with IVH (2) Grade 3 — Thick SAH, no IVH (3) Grade 4 — Thick SAH with IVH (4) |
| Modified Fisher Grade |
| Interpretation — Risk of Symptomatic Vasospasm | ||
|---|---|---|
| Grade | Vasospasm Risk | Description |
| 0 | ~0% | No subarachnoid blood detected. | ||
| 1 | ~24% | Focal or diffuse thin SAH, no intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH). | ||
| 2 | ~33% | Focal or diffuse thin SAH with IVH. | ||
| 3 | ~33% | Focal or diffuse thick SAH (>1mm), no IVH. | ||
| 4 | ~40% | Focal or diffuse thick SAH with IVH. Highest vasospasm risk. | ||
| References |
|---|
|
See Also
- Intracerebral hemorrhage
- Subdural hemorrhage
- Epidural hemorrhage
- Headache
- Thunderclap headache
- Lumbar puncture
References
- ↑ Perry JJ, et al. Sensitivity of computed tomography performed within six hours of onset of headache for diagnosis of subarachnoid haemorrhage. BMJ. 2011;343:d4277. PMID 21768192
- ↑ Perry JJ, et al. Clinical decision rules to rule out subarachnoid hemorrhage for acute headache. JAMA. 2013;310(12):1248-1255. PMID 24065011
- Connolly ES Jr, et al. Guidelines for the management of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a guideline from the AHA/ASA. Stroke. 2012;43(6):1711-1737. PMID 22556195
- Edlow JA, et al. Diagnosis of subarachnoid hemorrhage. Stroke. 2023;54(4):1058-1072. PMID 36848423
- van Gijn J, et al. Subarachnoid haemorrhage. Lancet. 2007;369(9558):306-318. PMID 17258671
