Intensive Blood Pressure Reduction and Spot Sign in Intracerebral Hemorrhage: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial

Absolute and relative iodine concentrations in the spot sign and haematoma for prediction of haematoma expansion in spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage

AIM

To explore the predictive value of absolute and relative iodine concentrations in the spot sign (SS) and haematoma on gemstone spectral imaging (GSI) for haematoma expansion (HE).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) who underwent computed tomography (CT) angiography using GSI were divided into an SS-positive group and an SS-negative group. In the SS-positive group, absolute and relative iodine concentrations in the SS (aICIS and rICIS, respectively) were measured. In the SS-negative group, absolute and relative iodine concentrations in haematoma (aICIH and rICIH, respectively) were measured. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC-ROC) was used to investigate the HE predictive performance of aICIS, rICIS, and their combination in the SS-positive group, as well as the HE predictive performance of aICIH, rICIH, and their combination in the SS-negative group. The risk variables for HE in the two groups were investigated separately using logistic regression.

RESULTS

A total of 123 spontaneous ICH patients were enrolled. In the SS-positive group, the AUC of aICIS, rICIS, and their combination for predicting HE were 0.853, 0.893, and 0.922, respectively. rICIS was demonstrated to be a standalone predictor of HE via logistic regression. In the SS-negative group, aICIH, rICIH, and their combination had AUC-ROC values of 0.552, 0.783, and 0.851, respectively, to predict HE. According to multivariate analysis, rICIH was a reliable predictor of HE.

CONCLUSION

Absolute and relative iodine concentrations in the SS and haematoma can predict HE.

Blend Sign and Haemorrhage Location and Volume Predict Late Recurrence and Mortality in Intracerebral Haemorrhage Patients

BACKGROUND

Studies on risk factors for primary intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) focus on short-term predictive values of distinct clinical parameters or computed tomography (CT) markers and disregard the others. We, therefore, studied independent predictive values of demographic, clinical, and CT markers regarding ICH expansion, late ICH recurrence, and late mortality.

METHODS

In a retrospective study of 288 patients with primary ICH, ICH localization (158 lobar, 81 deep, and 49 cerebellar), volume, blend sign, spot sign, finger-like projections, and subarachnoid haemorrhages were evaluated. ICH localization-specific differences for demographic (age, sex), clinical parameters (vascular risk factors, antiplatelet, and anticoagulation therapy), and CT markers were evaluated using logistic regression. We applied Cox proportional hazards modelling using these parameters to predict risk factors for ICH expansion, late ICH recurrence, and late mortality.

RESULTS

The blend sign in lobar ICH relates to increased risk of ICH expansion (HR2.3), late ICH recurrence (HR2.3), and mortality (HR1.6). Age, conditions requiring antiplatelet medication, deep ICH localization, volume, and blend sign represented the most important independent factors impacting overall mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Blend sign at baseline ICH is a manifestation of underlying detrimental vascular processes that signal increased ICH expansion risk, although is also indicative of long-term risks for late recurrent ICH and late mortality.

Intensive Blood Pressure Reduction is Associated with Reduced Hematoma Growth in Fast Bleeding Intracerebral Hemorrhage

OBJECTIVE

Patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) at the highest risk of hematoma growth are those with the most potential to benefit from anti-expansion treatment. Large clinical trials have not definitively shown a clear benefit of blood pressure (BP) reduction. We aim to determine whether intensive blood pressure reduction could benefit patients with fast bleeding ICH.

METHODS

An exploratory analysis of data from the Antihypertensive Treatment of Acute Cerebral Hemorrhage 2 (ATACH-2) randomized controlled trial was performed. In order to capture not just early bleeding (even if a small amount), but the rate of bleeding (ml/hour), we restricted the study to "Fast bleeding ICH," defined as an ICH volume/onset to computed tomography (CT) time >5 ml/hr. Hematoma growth, as defined as an increase of hematoma volume > 33% between baseline and 24 hours.

RESULTS

A total of 940 patients were included (mean age = 62.1 years, 61.5% men), of whom 214 (22.8%) experienced hematoma expansion. Of these, 567 (60.3%) met the definition of "fast bleeding" with baseline ICH volume/time to presentation of at least 5 ml/hr. Intensive BP reduction was associated with a significantly lower rate of hematoma growth in fast bleeding patients (20.6% vs 31.0%, p = 0.005). In a subgroup of 266 (46.9%) fast-bleeding patients who received treatment within 2 hours after symptom onset, intensive BP lowering was associated with improved functional independence (odds ratio [OR] = 1.98, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.06-3.69, p = 0.031).

INTERPRETATION

Our results suggest that early use of intensive BP reduction may reduce hematoma growth and improve outcome in fast bleeding patients. ANN NEUROL 2023.

Using Radiomics and Convolutional Neural Networks for the Prediction of Hematoma Expansion After Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Background

Hematoma enlargement (HE) is a common complication following acute intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and is associated with early deterioration and unfavorable clinical outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the predictive performance of a computed tomography (CT) based model that utilizes deep learning features in identifying HE.

Methods

A total of 408 patients were retrospectively enrolled between January 2015 and December 2020 from our institution. We designed an automatic model that could mask the hematoma area and fusion features of radiomics, clinical data, and convolutional neural network (CNN) in a hybrid model. We assessed the model's performance by using confusion matrix metrics (CM), the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC), and other statistical indicators.

Results

After automated masking, 408 patients were randomly divided into two cohorts with 204 patients in the training set and 204 patients in the validation set. The first cohort trained the CNN model, from which we then extracted radiomics, clinical data, and CNN features for the second validation cohort. After feature selection by K-highest score, a support vector machines (SVM) model classification was used to predict HE. Our hybrid model exhibited a high AUC of 0.949, and 0.95 of precision, 0.83 of recall, and 0.94 of average precision (AP). The CM found that only 5 cases were misidentified by the model.

Conclusion

The automatic hybrid model we developed is an end-to-end method and can assist in clinical decision-making, thereby facilitating personalized treatment for patients with ICH.

Clinical and paraclinical predictors of early neurological deterioration and poor outcome in spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage

Background

Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) is the second most common form of stroke. It is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Several clinical and radiological parameters are related to its poor outcome. The aim of this study is to elucidate the clinical, laboratory, and radiological factors associated with early neurological deterioration and poor outcome in patients with ICH.

Results

seventy patients diagnosed with sICH were evaluated within the first 72 h from the onset of symptoms by Clinical, radiological, and laboratory parameters. Patients were assessed for early neurological deterioration (END) during the hospital stay (up to 7 days from admission) using Glasgow coma scale (GSC), and the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), and within 3 months from stroke onset using modified Rankin scale (mRS). ICH score and Functional Outcome in Patients with Primary Intracerebral Hemorrhage (FUNC) Score were calculated for prognostication. 27.1% and 71.42% of patients had END and showed unfavorable outcome, respectively. Clinical indices, as NIHSS > 7 on admission and age > 51 years, radiological characteristics, as large hematoma size, leukoaraiosis, and mass effect detected on CT scan, as well as serum biomarkers; serum urea level > 50 mg/dL, high neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio on admission, high ALT and AST, as well as low total, LDL, and HDL cholesterol levels, all were significantly associated with poor outcome in the patients. Stepwise multivariate logistic regression analysis found the presence of aspiration to be an independent predictor of END, and the scores of NIHSS > 7 on admission, age > 51 years, and urea level > 50 mg/dL were independent predictors of poor outcome.

Conclusions

There are several predictors for END as well as poor outcome in ICH. Some are clinical, others are radiological and laboratory. Aspiration was an independent predictor of END during hospital stay (3-7 days) in patients with ICH, while older age, high NIHSS and urea level on admission were independent predictors of poor outcome.

NCCT Markers of Intracerebral Hemorrhage Expansion Using Revised Criteria: An External Validation of Their Predictive Accuracy

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Several NCCT expansion markers have been proposed to improve the prediction of hematoma expansion. We retrospectively evaluated the predictive accuracy of 9 expansion markers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients admitted for intracerebral hemorrhage within 24 hours of last seen well were retrospectively included from April 2016 to April 2020. The primary outcome was revised hematoma expansion, defined as any of a ≥6-mL or ≥33% increase in intracerebral hemorrhage volume, a ≥ 1-mL increase in intraventricular hemorrhage volume, or de novo intraventricular hemorrhage. We assessed the predictive accuracy of expansion markers and determined their association with revised hematoma expansion.

RESULTS

We included 124 patients, of whom 51 (41%) developed revised hematoma expansion. The sensitivity of each marker for the prediction of revised hematoma expansion ranged from 4% to 78%; the specificity, 37%-97%; the positive likelihood ratio, 0.41-7.16; and the negative likelihood ratio, 0.49-1.06. By means of univariable logistic regressions, 5 markers were significantly associated with revised hematoma expansion: black hole (OR = 8.66; 95% CI, 2.15-58.14; P = .007), hypodensity (OR = 3.18; 95% CI, 1.49-6.93; P = .003), blend (OR = 2.90; 95% CI, 1.08-8.38; P = .04), satellite (OR = 2.84; 95% CI, 1.29-6.61; P = .01), and Barras shape (OR = 2.41, 95% CI; 1.17-5.10; P = .02). In multivariable models, only the black hole marker remained independently associated with revised hematoma expansion (adjusted OR = 5.62; 95% CI, 1.23-40.23; P = .03).

CONCLUSIONS

No single NCCT expansion marker had both high sensitivity and specificity for the prediction of revised hematoma expansion. Improved image-based analysis is needed to tackle limitations associated with current NCCT-based expansion markers.

Prediction of poor outcome in stroke patients using radiomics analysis of intraparenchymal and intraventricular hemorrhage and clinical factors

PURPOSE

To build three prognostic models using radiomics analysis of the hemorrhagic lesions, clinical variables, and their combination, to predict the outcome of stroke patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eighty-three sICH patients were included. Among them, 40 patients (48.2%) had poor prognosis with modified Rankin scale (mRS) of 5 and 6 at discharge, and the prognostic model was built to differentiate mRS ≤ 4 vs. 5 + 6. The region of interest (ROI) of intraparenchymal hemorrhage (IPH) and intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) were separately segmented. Features were extracted using PyRadiomics, and the support vector machine was applied to select features and build radiomics models based on IPH and IPH + IVH. The clinical models were built using multivariate logistic regression, and then the radiomics scores were combined with clinical variables to build the combined model.

RESULTS

When using IPH, the AUC for radiomics, clinical, and combined model was 0.78, 0.82, and 0.87, respectively. When using IPH + IVH, the AUC was increased to 0.80, 0.84, and 0.90, respectively. The combined model had a significantly improved AUC compared to the radiomics by DeLong test. A clinical prognostic model based on the ICH score of 0-1 only achieved AUC of 0.71.

CONCLUSIONS

The combined model using the radiomics score derived from IPH + IVH and the clinical factors could achieve a high accuracy in prediction of sICH patients with poor outcome, which may be used to assist in making the decision about the optimal care.

P7C3-A20 Attenuates Microglial Inflammation and Brain Injury after ICH through Activating the NAD+/Sirt3 Pathway

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is lethal but lacks effective therapies. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺) is a central metabolite indispensable for a broader range of fundamental intracellular biological functions. Reduction of NAD⁺ usually occurs after acute brain insults, and supplementation of NAD⁺ has been proven neuroprotective. P7C3-A20 is a novel compound featuring its ability to facilitate the flux of NAD⁺. In this study, we sought to determine the potential therapeutic value of P7C3-A20 in ICH. In collagenase-induced ICH mouse models, we found that P7C3-A20 treatment could diminish lesion volume, reduce blood-brain barrier (BBB) damage, mitigate brain edema, attenuate neural apoptosis, and improve neurological outcomes after ICH. Further, RNA sequencing and subsequent experiments revealed that ICH-induced neuroinflammation and microglial proinflammatory activities were significantly suppressed following P7C3-A20 treatment. Mitochondrial damage is an important trigger of inflammatory response. We examined mitochondrial morphology and function and found that P7C3-A20 could attenuate OxyHb-induced impairment of mitochondrial dynamics and functions in vitro. Mechanistically, Sirt3, an NAD⁺-dependent deacetylase located in mitochondria, was then found to play a vital role in the protection of P7C3-A20 against mitochondrial damage and inflammatory response. In rescue experiments, P7C3-A20 failed to exert those protective effects in microglia-specific Sirt3 conditional knockout (CKO) mice. Finally, preclinical research revealed a correlation between the plasma NAD⁺ level and the neurological outcome in ICH patients. These results demonstrate that P7C3-A20 is a promising therapeutic agent for neuroinflammatory injury after ICH and exerts protective actions, at least partly, in a Sirt3-dependent manner.

Using Noncontrast Computed Tomography to Improve Prediction of Intracerebral Hemorrhage Expansion

BACKGROUND

Noncontrast computed tomography hypodensities are a validated predictor of hematoma expansion (HE) in intracerebral hemorrhage and a possible alternative to the computed tomography angiography (CTA) spot sign but their added value to available prediction models remains unclear. We investigated whether the inclusion of hypodensities improves prediction of HE and compared their added value over the spot sign.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of patients admitted for primary spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage at the following 8 university hospitals in Boston, US (1994-2015, prospective), Hamilton, Canada (2010-2016, retrospective), Berlin, Germany (2014-2019, retrospective), Chongqing, China (2011-2015, retrospective), Pavia, Italy (2017-2019, prospective), Ferrara, Italy (2010-2019, retrospective), Brescia, Italy (2020-2021, retrospective), and Bologna, Italy (2015-2019, retrospective). Predictors of HE (hematoma growth >6 mL and/or >33% from baseline to follow-up imaging) were explored with logistic regression. We compared the discrimination of a simple prediction model for HE based on 4 predictors (antitplatelet and anticoagulant treatment, baseline intracerebral hemorrhage volume, and onset-to-imaging time) before and after the inclusion of noncontrast computed tomography hypodensities, using receiver operating characteristic curve and De Long test for area under the curve comparison.

RESULTS

A total of 2465 subjects were included, of whom 664 (26.9%) had HE and 1085 (44.0%) had hypodensities. Hypodensities were independently associated with HE after adjustment for confounders in logistic regression (odds ratio, 3.11 [95% CI, 2.55-3.80]; P<0.001). The inclusion of noncontrast computed tomography hypodensities improved the discrimination of the 4 predictors model (area under the curve, 0.67 [95% CI, 0.64-0.69] versus 0.71 [95% CI, 0.69-0.74]; P=0.025). In the subgroup of patients with a CTA available (n=895, 36.3%), the added value of hypodensities remained statistically significant (area under the curve, 0.68 [95% CI, 0.64-0.73] versus 0.74 [95% CI, 0.70-0.78]; P=0.041) whereas the addition of the CTA spot sign did not provide significant discrimination improvement (area under the curve, 0.74 [95% CI, 0.70-0.78]).

CONCLUSIONS

Noncontrast computed tomography hypodensities provided a significant added value in the prediction of HE and appear a valuable alternative to the CTA spot sign. Our findings might inform future studies and suggest the possibility to stratify the risk of HE with good discrimination without CTA.

Intracerebral haemorrhage expansion: definitions, predictors, and prevention

Haematoma expansion affects a fifth of patients within 24 h of the onset of acute intracerebral haemorrhage and is associated with death and disability, which makes it an appealing therapeutic target. The time in which active intervention can be done is short as expansion occurs mostly within the first 3 h after onset. Baseline haemorrhage volume, antithrombotic treatment, and CT angiography spot signs are each associated with increased risk of haematoma expansion. Non-contrast CT features are promising predictors of haematoma expansion, but their potential contribution to current models is under investigation. Blood pressure lowering and haemostatic treatment minimise haematoma expansion but have not led to improved functional outcomes in randomised clinical trials. Ultra-early enrolment and selection of participants on the basis of non-contrast CT imaging markers could focus future clinical trials to show clinical benefit in people at high risk of expansion or investigate heterogeneity of treatment effects in clinical trials with broad inclusion criteria.

The Added Value of Intraventricular Hemorrhage on the Radiomics Analysis for the Prediction of Hematoma Expansion of Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Background: Among patients undergoing head computed tomography (CT) scans within 3 h of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH), 28% to 38% have hematoma expansion (HE) on follow-up CT. This study aimed to predict HE using radiomics analysis and investigate the impact of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) compared with the conventional approach based on intraparenchymal hemorrhage (IPH) alone. Methods: This retrospective study enrolled 127 patients with baseline and follow-up non-contrast CT (NCCT) within 4~72 h of sICH. IPH and IVH were outlined separately for performing radiomics analysis. HE was defined as an absolute hematoma growth > 6 mL or percentage growth > 33% of either IPH (HEP) or a combination of IPH and IVH (HEP+V) at follow-up. Radiomic features were extracted using PyRadiomics, and then the support vector machine (SVM) was used to build the classification model. For each case, a radiomics score was generated to indicate the probability of HE. Results: There were 57 (44.9%) HEP and 70 (55.1%) non-HEP based on IPH alone, and 58 (45.7%) HEP+V and 69 (54.3%) non-HEP+V based on IPH + IVH. The majority (>94%) of HE patients had poor early outcomes (death or modified Rankin Scale > 3 at discharge). The radiomics model built using baseline IPH to predict HEP (RMP) showed 76.4% accuracy and 0.73 area under the ROC curve (AUC). The other model using IPH + IVH to predict HEP+V (RMP+V) had higher accuracy (81.9%) with AUC = 0.80, and this model could predict poor outcomes. The sensitivity/specificity of RMP and RMP+V for HE prediction were 71.9%/80.0% and 79.3%/84.1%, respectively. Conclusion: The proposed radiomics approach with additional IVH information can improve the accuracy in prediction of HE, which is associated with poor clinical outcomes. A reliable radiomics model may provide a robust tool to help manage ICH patients and to enroll high-risk ICH cases into anti-expansion or neuroprotection drug trials.

Neuroprotective Effects of Chlorogenic Acid in a Mouse Model of Intracerebral Hemorrhage Associated with Reduced Extracellular Matrix Metalloproteinase Inducer

Chlorogenic acid (CGA) has been reported to have various biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-apoptosis effects. However, the role of CGA in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and the underlying mechanisms remain undiscovered. The current study aims to investigate the effect of CGA on neuroinflammation and neuronal apoptosis after inhibition of EMMPRIN in a collagenase-induced ICH mouse model. Dose optimization data showed that intraperitoneal administration of CGA (30 mg/kg) significantly attenuated neurological impairments and reduced brain water content at 24 h and 72 h compared with ICH mice given vehicle. Western blot and immunofluorescence analyses revealed that CGA remarkably decreased the expression of extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN) in perihematomal areas at 72 h after ICH. CGA also reduced the expression of matrix metalloproteinases-2/9 (MMP-2/9) at 72 h after ICH. CGA diminished Evans blue dye extravasation and reduced the loss of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and occludin. CGA-treated mice had fewer activated Iba-1-positive microglia and MPO-positive neutrophils. Finally, CGA suppressed cell death around the hematoma and reduced overall brain injury. These outcomes highlight that CGA treatment confers neuroprotection in ICH likely by inhibiting expression of EMMPRIN and MMP-2/9, and alleviating neuroinflammation, blood–brain barrier (BBB) disruption, cell death and brain injury.

Association Between Partial Pressure of Carbon Dioxide and Immediate Seizures in Patients With Primary Intracerebral Hemorrhage: A Propensity-Matched Analysis

Purpose

To explore the value of partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO₂) levels in arterial blood for predicting immediate seizures (ISs) in patients with primary intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH).

Methods

Demographic information and clinical data from patients with primary ICH were prospectively collected, including arterial blood gas analysis. Immediate seizures (ISs) were determined as seizures in the first 24 h after admission. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess the association of PaCO₂ levels with ISs. Propensity-score matching (PSM) analyses were adopted to reduce the baseline difference between ISs and non-ISs groups.

Results

A total of 596 patients with primary ICH were initially screened in this clinical study, 368 of whom fulfilled all the inclusion criteria [mean age, (60.46 ±12.78) years; 57.9% female patients]. ISs occurred in 30 of the 368 (8.15%) patients with primary ICH of this cohort. Patients with ISs had significantly lower PaCO₂ levels [34.35(32.38–37.53) vs. 39.45(35.90–43.43), mmHg, p < 0.001] and were younger than those without ISs [(54.57±12.15 vs. 60.99 ±12.72) years, p = 0.008]. Multivariate analysis showed that lower initial PaCO₂ (≤37.2 mmHg) level was a significant independent predictor of ISs [odds ratios (OR) 0.141, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.057–0.351, p < 0.001], as well as younger age (OR 0.961, 95% CI 0.928–0.995, p = 0.023) and hematoma expansion (OR 0.340, 95% CI 0.134–0.863, p = 0.023). Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis demonstrated that the optimal cutoff value of PaCO₂ level for predicting ISs was 37.20 mmHg in patients with primary ICH (the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.760 with a corresponding sensitivity of 76.67% and specificity of 67.46%, 95%CI = 0.713–0.802, p < 0.001). After PSM, the matched ISs group had significantly lower PaCO₂ levels compared with the matched non-ISs group [34.45(32.43–38.18) vs. 41.75(35.85–43.98) mmHg, p < 0.05] in the univariate analysis. The lower initial PaCO₂ level was still independent of ISs following primary ICH.

Conclusions

The lower initial PaCO₂ level was associated with an increased risk of ISs in patients with primary ICH.

Blood Pressure and Spot Sign in Spontaneous Supratentorial Subcortical Intracerebral Hemorrhage

BACKGROUND

Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage is a potentially devastating cause of brain injury, often occurring secondary to hypertension. Contrast extravasation on computed tomography angiography (CTA), known as the spot sign, has been shown to predict hematoma expansion and worse outcomes. Although hypertension has been associated with an increased rate of the spot sign being present, the relationship between spot sign and blood pressure has not been fully explored.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed data from 134 patients (40 women and 94 men, mean age 62.3 ± 15.73 years) presenting to a tertiary academic medical center with spontaneous supratentorial subcortical intracerebral hemorrhage from 1/1/2018 to 1/4/2021.

RESULTS

A spot sign was demonstrated in images of 18 patients (13.43%) and correlated with a higher intracerebral hemorrhage score (2.61 ± 1.42 vs. 1.31 ± 1.25, p = 0.002), larger hematoma volume (53.49cm³ ± 32.08 vs. 23.45cm³ ± 25.65, p = 0.001), lower Glasgow Coma Scale on arrival (9.06 ± 4.56 vs. 11.74 ± 3.65, p = 0.027), increased risk of hematoma expansion (16.67% vs. 5.26%, p = 0.042), and need for surgical intervention (66.67% vs. 15.52%, p < 0.001). We did not see a correlation with age, sex, or underlying comorbidities. The presence of spot sign correlated with higher modified Rankin scores at discharge (4.94 ± 1.00 vs. 3.92 ± 1.64, p < 0.001). We saw significantly higher systolic blood pressure at the time of CTA in patients with a spot sign (184 mm Hg ± 43.11 vs. 153 mm Hg ± 36.99, p = 0.009) and the highest recorded blood pressure (p = 0.019), although not blood pressure on arrival (p = 0.081). Performing CTA early in the process of blood pressure lowering was associated with a spot sign (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of spot sign correlates with larger hematomas, worse outcomes, and increased surgical intervention. There is a significant association between spot sign and systolic blood pressure at the time of CTA, with the highest systolic blood pressure being recorded prior to CTA. Although the role of intensive blood pressure management in spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage remains a subject of debate, patients with a spot sign may be a subgroup that could benefit from this.

The stress hyperglycemia ratio predicts early hematoma expansion and poor outcomes in patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage

BACKGROUND

Different from diabetic hyperglycemia, stress-induced hyperglycemia (SIH) can better reflect elevated blood glucose owing to intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). However, studies about the outcome of ICH patients with SIH are still very limited.

AIMS

This study aimed to investigate whether SIH measured by stress-induced hyperglycemia ratio (SHR) was associated with hematoma expansion and poor outcomes in patients with ICH.

METHODS

A consecutive series of patients with spontaneous ICH from two clinical centers admitted within 24 h after symptom onset were enrolled for prospective analysis. SHR was defined as admission fasting blood glucose divided by estimated average glucose [1.59 × Hemoglobin A1c (%) - 2.59]. This study investigated the association between SHR and hematoma expansion, and short-term and long-term poor outcomes using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS

A total of 313 ICH patients were enrolled in the study. SHR was markedly higher in patients with hematoma expansion and poor outcomes (p < 0.001). The multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated SHR independently associated with hematoma expansion (p < 0.001) and poor outcomes, including secondary neurological deterioration within 48 h, 30-day mortality, and 3-month poor modified Rankin Scale (mRS 4-6) (p < 0.001), while the blood glucose only predicted 30-day mortality. Meanwhile, the diagnostic accuracy of SHR exhibited by area under the curve in receiver operating characteristic analysis was statistically equal to or higher than the well-known predictors.

CONCLUSION

SHR is a reliable predictor for early hematoma expansion and poor outcomes in patients with ICH.

Early Minimally Invasive Parafascicular Surgery for Evacuation of Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage in the Setting of Computed Tomography Angiography Spot Sign: A Case Series

BACKGROUND

Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) is associated with high morbidity and mortality, and the role of surgery is uncertain. Spot sign on computed tomography angiography (CTA) has previously been seen as a contraindication for minimally invasive techniques.

OBJECTIVE

To demonstrate the use of minimally invasive parafascicular surgery (MIPS) for early evacuation of sICH in patients with spot sign on CTA.

METHODS

Retrospective review of patients presenting to a US tertiary academic medical center from 2018 to 2020 with sICH and CTA spot sign who were treated with MIPS within 6 h of arrival.

RESULTS

Seven patients (6 men and 1 woman, mean age 54.4 yr) were included in this study. There was a significant decrease between preoperative and postoperative intracerebral hemorrhage volumes (75.03 ± 39.00 cm3 vs 19.48 ± 17.81 cm3, P = .005) and intracerebral hemorrhage score (3.1 ± 0.9 vs 1.9 ± 0.9, P = .020). The mean time from arrival to surgery was 3.72 h (±1.22 h). The mean percentage of hematoma evacuation was 73.78% (±21.11%). The in-hospital mortality was 14.29%, and the mean modified Rankin score at discharge was 4.6 (±1.3). No complications related to the surgery were encountered in any of the cases, with no abnormal intraoperative bleeding and no pathology demonstrating occult vascular lesion.

CONCLUSION

Early intervention with MIPS appears to be a safe and effective means of hematoma evacuation despite the presence of CTA spot sign, and this finding should not delay early intervention when indicated. Intraoperative hemostasis may be facilitated by the direct visualization provided by a tubular retractor system.

Imaging markers of intracerebral hemorrhage expansion in patients with unclear symptom onset

Background:

Hematoma expansion (HE) is common and associated with poor outcome in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) with unclear symptom onset (USO).

Aims:

We tested the association between non-contrast computed tomography (NCCT) markers and HE in this population.

Methods:

Retrospective analysis of patients with primary spontaneous ICH admitted at five centers in the United States and Italy. Baseline NCCT was analyzed for presence of the following markers: intrahematoma hypodensities, heterogeneous density, blend sign, and irregular shape. Variables associated with HE (hematoma growth > 6 mL and/or > 33% from baseline to follow-up imaging) were explored with multivariable logistic regression.

Results:

Of 2074 patients screened, we included 646 subjects (median age = 75, 53.9% males), of whom 178 (27.6%) had HE. Hypodensities (odds ratio (OR) = 2.67, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.79–3.98), heterogeneous density (OR = 2.16, 95% CI = 1.46–3.21), blend sign (OR = 2.28, 95% CI = 1.38–3.75) and irregular shape (OR = 1.82, 95% CI = 1.21–2.75) were independently associated with a higher risk of HE, after adjustment for confounders (ICH volume, anticoagulation, and time from last seen well (LSW) to NCCT). Hypodensities had the highest sensitivity for HE (0.69), whereas blend sign was the most specific marker (0.90). All NCCT markers were more frequent in early presenters (time from LSW to NCCT ⩽ 6 h, n = 189, 29.3%), and more sensitive in this population as well (hypodensities had 0.77 sensitivity).

Conclusion:

NCCT markers are associated with HE in ICH with USO. These findings require prospective replication and suggest that NCCT features may help the stratification of HE in future studies on USO patients.

Early Tranexamic Acid in Intracerebral Hemorrhage: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Objective: Intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) is a common complication of traumatic brain, in which tranexamic acid has been recommended as an additional therapy to prevent a second bleeding. However, the effect of early administration of tranexamic acid for ICH patients remains controversial.

Methods: A systematic search was performed in Cochrane Library, Medline, Embase, and Web of Science. Poor outcome refers to significant hemorrhage growth, new intracranial hemorrhage, new focal cerebral ischaemic lesions, the need for neurosurgery, or death. Study heterogeneity and publication bias were estimated.

Results: Seven randomized controlled trials involving 3,192 participants were included in our meta-analysis. Tranexamic acid administration in ICH patients was associated with better outcomes of hematoma expansion (odd ratios [OR] 0.79; 95% confidence interval (CI) CI, 0.67–0.93; I² = 0%; P = 0.006) and growth of hemorrhagic lesions (weighted mean difference [WMD], −1.97 ml; 95% CI, −2.94 to −1.00; I² = 14%; P < 0.001) than the placebo. No difference was found between the mortality, poor outcome, neurosurgical intervention, new bleeding, and the duration of hospital stay. Moreover, no publication bias was found.

Conclusion: Our analysis reveals that the early treatment with tranexamic acid can significantly reduce the incidence of hematoma expansion and the volume of hemorrhagic lesion, but does not exert considerable effects on mortality, poor outcome, neurosurgery, rebleeding, and the duration of stay.

Noncontrast Computed Tomography Markers of Cerebral Hemorrhage Expansion: Diagnostic Accuracy Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Assess the diagnostic accuracy of noncontrast computed tomography (NCCT) markers of hematoma expansion in patients with primary intracerebral hemorrhage.

METHODS

We performed a meta-analysis of observational studies and randomized controlled trials with available data for calculation of sensitivity and specificity of NCCT markers for hematoma expansion (absolute growth >6 or 12.5 mL and/or relative growth >33%). The following NCCT markers were analyzed: irregular shape, island sign (shape-related features); hypodensity, heterogeneous density, blend sign, black hole sign, and swirl sign (density-related features). Pooled accuracy values for each marker were derived from hierarchical logistic regression models.

RESULTS

A total of 10,363 subjects from 23 eligible studies were included. Significant risk of bias of included studies was noted. Hematoma expansion frequency ranged from 7% to 40%, mean intracerebral hemorrhage volume from 9 to 27.8 ml, presence of NCCT markers from 9% (island sign) to 82% (irregular shape). Among shape features, sensitivity ranged from 0.32 (95%CI = 0.20-0.47) for island sign to 0.68 (95%CI = 0.57-0.77) for irregular shape, specificity ranged from 0.47 (95%CI = 0.36-0.59) for irregular shape to 0.92 (95%CI = 0.85-0.96) for island sign; among density features sensitivity ranged from 0.28 (95%CI = 0.21-0.35) for black hole sign to 0.63 (95%CI = 0.44-0.78) for hypodensity, specificity ranged from 0.65 (95%CI = 0.56-0.73) for heterogeneous density to 0.89 (95%CI = 0.85-0.92) for blend sign.

CONCLUSION

Diagnostic accuracy of NCCT markers remains suboptimal for implementation in clinical trials although density features performed better than shape-related features. This analysis may help in better tailoring patients' selection for hematoma expansion targeted trials.

Microglia Phenotype and Intracerebral Hemorrhage: A Balance of Yin and Yang

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) features extremely high rates of morbidity and mortality, with no specific and effective therapy. And local inflammation caused by the over-activated immune cells seriously damages the recovery of neurological function after ICH. Fortunately, immune intervention to microglia has provided new methods and ideas for ICH treatment. Microglia, as the resident immune cells in the brain, play vital roles in both tissue damage and repair processes after ICH. The perihematomal activated microglia not only arouse acute inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, excitotoxicity, and cytotoxicity to cause neuron death, but also show another phenotype that inhibit inflammation, clear hematoma and promote tissue regeneration. The proportion of microglia phenotypes determines the progression of brain tissue damage or repair after ICH. Therefore, microglia may be a promising and imperative therapeutic target for ICH. In this review, we discuss the dual functions of microglia in the brain after an ICH from immunological perspective, elaborate on the activation mechanism of perihematomal microglia, and summarize related therapeutic drugs researches.

Validation and Comparison of Noncontrast CT Scores to Predict Intracerebral Hemorrhage Expansion

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The BAT, BRAIN, and HEP scores have been proposed to predict hematoma expansion (HE) with noncontrast computed tomography (NCCT). We sought to validate these tools and compare their diagnostic performance.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed two cohorts of patients with primary intracerebral hemorrhage. HE expansion was defined as volume growth > 33% or > 6 mL. Two raters analyzed NCCT scans and calculated the scores, blinded to clinical and imaging data. The inter-rater reliability was assessed with the interclass correlation statistic. Discrimination and calibration were calculated with area under the curve (AUC) and Hosmer-Lemeshow χ² statistic, respectively. AUC comparison between different scores was explored with DeLong test. We also calculated the sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative predictive values of the dichotomized scores with cutoffs identified with the Youden's index.

RESULTS

A total of 230 subjects were included, of whom 86 (37.4%) experienced HE. The observed AUC for HE were 0.696 for BAT, 0.700 for BRAIN, and 0.648 for HEP. None of the scores had a significantly superior AUC compared with the others (all p > 0.4). All the scores had good calibration (all p > 0.3) and good-to-excellent inter-rater reliability (interclass correlation > 0.8). BAT ≥ 3 showed the highest specificity (0.81), whereas BRAIN ≥ 6 had the highest sensitivity (0.76).

CONCLUSIONS

The BAT, BRAIN, and HEP scores can predict HE with acceptable discrimination and require just a baseline NCCT scan. These tools may be used to stratify the risk of HE in clinical practice or randomized controlled trials.

European Stroke Organisation (ESO) guidelines on blood pressure management in acute ischaemic stroke and intracerebral haemorrhage

The optimal blood pressure (BP) management in acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) and acute intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) remains controversial. These European Stroke Organisation (ESO) guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations to assist physicians in their clinical decisions regarding BP management in acute stroke.The guidelines were developed according to the ESO standard operating procedure and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. The working group identified relevant clinical questions, performed systematic reviews and meta-analyses of the literature, assessed the quality of the available evidence, and made specific recommendations. Expert consensus statements were provided where insufficient evidence was available to provide recommendations based on the GRADE approach. Despite several large randomised-controlled clinical trials, quality of evidence is generally low due to inconsistent results of the effect of blood pressure lowering in AIS. We recommend early and modest blood pressure control (avoiding blood pressure levels >180/105 mm Hg) in AIS patients undergoing reperfusion therapies. There is more high-quality randomised evidence for BP lowering in acute ICH, where intensive blood pressure lowering is recommended rapidly after hospital presentation with the intent to improve recovery by reducing haematoma expansion. These guidelines provide further recommendations on blood pressure thresholds and for specific patient subgroups. There is ongoing uncertainty regarding the most appropriate blood pressure management in AIS and ICH. Future randomised-controlled clinical trials are needed to inform decision making on thresholds, timing and strategy of blood pressure lowering in different acute stroke patient subgroups.

Triage of Patients with Intracerebral Hemorrhage to Comprehensive Versus Primary Stroke Centers

OBJECTIVES

The management of patients admitted with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) mostly occurs in an ICU. While guidelines recommend initial treatment of these patients in a neurocritical care or stroke unit, there is limited data on which patients would benefit most from transfer to a comprehensive stroke center where on-site neurosurgical coverage is available 24/7. As neurocritical units become more common in primary stroke centers, it is important to determine which patients are most likely to require neurosurgical intervention and transfer to comprehensive stroke centers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a retrospective observational cohort study conducted at an academic comprehensive stroke center in the United States. Four-hundred-fifty-nine consecutive patients transferred or directly admitted to the neurocritical care unit from 2016-2018 with the primary diagnosis of ICH were included. Univariate statistics and multivariate regression were used to identify clinical characteristics associated with neurosurgical intervention, defined as undergoing craniotomy, ventriculostomy, or endovascular embolization of an arteriovenous malformation (AVM).

RESULTS

The following variables were associated with neurosurgical intervention in multivariate analysis: age (OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.27-0.55), admission Glasgow Coma Scale (OR 0.29, 95% CI 0.18-0.48), the presence of intraventricular hemorrhage (OR 2.82, CI 1.71-4.65), infratentorial location of ICH (OR 2.28, 95% CI 1.20-4.31), previous antiplatelet use (OR 2.04, 95% CI 1.24-3.34), and an AVM indicated on CT Angiogram (OR 2.59, 95% CI 1.19-5.63) were independently associated with the need for neurosurgical intervention. This was translated into a scoring system to help make quick triage decisions, with high sensitivity (99%, 95% CI 97-99%) and negative predictive value (98%, 95% CI 89-99%).

CONCLUSIONS

Using previously well described predictors of severity in ICH patients, we were able to develop a scoring system to predict the need for neurosurgical intervention with high sensitivity and negative predictive value.

Neuroimaging of Acute Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) accounts for 10% to 20% of all strokes worldwide and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Neuroimaging is clinically important for the rapid diagnosis of ICH and underlying etiologies, but also for identification of ICH expansion, often as-sociated with an increased risk for poor outcome. In this context, rapid assessment of early hema-toma expansion risk is both an opportunity for therapeutic intervention and a potential hazard for hematoma evacuation surgery. In this review, we provide an overview of the current literature surrounding the use of multimodal neuroimaging of ICH for etiological diagnosis, prediction of early hematoma expansion, and prognostication of neurological outcome. Specifically, we discuss standard imaging using computed tomography, the value of different vascular imaging modalities to identify underlying causes and present recent advances in magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography perfusion.

Radiomics for intracerebral hemorrhage: are all small hematomas benign?

OBJECTIVES

We hypothesized that not all small hematomas are benign and that radiomics could predict hematoma expansion (HE) and short-term outcomes in small hematomas.

METHODS

We analyzed 313 patients with small (<10 ml) intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) who underwent baseline non-contrast CT within 6 h of symptom onset between September 2013 and February 2019. Poor outcome was defined as a Glasgow Outcome Scale score ≤3. A radiomic model and a clinical model were built using least absolute shrinkageand selection operator algorithm or multivariate analysis. A combined model that incorporated the developed radiomic score and clinical factors was then constructed. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was used to evaluate the performance of these models.

RESULTS

The addition of radiomics to clinical factors significantly improved the prediction performance of HE compared with the clinical model alone in both the training {AUC, 0.762 [95% CI (0.665-0.859)] versus AUC, 0.651 [95% CI (0.556-0.745)], p = 0.007} and test {AUC, 0.776 [95% CI (0.655-0.897) versus AUC, 0.631 [95% CI (0.451-0.810)], p = 0.001} cohorts. Moreover, the radiomic-based model achieved good discrimination ability of poor outcomes in the 3-10 ml group (AUCs 0.720 and 0.701).

CONCLUSION

Compared with clinical information alone, combined model had greater potential for discriminating between benign and malignant course in patients with small ICH, particularly 3-10 ml hematomas.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

Radiomics can be used as a supplement to conventional medical imaging, improving clinical decision-making and facilitating personalized treatment in small ICH.

Clinical-radiomics Nomogram for Risk Estimation of Early Hematoma Expansion after Acute Intracerebral Hemorrhage

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

Noncontrast CT-based radiomics signature has shown ability for detecting hematoma expansion (HE) in spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). We sought to compare its predictive performance with clinical risk factors and develop a clinical-radiomics nomogram to assess the risk of early HE.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In total, 1153 patients with ICH who underwent baseline cranial CT within 6 hours and follow-up scans within 72 hours of stroke onset were enrolled, of whom 864 (75%) were assigned to the derivation cohort and 289 (25%) to the validation cohort. Based on LASSO algorithm or stepwise logistic regression analysis, three models (clinical model, radiomics model, and hybrid model) were constructed to predict HE. The Akaike information criterion (AIC) and likelihood ratio test (LRT) were used for comparing the goodness of fit of the three models, and the AUC was used to evaluate their discrimination ability for HE.

RESULTS

The hybrid model (AIC = 681.426; χ²= 128.779) was the optimal model with the lowest AIC and highest chi-square values compared to the radiomics model (AIC = 767.979; χ² = 110.234) or the clinical model (AIC = 753.757; χ² = 56.448). The radiomics model was superior in the prediction of HE to the clinical model in both derivation (p = 0.009) and validation (p = 0.022) cohorts. In both datasets, the clinical-radiomics nomogram showed satisfactory discrimination and calibration for detecting HE (AUC = 0.771, Sensitivity = 87.0%; AUC = 0.820, Sensitivity = 88.1%; respectively).

CONCLUSION

Among patients with acute ICH, noncontrast CT-based radiomics model outperformed the clinical-only model in the prediction of HE, and the established clinical-radiomics nomogram with favorable performance can offer a noninvasive tool for the risk stratification of HE.

Sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 3 is implicated in BBB injury via the CCL2-CCR2 axis following acute intracerebral hemorrhage

BACKGROUND

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a catastrophic cerebrovascular disease with high morbidity and mortality. Evidence demonstrated that sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor (S1PR) plays a vital role in inflammatory damage via the upregulation of CCL2 expression. However, whether S1PR3 is involved in blood-brain barrier (BBB) breakdown via CCL2 activation after ICH has not been described.

METHODS

We investigated the expression profiles of all S1PRs using high-throughput RNA-seq analysis and RT-PCR. The potential role of S1PR3 and interaction between S1PR3 and CCL2 were evaluated via Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and flow cytometry. BBB disruption was examined via magnetic resonance imaging, transmission electron microscopy, and Evans blue extravasation. Microglial activation, proliferation, and polarization were assessed via histopathological analysis. The expression levels of CCL2, p-p38 MAPK, ICAM-1, and ZO-1 were examined in vitro and in vivo.

RESULTS

The present results showed that the levels of S1PR3 and its ligand, sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), were dramatically increased following ICH, which regulated the expression of CCL2 and p38MAPK. Moreover, reductions in brain edema volume, amelioration of BBB integrity, and improvements in behavioral deficits were achieved after the administration of CAY10444, an S1PR3 antagonist, to rats. Remarkably increased CCL2, p-p38MAPK, and ICAM-1 expression and decreased ZO-1 expression were observed in cocultured human astrocytes (HAs) and hCMEC/D3 cells after S1P stimulation. However, the expression levels of CCL2, p-p38 MAPK, and ICAM-1 were decreased and ZO-1 expression was increased after S1PR3 inhibition. In addition, microglial proliferation and M1 polarization were attenuated after CAY10444 administration.

CONCLUSION

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of the neuroprotective role of S1PR3 modulation in maintaining BBB integrity by inhibiting the S1PR3-CCL2 axis after ICH, providing a novel treatment for ICH by targeting S1PR3.

Deep learning for automatically predicting early haematoma expansion in Chinese patients

Background and purpose

Early haematoma expansion is determinative in predicting outcome of intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) patients. The aims of this study are to develop a novel prediction model for haematoma expansion by applying deep learning model and validate its prediction accuracy.

Methods

Data of this study were obtained from a prospectively enrolled cohort of patients with primary supratentorial ICH from our centre. We developed a deep learning model to predict haematoma expansion and compared its performance with conventional non-contrast CT (NCCT) markers. To evaluate the predictability of this model, it was also compared with a logistic regression model based on haematoma volume or the BAT score.

Results

A total of 266 patients were finally included for analysis, and 74 (27.8%) of them experienced early haematoma expansion. The deep learning model exhibited highest C statistic as 0.80, compared with 0.64, 0.65, 0.51, 0.58 and 0.55 for hypodensities, black hole sign, blend sign, fluid level and irregular shape, respectively. While the C statistics for swirl sign (0.70; p=0.211) and heterogenous density (0.70; p=0.141) were not significantly higher than that of the deep learning model. Moreover, the predictive value for the deep learning model was significantly superior to that of the logistic model of haematoma volume (0.62; p=0.042) and the BAT score (0.65; p=0.042).

Conclusions

Compared with the conventional NCCT markers and BAT predictive model, the deep learning algorithm showed superiority for predicting early haematoma expansion in ICH patients.

Radiomics in Stroke Neuroimaging: Techniques, Applications, and Challenges

Stroke is a leading cause of disability and mortality worldwide, resulting in substantial economic costs for post-stroke care each year. Neuroimaging, such as cranial computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, is the backbone of stroke management strategies, which can guide treatment decision-making (thrombolysis or hemostasis) at an early stage. With advances in computational technologies, particularly in machine learning, visual image information can now be converted into numerous quantitative features in an objective, repeatable, and high-throughput manner, in a process known as radiomics. Radiomics is mainly used in the field of oncology, which remains an area of active research. Over the past few years, investigators have attempted to apply radiomics to stroke in the hope of gaining benefits similar to those obtained in cancer management, i.e., in promoting the development of personalized precision medicine. Currently, radiomic analysis has shown promise for a variety of applications in stroke, including the diagnosis of stroke lesions, early prediction of outcomes, and evaluation for long-term prognosis. In this article, we elaborate the contributions of radiomics to stroke, as well as the subprocesses and techniques involved in radiomics studies. We also discuss the potential challenges facing its widespread implementation in routine practice and the directions for future research.

Comparison of Black Hole Sign, Satellite Sign, and Iodine Sign to Predict Hematoma Expansion in Patients with Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Purpose

To discretely and collectively compare black hole sign (BHS) and satellite sign (SS) with recently introduced gemstone spectral imaging-based iodine sign (IS) for predicting hematoma expansion (HE) in spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (SICH).

Methods

This retrospective study includes 90 patients from 2017 to 2019 who underwent both spectral computed tomography angiography (CTA) as well as noncontrast computed tomography (NCCT) within 6 hours of SICH onset along with subsequent follow-up NCCT scanned within 24 hours. We named the presence of any of BHS or SS as any NCCT sign. Two independent reviewers analyzed all the HE predicting signs. Receiver-operator characteristic curve analysis and logistic regression were performed to compare the predictive performance of HE.

Results

A total of 61 patients had HE, out of which IS was seen in 78.7% (48/61) while BHS and SS were seen in 47.5% (29/61) and 41% (25/61), respectively. The area under the curve for BHS, SS, and IS was 63.4%, 67%, and 82.4%, respectively, while for any NCCT sign was 71.5%. There was no significant difference between IS and any NCCT sign (P = 0.108). Multivariate analysis showed IS (odds ratio 68.24; 95% CI 11.76-396.00; P < 0.001) and any NCCT sign (odds ratio 19.49; 95% CI 3.99-95.25; P < 0.001) were independent predictors of HE whereas BHS (odds ratio 0.34; 95% CI 0.01-38.50; P = 0.534) and SS (odds ratio 4.54; 95% CI 0.54-38.50; P = 0.165) had no significance.

Conclusion

The predictive accuracy of any NCCT sign was better than that of sole BHS and SS. Both any NCCT sign and IS were independent predictors of HE. Although IS had higher predictive accuracy, any NCCT sign may still be regarded as a fair predictor of HE when CTA is not available.

Development and validation of a nomogram for predicting hematoma expansion in intracerebral hemorrhage

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

To develop and validate a clinical nomogram for individualized predicting hematoma expansion (HE) in patients with Intracerebral Hemorrhage (ICH).

METHODS

A total of 1025 patients with ICH were retrospectively enrolled in the development cohort between 2010 and 2016. We identified and integrated significant factors for HE to build a nomogram. The model was subjected to validation with a separate cohort of 397 patients from the 2017-2019. The predictive accuracy and discriminative ability were measured by concordance index (C-index). The primary outcome was HE, defined as hematoma growth more than 6 mL or 33% increase in the volume.

RESULTS

A total of 1025 patients were included for univariable analysis. HE occurred in 180 patients (17.6%). The time to initial CT (≤6h vs. >6 h; p = 0.001), NIHSS score (0-4 vs. 5-14 vs. ≥15; p = 0.031), CTA spot sign (yes vs. no vs. absent; p = 0.018), hypodensities (p = 0.000), blend sign (p = 0.005), and INR (<1.2 vs. ≥1.2; p = 0.009) were identified and entered into the nomogram. The calibration curves for probability of HE showed optimal agreement between nomogram prediction and actual observation. The C-index was 0.751. The validation cohort consisted of 397 patients and HE occurred in 78 patients (19.6%). The C-index was 0.743.

CONCLUSIONS

We developed and validated a nomogram that can individually predict HE for ICH in Chinese populations. This practical prognostic nomogram may help clinicians make decision of clinical practice and design of clinical studies.

Tranexamic Acid Inhibits Hematoma Expansion in Intracerebral Hemorrhage and Traumatic Brain Injury. Does Blood Pressure Play a Potential Role? A Meta-Analysis from Randmized Controlled Trials

BACKGROUND

Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an antifibrinolytic agent, which has shown an effect on reducing blood loss in many diseases. Many studies focus on the effect of TXA on cerebral hemorrhage, however, whether TXA can inhibit hematoma expansion is still controversial. Our meta-analysis performed a quantitative analysis to evaluate the efficacy of TXA for the hematoma expansion in spontaneous and traumatic intracranial hematoma.

METHOD

Pubmed (MEDLINE), Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched from January 2001 to May 2020 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

RESULT

We pooled 3102 patients from 7 RCTs to evaluate the efficacy of TXA for hematoma expansion. Hematoma expansion (HE) rate and hematoma volume (HV) change from baseline were used to analyze. We found that TXA led to a significant reduction in HE rate (P = 0.002) and HV change (P = 0.03) compared with the placebo. Patients with moderate or serious hypertension benefit more from TXA. (HE rate: P = 0.02, HV change: P = 0.04) TXA tends to have a better efficacy on HV change in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). (P = 0.06) CONCLUSIONS: TXA showed good efficacy for hematoma expansion in spontaneous and traumatic intracranial hemorrhage. Patients with moderate/severe hypertension and ICH may be more suitable for TXA administration in inhibiting hematoma expansion .

MiR-367 alleviates inflammatory injury of microglia by promoting M2 polarization via targeting CEBPA

MiR-367 was reported to regulate inflammatory response of microglia. CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α (C/EBPA) could mediate microglia polarization. In this study, we explored the possible roles of miR-367 and CEBPA in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). ICH and normal specimens were obtained from the tissue adjacent to and distant from hematoma of ICH patients, respectively. Microglia were isolated and identified by immunofluorescence. The isolated microglia were treated with erythrocyte lysate and randomly divided into 8 groups using different transfection reagents. The transfection efficiency of miR-367 was determined by qRT-PCR. The expressions of M1 and M2 microglia markers were detected by Western blotting. The relationship between CEBPA and miR-367 was confirmed by dual luciferase reporter system. Flow cytometry was performed to determine the level of apoptosis in the cells transfected with miR-367 and CEBPA in erythrocyte lysate–treated microglia. We found that miR-367 expression level was downregulated in ICH specimens. Erythrocyte lysate–treated microglia was successfully established using erythrocyte lysate, as decreased miR-367 expression was observed. Overexpression of miR-367 could significantly decrease the expressions of MHC-ІІ, IL-1β, and Bax, reduced apoptosis rate, and increased the expressions of CD206, Bal-2, and Arg-1 in erythrocyte lysate–treated microglia. CEBPA was proved to be a direct target for miR-367, which could inhibit microglia M2 polarization and increase apoptosis rate. However, in the presence of both CEBPA and miR-367 mimic, the protein and mRNA expressions of CEBPA were decreased, leading to promoted microglia M2 polarization and a decreased apoptosis rate. MiR-367 regulates microglia polarization by targeting CEBPA and is expected to alleviate ICH-induced inflammatory injury.

Associations Between Levels of High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein and Outcome After Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Background: Patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) have high mortality and morbidity rates; approximately one-third of patients with ICH experience hematoma expansion (HE). The spot sign is an established and validated imaging marker for HE. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is an established laboratory marker for inflammation and secondary brain injury following ICH. Objective: To determine the association between the spot sign and hs-CRP, hematoma expansion, and clinical outcomes. Methods: Between December 2014 and September 2016, we prospectively recruited 1,964 patients with acute symptomatic ICH at 13 hospitals in Beijing, China. Next, we selected 92 patients within 24 h of the onset of symptoms from this cohort for the present study. ICH was diagnosed in the emergency room by non-contrast computed tomography (NCCT) scans. Follow-up scans were carried out within 48 h to evaluate patients for HE. Multidetector computed tomography angiography (MDCTA) was also used to identify spot signs. Blood samples were collected from each patient at admission in EDTA tubes (for plasma) or vacutainer tubes (for serum). hs-CRP values were determined by a particle-enhanced immunoturbidimetric assay in the laboratory at Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University. Patients were categorized into two groups according to their hs-CRP levels (hs-CRP <3 mg/L, hs-CRP ≥3 mg/L). Results: The incidences of spot sign and HE in our study cohort were 31.5 and 29.3%, respectively. Following the removal of potential confounding variables, stepwise-forward logistic regression analysis identified that an hs-CRP level ≥3 mg/L was not a significant indicator for either spot sign (p = 0.68) or HE (p = 0.07). However, an hs-CRP level ≥3 mg/L (odds ratio: 16.64, 95% confidence interval: 2.11-131.45, p = 0.008) was identified as an independent predictor of an unfavorable outcome 1 year after acute ICH. Conclusions: Our analyses identified that an hs-CRP level ≥3 mg/L was a significant indicator for an unfavorable outcome 1 year after acute ICH.

Rationale and Design of a Randomized, Double-Blind Trial Evaluating the Efficacy of Tranexamic Acid on Hematoma Expansion and Peri-hematomal Edema in Patients with Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage within 4.5 h after Symptom Onset: The THE-ICH Trial Protocol

BACKGROUND

Hematoma expansion (HE) and peri-hematomal edema (PHE) are associated with adverse outcomes of patients with acute spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH). Due to a lack of proven treatments, it is critical to explore novel treatments for HE and PHE to improve functional recovery after sICH.

METHODS

This is a prospective, multicenter, placebo-controlled, double-blind, and randomized clinical study of approximately 2400 patients with sICH. Patients within 4.5 h of sICH onset that fulfilling the clinical criteria for diagnosis (e.g. age more than 18 years old, the Glasgow Coma Scal>7, and no planned surgery) will randomly receive either intravenous tranexamic acid (TXA) 1 g 10-min bolus followed by 1 g eight-hour infusion or placebo (sodium chloride 0.9%). Clinical data including the ICH score and the Glasgow Coma Scale score will be collected on admission. After assessment of HE and PHE expansion, follow-up will be conducted with enrolled patients for 90 days.

RESULTS

Primary outcome metrics are HE (defined as either >33% or >6 ml increase from baseline) and PHE expansion rate at 24 ± 3 h and 72 ± 3 h post-sICH. Secondary outcome metrics include mortality and the modified Rankin Scale on day 90 after sICH. Appropriate statistic methods will be used to evaluate the efficacy of TXA on patients with sICH within 4.5 h of symptom onset.

CONCLUSIONS

HE usually occurs within the first few hours after onset of symptoms. It is essential to evaluate the efficacy of TXA on HE within a narrow window of time. This will be the first trial to evaluate the efficacy of TXA on HE and PHE expansion in sICH patients within 4.5 h after symptom onset. This trial is registered as ChiCTR1900027065 at http://www.chictr.org.cn.

Noncontrast CT markers of intracerebral hemorrhage expansion and poor outcome: A meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To provide precise estimates of the association between noncontrast CT (NCCT) markers, hematoma expansion (HE), and functional outcome in patients presenting with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

We searched PubMed for English-written observational studies or randomized controlled trials reporting data on NCCT markers of HE and outcome in spontaneous ICH including at least 50 subjects. The outcomes of interest were HE (hematoma growth >33%, >33% and/or >6 mL, >33% and/or >12.5 mL), poor functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale 3-6 or 4-6) at discharge or at 90 days, and mortality. We pooled data in random-effects models and extracted cumulative odds ratio (OR) for each NCCT marker.

RESULTS

We included 25 eligible studies (n = 10,650). The following markers were associated with increased risk of HE and poor outcome, respectively: black hole sign (OR = 3.70, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.42-9.64 and OR = 5.26, 95% CI = 1.75-15.76), swirl sign (OR = 3.33, 95% CI = 2.42-4.60 and OR = 3.70; 95% CI = 2.47-5.55), heterogeneous density (OR = 2.74; 95% CI = 1.71-4.39 and OR = 2.80; 95% CI = 1.78-4.39), blend sign (OR = 3.49; 95% CI = 2.20-5.55 and OR = 2.21; 95% CI 1.16-4.18), hypodensities (OR = 3.47; 95% CI = 2.18-5.50 and OR = 2.94; 95% CI = 2.28-3.78), irregular shape (OR = 2.01, 95% CI = 1.27-3.19 and OR = 3.43; 95% CI = 2.33-5.03), and island sign (OR = 7.87, 95% CI = 2.17-28.47 and OR = 6.05, 95% CI = 4.44-8.24).

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that multiple NCCT ICH shape and density features, with different effect size, are important markers for HE and clinical outcome and may provide useful information for future randomized controlled trials.

Accuracy of imaging markers on noncontrast computed tomography in predicting intracerebral hemorrhage expansion

Objectives Hematoma expansion (HE) is an important factor of unfavorable outcome in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Imaging markers on noncontrast computed tomography (NCCT) provide increasing value in the prediction of HE due to fast and easy-to-use advantages; however, the accuracy of NCCT-based prediction of intracerebral HE remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the predictive accuracy of NCCT markers for the evaluation of HE using a well-characterized ICH cohort. Methods We retrospectively analyzed 414 patients with spontaneous ICH, who underwent baseline CT within 6 h after symptom onset and follow-up CT within 24 h after ICH. Hematoma volumes were measured on baseline and follow-up CT images, and imaging features that predicted HE were analyzed. The test characteristics for the NCCT predictors were calculated. Results Of the 414 patients investigated, 63 presented blend sign, 45 showed black hole sign, 36 had island sign and 34 had swirl sign. In the 414 patients, 88 presented HE, the incidence was 21.26%. Of the 88 patients with HE, 22 presented blend sign, 11 showed black hole sign, 8 had swirl sign and 7 had island sign. The blend sign showed highest sensitivity (25.00%) and swirl sign showed the highest specificity (92.02%) among the four predictors. We noted excellent interobserver agreement for the identification of HE. Conclusion The four NCCT markers can predict HE with limited sensitivity, high specificity and good accuracy. This may be useful for prompt identification of patients at high risk of active bleeding, and prevention of over-treatment associated with HE. Abbreviations HE, hematoma expansion; ICH, intracerebral hemorrhage; NCCT, noncontrast computed tomography.

Benign Intracerebral Hemorrhage: A Population at Low Risk for Hematoma Growth and Poor Outcome

Background

To define benign intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and to investigate the association between benign ICH, hematoma expansion, and functional outcome.

Methods and Results

We analyzed a prospectively collected cohort of patients with ICH, who presented within 6 hours of symptom onset between July 2011 and February 2017 to a tertiary teaching hospital. Follow‐up computed tomographic scanning was performed within 36 hours after initial computed tomographic scanning. Benign ICH was operationally defined as homogeneous and regularly shaped small ICH. The presence of benign ICH was judged by 2 independent reviewers (Q.L., W.Y.) on the basis of the admission computed tomographic scan. Functional independence was defined as a modified Rankin Scale score of 0 to 2 at 3 months. The associations between benign ICH, hematoma expansion, and functional outcome were assessed by using multivariable logistic regression analyses. A total of 288 patients with ICH were included. Benign ICH was found in 48 patients (16.7%). None of the patients with benign ICH had early hematoma expansion. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of benign ICH for predicting functional independence at 3 months were 30.7%, 96.6%, 90.0%, 60.0%, and 0.637, respectively.

Conclusions

Patients with benign ICH are at low risk of hematoma expansion and poor outcome. These patients may be safe for less intensive monitoring and are unlikely to benefit from therapies aimed at preventing ICH expansion.

Hematoma Expansion in Intracerebral Hemorrhage: An Update on Prediction and Treatment

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is the most lethal type of stroke, but there is no specific treatment. After years of effort, neurologists have found that hematoma expansion (HE) is a vital predictor of poor prognosis in ICH patients, with a not uncommon incidence ranging widely from 13 to 38%. Herein, the progress of studies on HE after ICH in recent years is updated, and the topics of definition, prevalence, risk factors, prediction score models, mechanisms, treatment, and prospects of HE are covered in this review. The risk factors and prediction score models, including clinical, imaging, and laboratory characteristics, are elaborated in detail, but limited by sensitivity, specificity, and inconvenience to clinical practice. The management of HE is also discussed from bench work to bed practice. However, the upmost problem at present is that there is no treatment for HE proven to definitely improve clinical outcomes. Further studies are needed to identify more accurate predictors and effective treatment to reduce HE.

Ultra-Early Blood Pressure Reduction Attenuates Hematoma Growth and Improves Outcome in Intracerebral Hemorrhage

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to investigate whether intensive blood pressure treatment is associated with less hematoma growth and better outcome in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) patients who received intravenous nicardipine treatment ≤2 hours after onset of symptoms.

METHODS

A post-hoc exploratory analysis of the Antihypertensive Treatment of Acute Cerebral Hemorrhage 2 (ATACH-2) trial was performed. This was a multicenter, international, open-label, randomized clinical trial, in which patients with primary ICH were allocated to intensive versus standard blood pressure treatment with nicardipine ≤4.5 hours after onset of symptoms. We have included 913 patients with complete imaging and follow-up data in the present analysis.

RESULTS

Among the 913 included patients, 354 (38.7%) had intravenous nicardipine treatment initiated within 2 hours. In this subgroup of patients treated within 2 hours, the frequency of ICH expansion was significantly lower in the intensive blood pressure reduction group compared with the standard treatment group (p = 0.02). Multivariable analysis showed that ultra-early intensive blood pressure treatment was associated with a decreased risk of hematoma growth (odds ratio, 0.56; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.34-0.92; p = 0.02), higher rate of functional independence (odds ratio, 2.17; 95% CI, 1.28-3.68; p = 0.004), and good outcome (odds ratio, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.01-2.83; p = 0.048) at 90 days. Ultra-early intensive blood pressure reduction was associated with a favorable shift in modified Rankin Scale score distribution at 3 months (p = 0.04).

INTERPRETATION

In a subgroup of ICH patients with elevated blood pressure given intravenous nicardipine ≤2 hours after onset of symptoms, intensive blood pressure reduction was associated with reduced hematoma growth and improved functional outcome. ANN NEUROL 2020;88:388-395.

Blood pressure variability and outcome after acute intracerebral hemorrhage

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is life threatening neurologic event that results in significant rate of morbidity and mortality. Unfortunately, several randomized clinical trials aiming at limiting the hematoma expansion (HE) in the acute phase of ICH have not shown significant effects in improving the functional outcomes. Blood pressure variability (BPV) is common following ICH. High BPs have been associated with increased risk of bleeding and HE. Conversely, recurrent sudden decrease in BP promote perihematomal ischemia. However, it is still not clear weather BPV causes adverse prognosis following ICH or large ICHs cause fluctuations in BP. In the current review, we will discuss the mechanistic pathophysiology of BPV and the evidence regarding the role of BPV on the ICH outcomes.

Island Sign Predicts Hematoma Expansion and Poor Outcome After Intracerebral Hemorrhage: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Early hematoma expansion (HE) occurs in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) within the first few hours from ICH onset. Hematoma expansion has been considered as an independent predictor of poor clinical outcome and mortality after ICH. Island sign (IS) on the non-contrast computed tomography (NCCT) appears to increase the rate of detection of HE. However, there is insufficient evidence to declare that IS is an independent predictor for ICH patients prognosis and classification.

Objectives: To investigate whether IS on NCCT could predict HE and functional outcome following ICH.

Methods: Major databases were systematically searched, including PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane library, and the Chinese database (CNKI, VIP, and Wanfang databases). Studies about the associations between IS and HE or IS and clinical outcome were included. The pooled result used the odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) as effect size. Heterogeneity and publication bias were assessed. Subgroup analysis and meta-regression were applied to detect potential factors of heterogeneity.

Results: Eleven studies with 4,310 patients were included in the final analysis. The average incidence rate of IS and HE were 21.58 and 33%, respectively. The ideal timing for assessing HE was also not uniform or standardized. We separately performed two meta-analyses. First, 10 studies were included to estimate the association between IS and HE. The pooled OR was statistically significant (OR = 7.61, 95% CI = 3.10–18.67, P < 0.001). Second, four studies were included in the meta-analysis, and the pooled result showed that IS had a significantly positive relationship with poor outcome (OR = 3.83, 95% CI = 2.51–5.85, P < 0.001).

Conclusions: This meta-analysis showed that NCCT IS is of great importance and value for evaluation of HE and poor outcome in patients with ICH. Future studies should focus on developing consensus guidelines, and more studies with large sample size and longitudinal design are needed to validate the conclusions.

Minimal Computed Tomography Attenuation Value Within the Hematoma is Associated with Hematoma Expansion and Poor Outcome in Intracerebral Hemorrhage Patients

BACKGROUND

Early hematoma expansion in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) patients is associated with poor outcome. We aimed to investigate whether the minimal computed tomography (CT) attenuation value predicted hematoma expansion and poor outcome.

METHODS

This study involved spontaneous ICH patients of two cohorts who underwent baseline CT scan within 6 h after ICH onset and follow-up CT scan within 24 h after initial CT scan. We determined the critical value of the minimal CT attenuation value via retrospective analysis of the data from a derivation cohort. Then, a prospective study on the validation cohort of three clinical centers was performed for determining the association between the minimal CT attenuation value and hematoma expansion as well as poor outcome (modified Rankin Scale scores > 3) at 90 days by using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS

One hundred and forty eight ICH patients were included in the derivation cohort. Minimal CT attenuation value ≤ 31 Hounsfield units (HU) was demonstrated as the critical value to predict hematoma expansion by using receiver operating characteristic analysis. A total of 311 ICH patients were enrolled in the validation cohort, 86 (27.7%) and 133 (42.8%) of which were found hematoma expansion and poor outcome. Minimal CT attenuation value ≤ 31 HU was positive in 73 patients (23.5%). The multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated minimal CT attenuation value and minimal CT attenuation value ≤ 31 HU independently predicted hematoma expansion (p < 0.001) and poor outcome (p < 0.001). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of minimal CT attenuation value ≤ 31 HU for hematoma expansion and poor outcome prediction were 64.0, 92.0, 75.3, 87.0, 84.2 and 45.1%, 92.7%, 82.2%, 69.3%, 72.3%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The minimal CT attenuation value independently predicts early hematoma expansion and poor outcome in patients with ICH.

Evaluating Hematoma Expansion Scores in Acute Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Background and Purpose—

In acute spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage, multiple hematoma expansion scores have been proposed for use in clinical trial environments. We performed a systematic scoping review to identify all existing hematoma expansion scores and describe their development, validation, and relative performance.

Methods—

Two reviewers searched MEDLINE, PUBMED, EMBASE, and CENTRAL (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) for studies that derived or validated a hematoma expansion prediction score in adults presenting with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage. A descriptive analysis of the extracted data was performed, focusing on score development techniques and predictive capabilities.

Results—

Of the 14 434 records retrieved, 15 studies met inclusion criteria and 10 prediction scores were identified. Validation analysis using independent samples was performed in 9 studies on 5 scores. All derivation studies reported high performance with C statistics ranging from 0.72 to 0.93. In validation, the C-statistic range was broader with studies reporting 0.62 to 0.77. For every score, the risk of expansion increased with each point increase, although patients with high scores were rare.

Conclusions—

At present, 10 hematoma expansion scores have been developed, of which 5 have been externally validated. Real-world performance in validation studies was lower than performance in derivation studies. Data from the current literature are insufficient to support a meaningful meta-analysis.

Expansion-Prone Hematoma: Defining a Population at High Risk of Hematoma Growth and Poor Outcome

BACKGROUND

Noncontrast computed tomography (CT) markers are increasingly used for predicting hematoma expansion. The aim of our study was to investigate the predictive value of expansion-prone hematoma in predicting hematoma expansion and outcome in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH).

METHODS

Between July 2011 and January 2017, ICH patients who underwent baseline CT scan within 6 h of symptoms onset and follow-up CT scan were recruited into the study. Expansion-prone hematoma was defined as the presence of one or more of the following imaging markers: blend sign, black hole sign, or island sign. The diagnostic performance of blend sign, black hole sign, island sign, and expansion-prone hematoma in predicting hematoma expansion was assessed. Predictors of hematoma growth and poor outcome were analyzed using multivariable logistical regression analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 282 patients were included in our final analysis. Of 88 patients with early hematoma growth, 69 (78.4%) had expansion-prone hematoma. Expansion-prone hematoma had a higher sensitivity and accuracy for predicting hematoma expansion and poor outcome when compared with any single imaging marker. After adjustment for potential confounders, expansion-prone hematoma independently predicted hematoma expansion (OR 28.33; 95% CI 12.95-61.98) and poor outcome (OR 5.67; 95% CI 2.82-11.40) in multivariable logistic model.

CONCLUSION

Expansion-prone hematoma seems to be a better predictor than any single noncontrast CT marker for predicting hematoma expansion and poor outcome. Considering the high risk of hematoma expansion in these patients, expansion-prone hematoma may be a potential therapeutic target for anti-expansion treatment in future clinical studies.

Integration of Computed Tomographic Angiography Spot Sign and Noncontrast Computed Tomographic Hypodensities to Predict Hematoma Expansion

Background and Purpose- Noncontrast computed tomographic (CT) hypodensities represent an alternative to the CT angiography spot sign (SS) to predict intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) expansion. However, previous studies suggested that these markers predicted hematoma expansion independently from each other. We investigated whether the integration of SS and hypodensity (HD) improved the stratification of ICH expansion risk. Methods- A single-center cohort of consecutive patients with ICH was retrospectively analyzed. Patients with available CT angiography, baseline, and follow-up noncontrast CT images available were included. Trained readers reviewed all the images for SS and HD presence, and the study population was classified into 4 groups: SS and HD negative (SS-HD-), SS positive only (SS+HD-), HD positive only (SS-HD+), and SS and HD positive (SS+HD+). ICH expansion was defined as hematoma growth >33% or >6 mL. The association between SS and HD presence and ICH expansion was investigated with multivariable logistic regression. Results- A total of 745 subjects qualified for the analysis (median age, 73 years; 54.1% men). The rates of ICH expansion were 9.3% in SS-HD-, 25.8% in SS+HD-, 27.4% in SS-HD+, and 55.6% in SS+HD+ patients ( P<0.001). After adjustment for potential confounders and keeping SS-HD- subjects as reference, the risk of ICH expansion was increased in SS+HD- and SS-HD+ patients (odds ratio, 2.93, P=0.002 and odds ratio, 3.02, P<0.001, respectively). SS+HD+ subjects had the highest risk of hematoma growth (odds ratio, 9.50; P<0.001). Conclusions- Integration of SS and HD improves the stratification of hematoma growth risk and may help the selection of patients with ICH for antiexpansion treatment in clinical trials.