ABSTRACT
Pseudo subarachnoid hemorrhage (PSAH) is often secondary to resuscitation or severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) and has a high rate of mortality and disability. It is characterized by symmetrical subarachnoid hyper-density opacities on CT scans and is mainly venous reflux disorder caused by diffuse cerebral swelling for various causes. At present, PSAH is primarily examined by CT with reduction of cranial pressure as the treatment method. However, the CT signs of PASH are similar to subarachnoid hemorrhage caused by ruptured aneurysm, so the positive CT screening rate for PSAH is low. Effect of simple reduction of intracranial pressure on prognosis improvement of PSAH patients is also limited. Clinical understanding of PSAH is still insufficient, resulting in missed or false diagnosis and untimely treatment. The authors review the research progress in pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment methods of PSAH so as to help clinicians better understand PSAH, make early diagnosis and timely treatment and improve patients′ prognosis.