Clinical Evaluation of Outcome of Hypertensive Cerebellar Hemorrhage

ABSTRACT

The authors analyzed 28 cases with hypertensive cerebellar hemorrhage, diagnosed by computerized tomography(CT), between 1987 and 1990, in Chonbuk National University Hospital. The authors assessed the relationship of outcome to the CT appearance of the quadrigeminal cistern, which in some cases was obliterated by rostral displacement of the vermis resulting from the cerebellar mass. Obliteration of the quadrigeminal cisterns was classified on the CT scans into three gradesNormal(Grade I), Compressed(Grade II), or Absent(Grade III). There were 7 cases with Grade I, 9 with Grade II, and 12 with Grade II cisterns. Of the 28 cases, 6(85%) of those with Grade I, 7(78%) of those with Grade II, and none of those with Grade III cisterns respectively returned to their previous activities at 6 months or more after onset. A Grade I cisterns predicted a good outcome whether the hematoma was evacuated or not, as long as obstructive hydrocephalus, if present, was relieved early. However, a Grade II cistern was not predictive of a good outcome unless the hematoma was evacuated within 48 hours after onset of the hemorrhage. A Grade III cisterns predicted an unfavorable outcome. Taken together, these results strongly suggest that the CT grade of quadrigeminal cistern obliteration may be an indicator of outcome and may be useful in selecting treatment for patients with cerebellar hemorrhage.