Cerebral Intraparenchymal Hemorrhage

Importance

Although spontaneous intraparenchymal hemorrhage (IPH) accounts for less than 20% of cases of stroke, it continues to be associated with the highest mortality of all forms of stroke and substantial morbidity rates.

Observations

Early identification and management of IPH is crucial. Blood pressure control, reversal of associated coagulopathy, care in a dedicated stroke unit, and identification of secondary etiologies are essential to optimizing outcomes. Surgical management of hydrocephalus and space occupying hemorrhage in the posterior fossa are accepted forms of treatment. Modern advances in minimally invasive surgical management of primary, supratentorial IPH are being explored in randomized trials. Hemorrhagic arteriovenous malformations and cavernous malformations are surgically excised if accessible, while hemorrhagic dural arteriovenous fistulas and distal/mycotic aneurysms are often managed with embolization if feasible.

Conclusions and Relevance

IPH remains a considerable source of neurological morbidity and mortality. Rapid identification, medical management, and neurosurgical management, when indicated, are essential to facilitate recovery. There is ongoing evaluation of minimally invasive approaches for evacuation of primary IPH and evolution of surgical and endovascular techniques in the management of lesions leading to secondary IPH.