[Clinical analysis of 42 cases of chronic expanding intracerebral hematoma].

OBJECTIVE: To summarize our own experiences of managing chronic expanding intracerebral hematoma (CEICH) and discuss its diagnosis and treatment. METHODS: The courses of CEICH, clinical and imaging features, intraoperative findings, pathological examinations and follow-up outcomes were reviewed retrospectively. The relevant literatures were reviewed simultaneously. RESULTS: The course of CEICHs ranged from 22 days to 10 years. Twenty-three cases (54.8%) were misdiagnosed as cystic gliomas, cystic gliomas, brain cysticercoses, brain abscesses and tumor strokes, etc. The misdiagnostic rate had decreased to 19.0% since June 1997. Thirty-eight patients underwent surgical operations and 4 had puncture drainage of hematoma. There was no operative death. Thirty-three cases achieved an excellent recovery and 9 cases had varying degrees of nervous dysfunctions. The follow-up period was 1-21 years. One patient had recurrence after 10 years. Among the cases of multiple CEICH, two lesions underwent no surgical treatment. One increased obviously after 7 years and another disappeared. CONCLUSION: The following five points may be used as the diagnostic criteria of CEICH: (1) intracerebral cystic space-occupying lesions on brain images; (2) circular or circle-like enhancement around lesions; (3) a mixed signal of concentric circular lamellar structures on MRI T1WI; (4) abnormal vascular lesions on CTA, MRA or DSA; (5) clinical signs and symptoms of slow progress of intracranial pressure. CEICHs with clinical symptoms of local mass effect shall be obliterated surgically. The abnormal tissues in cyst wall of hematoma should be resected. Small hematomas (< 2 cm) may be followed up.

Neurogenic pulmonary edema in head injuries: analysis of 5 cases.

OBJECTIVE: To review the pathophysiology and study the diagnosis and clinical management of neurogenic pulmonary edema (NPE). METHODS: The data of 5 patients who developed NPE after head injury treated in our hospital form December 1995 to May 2003 were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: The patients developed dyspnea and respiratory failure 2-8 hours after neurologic event. Four of the 5 patients presented with pink frothy sputum. Chest radiography showed bilateral diffuse infiltrations in all the 5 patients. After supportive measures such as oxygen support and pharmacologic therapy, 4 patients recovered in 72 hours and one patient died. CONCLUSIONS: The pathophysiologic mechanisms of NPE is unclear. In acute respiratory failure following head injury, NPE must be given much attention and timely and effective measures should be taken.