Spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhages (SICHs). Clinical and CT features; immediate evaluation of prognosis.

108 cases of spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhages (SICHs) are reviewed. Over 50% were in a mild condition on admission. 31% could not be accurately diagnosed as SICHs before CT. Intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) was observed in 38%. 36% of cases died during the first month and 13 patients died during the follow-up period. At the time of the follow-up or of death 66% of cases had a fair recovery. Level of consciousness predicted both mortality and functional recovery. Degree of initial neurologic deficit (IND) was correlated with functional recovery, not significantly with immediate mortality. CT images revealed that mortality and functional recovery were significantly correlated with size and location of SICHs as well as with the occurrence of an IVH involving two or more ventricles. Effects of intraparenchymatous haemorrhage and IVH upon mortality were additional. Casting of the third ventricle was indicative of poor outcome.