The modality of choice for diagnosis of subarachnoid hemorrhage is noncontrast head computed tomography (CT), with or without lumbar puncture[1]
The sensitivity of CT to the presence of subarachnoid blood is strongly influenced by both the amount of blood and the time since the hemorrhage[2]
The modality of choice for diagnosis of subarachnoid hemorrhage is noncontrast head computed tomography (CT), with or without lumbar puncture.[1]
The diagnosis of subarachnoid hemorrhage cannot be made on clinical grounds alone. Medical imaging is usually required to confirm or exclude bleeding.[3][4]
The sensitivity of CT to the presence of subarachnoid blood is strongly influenced by both the amount of blood and the time since the hemorrhage[2]
The diagnosis is suspected when hyperattenuating material is seen filling the subarachnoid space. Most commonly this is apparent around
Circle of Willis (account of the majority of berry aneurysms)
Sylvian fissure
Small amounts of blood can sometimes be appreciated pooling in the interpeduncular fossa, appearing as a small hyperdense triangle, or within the occipital horns of the lateral ventricles.[5]
Sensitivity of CT may be reduced in the following conditions:[6]
Patients with atypical symptoms (isolated neck pain)
Minor bleeds
Subarachnoid haemorrhages are grouped into four categories according to the amount of blood by the Fisher Grade.[7]
Grading
Amount of blood shown on initial CT scans
Grade 1
No hemorrhage evident
Grade 2
Subarachnoid hemorrhage less than 1 mm thick
No clots
Grade 3
Subarachnoid hemorrhage more than 1 mm thick
localised clots
Grade 4
Subarachnoid hemorrhage of any thickness with intra-ventricular hemorrhage (IVH) or parenchymal extension or absent blood in basal cisterns
↑Mayberg MR, Batjer HH, Dacey R, Diringer M, Haley EC, Heros RC, Sternau LL, Torner J, Adams HP Jr, Feinberg W, Thies W. Guidelines for the management of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a statement for healthcare professionals from a special writing group of the Stroke Council, American Heart Association. Circulation. 1994;90: 2592–2605.
↑Bederson JB, Connolly ES Jr, Batjer HH, Dacey RG, Dion JE, Diringer MN, Duldner JE Jr, Harbaugh RE, Patel AB, Rosenwasser RH. Guidelines for the management of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemor- rhage: a statement for healthcare professionals from a special writing group of the Stroke Council, American Heart Association [published correction appears in Stroke. 2009;40:e518]. Stroke. 2009;40:994 –1025.
↑ Brant WE, Helms C. Fundamentals of Diagnostic Radiology. LWW. (2012) ISBN:1608319113