Hypertensive intracerebral hematoma after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

Abstract

We report a patient with sequential intracerebral hematoma in bilateral basal ganglia after an aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. A 55-year-old woman presented with sudden loss of consciousness without a past history of hypertension. Subarachnoid hemorrhage secondary to a ruptured anterior communicating artery aneurysm was seen on initial CT and an intracerebral hematoma was observed in both basal ganglia 3 hours later on a follow-up CT scan. We suggest that delayed intracerebral hematoma may occur due to increased intracranial pressure caused by aneurysmal rupture and discuss the possible mechanisms of this occurrence. © 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.