Spontaneous subarachnoid haemorrhage in the era of transition from surgery to embolization. A study of the overall outcome

Abstract

The aim of the investigation was to evaluate the outcome of spontaneous subarachnoid haemorrhage, in the era of new techniques, patient centralization and subspecialization, by taking into account the local conditions in Greece. A prospective observational study was conducted during a 4-year period. All patients with a first-ever spontaneous subarachnoid haemorrhage were enrolled. Clinical, management and outcome data were recorded. Two-hundred-and-eighteen consecutive patients with an 81% good, medium clinical grade (Hunt & Hess I-III) were identified. Rebleed and rebleed leading to death rates were 22 and 11%, respectively. Permanent deficit or death from vasospasm was 15%. Twenty-eight per cent of the study population died early, were unsuitable for further management (poor clinical status, advanced age) or declined angiography or treatment, and another 22% had a negative angiogram. The remaining 50% underwent intervention (neurosurgical/endovascular), for obliteration of an aneurysm. The overall favourable 6-month outcome was 59%, whereas the favourable outcome of the intervention group was 70%. Our results confirm the findings of previous series. The relatively worse results are due to delayed referral, and lack of availability of surgical or endovascular management in the early post-haemorrhage period (28% of the patients), particularly in potentially salvageable cases. On the basis of these observations, we recommend early intervention (surgery or embolization) and centralization/subspecialization, in order to improve the outcome.