Clinical features of relative focal hyperfusion in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage detected by contrast-enhanced xenon CT.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The prevalence and clinical features of relative focal hyperperfusion were investigated in 165 consecutive patients with intracerebral hemorrhage.

METHODS Contrast-enhanced xenon CT was used to observe regional cerebral blood flow in all patients (86 men and 79 women ranging in age from 25 to 89 years; mean age, 66 years). The clinical data of patients with and without relative focal hyperperfusion were compared to define distinguishing characteristics.

RESULTS Relative focal hyperperfusion was observed in 24 (23.5%) of 102 patients in the acute stage but in no patient in the subacute or chronic stages. Relative focal hyperperfusion was associated significantly more often with putaminal and subcortical hemorrhage than with thalamic and cerebellar hemorrhage. We found that patients with relative focal hyperperfusion had a lower mean age than those without it; a male dominance; and a more common history of intracerebral hemorrhage.

CONCLUSION Relative focal hyperperfusion occurs in the acute stage after intracerebral hemorrhage and does not persist for more than 30 days. The most common locations are the putamen and subcortical areas. Risk factors include male sex and previous bleeding in the same area.