Occurrence of perimesencephalic subarachnoid hemorrhage during pregnancy

Karen G. Hirsch, Michael T. Froehler, Judy Huang, Wendy C. Ziai

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

7 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Perimesencephalic subarachnoid hemorrhage (P-SAH) is a benign subset of subarachnoid hemorrhage with a favorable prognosis and low rate of re-bleeding. Risk factors may include hypertension and tobacco use, but it has not previously been reported during pregnancy. Methods: We report two cases of P-SAH in pregnant women, a 40-year-old female, 8-weeks pregnant and a 37-year-old female at 35 weeks gestational age. Results: CT scan confirmed P-SAH in both cases. CT angiography in one case and cerebral angiogram in the other did not reveal aneurysm or other potential bleeding source. The patients underwent transcranial Doppler ultrasound monitoring without evidence of vasospasm. Conclusion: P-SAH hemorrhage may occur during early or late pregnancy. We do not propose an increased risk of P-SAH during pregnancy. The clinical course appears favorable and CT angiography alone may be considered the preferred diagnostic test to assess for aneurysm in first trimester pregnancy.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)339-343
Number of pages5
JournalNeurocritical care
Volume10
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2009

Keywords

  • Cerebral angiography
  • Perimesencephalic hemorrhage
  • Pregnancy
  • Subarachnoid hemorrhage
  • Vasospasm

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine
  • Clinical Neurology

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