CT scan blend signs are not associated with poor outcome in patients with ICH who undergo stereotactic minimally invasive surgery

Abstract

Background: The initial CT blend sign has been used as an imaging marker to predict haematoma expansion and poor outcomes in patients with a small volume intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH). However, the relationship between the blend sign and outcomes remains elusive. The present study aimed to retrospectively measure the impact of initial CT blend signs on short-term outcomes in patients with hypertensive ICH who underwent stereotactic minimally invasive surgery (sMIS). Methods: We enrolled 242 patients with spontaneous ICH. Based on the initial CT features, the patients were assigned to a blend sign group (91 patients) or a non-blend sign (control) group (151 patients). The NIHSS, GCS and mRS were used to measure the efficacy of the sMIS. The rates of severe pulmonary infection and cardiac complications were also compared between the two groups. Results: No significant differences in NIHSS and GCS at one week or two weeks after surgery were observed between the two groups. The proportion of patients with good outcomes during follow-up was not different in the two groups. Both groups displayed good functional outcomes relative to the state at admission. The rate of re-haemorrhaging increased in the blend sign group. No significant differences in severe pulmonary infections and cardiac complications were noted between the two groups. Conclusions: The initial CT blend sign was not associated with poor outcome in patients with hypertensive ICH who underwent sMIS. ICH patients with CT blend signs should undergo sMIS if they are suitable candidates for surgery.