Association Between Hypodensities Detected By Non-Contrast Computed Tomography And Hematoma Expansion In Patients With Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Abstract

ICH is a dangerous condition of the brain and can often lead to further health problems as well as death. Increase in a hematoma after the initial hemorrhagic event usually leads to poor outcomes. Doctors use NCCT as the main method for looking at the early stages of ICH. New data support the idea that hypodensities found on initial NCCT can help predict hematoma growth and guide medical treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the association between hypodensities detected on initial NCCT and subsequent hematoma expansion in patients diagnosed with ICH. An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted over six months at THQ Hospital Daska, including 127 adult patients diagnosed with ICH. Patients with identifiable hypodensities on baseline NCCT were compared with those without. Data were collected using structured proformas and analyzed using SPSS version 22.0. Statistical tests, including Chi-square and ANOVA, were applied with a significance threshold of p < 0.005. Out of 127 participants (mean age: 61.4 years), 81 (63.8%) had abnormalities seen as hypodensities on NCCT brain scans. Hematoma growth happened in 41.7% of cases and was seen in 56.8% of those with hypodensities compared to 15.2% in those without (p < 0.001). Irregular-shaped masses, those medium in size and with moderate density were the most common hypodensity characteristics. Among all comorbidities, hypertension was the most common, found in 70.1 percent of patients. Being found on initial NCCT, hypodensities are strongly associated with an expansion of hematoma in ICH patients. Radiology can help predict whether a hematoma will develop, allowing quick response from doctors to help those at higher risk which may boost recovery.

Keywords: Intracerebral Hemorrhage, Hematoma Expansion, Hypodensities, Non-Contrast CT, Stroke Imaging