Abstract
Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage is defined as nontraumatic bleeding into the
brain without vascular malformations or presence of tumor. It occurs in about a third
of all strokes and has a high mortality and morbidity. Risk factors that determine
the outcome are incompletely understood. Known factors include older age, male gender,
Asian ethnicity, hypertension, and comorbidity such as inherited or acquired bleeding
diathesis and use of antithrombotic drugs. Likewise, the clinical characteristics
of the hematoma such as location and volume of the hematoma and other imaging features
are also important. Hematoma extension or expansion is a complication with an unfavorable
outcome. Recognition of risk factors for hematoma expansion and measures to prevent
it, such as blood pressure lowering, will improve the outcome. Enhanced diagnostic
methods, especially in imaging techniques developed over the past decade, have not
only led to a better understanding of the pathophysiology of spontaneous intracerebral
hemorrhage but also of the factors that influence hematoma expansion. An improved
knowledge is essential to better management, minimizing hematoma expansion and leading
to a healthier outcome.
Keywords
intracerebral hemorrhage - hematoma expansion - hypertension - biomarkers - platelet
function
