Brainstem hemorrhage is uncommon and is associated with high morbidity, mortality, and prolonged hospitalization.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the frequency, risk factors, and outcomes of patients with brainstem hemorrhage in stroke center at King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh.

METHODS

A retrospective, observational cohort study including all patients with brainstem hemorrhage from January 2014 to December 2017. The clinical presentation, location of hemorrhage, complications and clinical outcomes were analyzed.

RESULTS

Of 1921 stroke patients, 219 had hemorrhagic stroke (11.4%), of whom only 10 (4.6%) had brainstem hemorrhage, comprising 0.5% of all stroke patients. All patients were men; mean age was 58.5 years. Most frequent presenting symptoms were headache (70%), unilateral weakness (60%), and loss of consciousness (50%). All patients had hemorrhage in pons, 5 had concomitant cerebellar hemorrhage (50%), one had medullary hemorrhage, and one midbrain hemorrhage (10% each). Mean ICU stay was 17 days; mean hospital stay was 58 days. At the time of discharge, three (30%) had mRS of 0-2, 5 (50%) had mRS of 3-5, whereas 2 (20%) had died. Glasgow coma scale (GCS) of >8 at presentation was associated with a good outcome at three months (p=0.03). Presentation within six hours of symptom onset (p=0.233), hypertension on presentation (p=0.233), and age less than 60 years (p=0.065) did not affect discharge outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Brainstem hemorrhage occurred in 0.5% of all stroke patients. It was associated with high morbidity and mortality. Low Glasgow Coma Scale at presentation was associated with poor outcomes.