Subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH): investigations
Written and reviewed by Dr Ibrahim Imam, Consultant Neurologist. Last reviewed .
Subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH): investigations. This is done at least 12 hours after symptom onset. Fully referenced neurology checklist.
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis
- This is done at least 12 hours after symptom onset
- It shows xanthochromia: this is detectable up to 2 weeks after the event
- Cytology may help in late presentations
Plain computerised tomography (CT)
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Computerised tomography angiography (CTA)
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Digital subtraction angiography (DSA)
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References
- van Gijn J, Rinkel GJ. Subarachnoid haemorrhage: diagnosis, causes and management. Brain 2001; 124:249-278.
- Müller-Jensen L, Diamandis E, Osterloh A, Ruprecht K, Leithner C. Cerebrospinal fluid cytology in subacute subarachnoid hemorrhage. Neurology 2020; 95:699-700.
- Maramattom BV, Wijdicks EFM. Arrow sign in MCA trifurcation aneurysm. Neurology 2004; 63:1323.
- Prestigiacomo CJ, Sabit A, He W, Jethwa P, Gandhi C, Russin J. Three dimensional CT angiography versus digital subtraction angiography in the detection of intracranial aneurysms in subarachnoid hemorrhage. J NeuroIntervent Surg 2010; 2:385-389.
- Jayaraman MS, Mayo-Smith WW, Tung GA, et al. Detection of intracranial aneurysms: multi-detector row CT angiography compared with DSA. Radiology 2004; 230:510-518.
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