Comparison of the ABC/2 estimation technique to computer-assisted volumetric analysis of intraparenchymal and subdural hematomas complicating the GUSTO-1 trial.
OBJECTIVE
The volume of an intracerebral hemorrhage has been shown to be an important independent predictor of mortality in several reports. A technique for estimating hematoma volume, known as the ABC/2 method, has been proven a reliable, simple bedside technique for the volume measurement of intraparenchymal intracerebral hemorrhage. Subdural hematomas also carry a significant mortality risk but are more amenable to surgical evacuation. A reliable, simple bedside measurement of subdural hematoma volume may prove a valuable tool in prognostication and management of patients with this entity.


METHODS
Computed tomographic (CT) brain scans of 244 patients suffering from intracranial hemorrhage in the GUSTO-1 trial were systematically reviewed. The volumes of 298 intraparenchymal hematomas were measured by the ABC/2 technique, and the volumes of 44 subdural hematomas were measured by an adaptation of this technique and compared to computer-assisted volumetric analysis.


RESULTS
Excellent correlation between the techniques were achieved for both subdural (r=0.842; slope, 0.982) and intraparenchymal hematoma volume measurements (r=0.929; slope, 1.11).


CONCLUSIONS
The ABC/2 method is a simple and accurate technique for the measurement of intraparenchymal hematoma volume, and a simple adaptation allows for a similarly accurate measurement of subdural hematoma volume as well.
Gebel
J M
JM
Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Ohio 44195, USA.
Sila
C A
CA
Sloan
M A
MA
Granger
C B
CB
Weisenberger
J P
JP
Green
C L
CL
Topol
E J
EJ
Mahaffey
K W
KW
D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic / Q000592:standards*; D006408:Hematoma, Subdural / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000188:drug therapy; D011379:Prognosis; D015912:Thrombolytic Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000592:standards; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*