title: CT evaluation of lateral ventricular dilatation after subarachnoid hemorrhage: baseline bicaudate index values [correction of balues].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To define baseline bicaudate index (BCI) values in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).
  
  
  METHODS
  We reviewed the clinical and radiological information on consecutive adult patients admitted with acute SAH to our hospital between 1 January 2002 and 1 January 2008. Patients without diagnosis of acute hydrocephalus were entered into this study. Age-stratified BCI values were calculated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Our study cohort comprised 108 patients (66 women, 61%). The clinical status at presentation was excellent with a median score of 1 on the World Federation of Neurological Surgeons Scale. Cisternal blood burden was mild to moderate with a median Hijdra score of 17 (out of 30). The upper limits of normal (ninety-fifth percentile) for BCI were 0·12 at age 45 years and under, 0·14 at 55 years, 0·16 at 65 years, and 0·17 thereafter.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Albeit not perfect, the BCI is a commonly used linear measure of the lateral ventricular size. We present baseline BCI values in a cohort of patients with acute SAH. A diagnosis of hydrocephalus can be made when the BCI value exceeds the upper limit of normal for age.
authors: Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA. DUPONTS@ccf.org
authors: Stefan
authors: S
authors: Dupont
authors: Alejandro A
authors: AA
authors: Rabinstein
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D014695:Cerebral Ventriculography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006849:Hydrocephalus / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D020547:Lateral Ventricles / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012016:Reference Values; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013345:Subarachnoid Hemorrhage / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology