Sex differences in perihemorrhagic edema evolution after spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage

Eur J Neurol. 2012 Nov;19(11):1477-81. doi: 10.1111/j.1468-1331.2011.03628.x. Epub 2012 Jan 4.

Abstract

Background and purpose: Clinical data on sex differences in perihemorrhagic edema (PHE) after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) are lacking.

Methods: Patients with spontaneous supratentorial ICH who had received standard conservative treatment were identified retrospectively. PHE development was assessed over a 14-day period on follow-up CT scans (days 1, 2-4, 5-7, 8-11, and 12-14). ICH and PHE volumes were assessed semiautomatically and compared between men and women.

Results: A total of 387 patients (233 men) were included. Starting at days 2-4, women showed lower PHE values (P < 0.05; days 2-4, 8-11) or a trend toward significance (P ≤ 0.1; days 5-7, 12-14).

Conclusions: Female sex may predict lower PHE volumes.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Brain Edema / diagnostic imaging*
  • Brain Edema / etiology*
  • Cerebral Hemorrhage / complications*
  • Cerebral Hemorrhage / diagnostic imaging*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Sex Characteristics*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed