Computed Tomography-Guided Catheter Aspiration and Thrombolysis of Hypertensive Basal Ganglionic Hematomas: Technique and Short-Term Outcome Comparison

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive techniques of hematoma evacuation with or without the use of thrombolytic agents to lyse the clots have shown promising outcomes compared to open surgical evacuation. However, there is a dearth of literature in developing nations. The objective in this study was to evacuate spontaneous hypertensive basal ganglionic hemorrhages using computed tomography (CT)-guided catheter insertion, hematoma aspiration, and lysis with thrombolytic agents and analyze the efficacy and outcomes. METHODS: Ten patients with spontaneous basal ganglionic hemorrhage underwent CT-guided clot catheter insertion, followed by aspiration of hematoma and clot lysis using 25,000 IU urokinase instilled every 12 hours. Details including symptoms, clinical and radiologic findings, efficacy of the technique, functional outcomes during follow-up, length of stay, and cost were recorded. Relevant details for 12 age- and sex-matched conservatively treated patients were compared. RESULTS: Functional outcome in the catheter group at 6 months was better than the medically managed group, with improved mean Glasgow Outcome Scale score (0.4 vs. 0.08), reduced modified Rankin scale score (- 0.8 vs. -0.25), and reduced National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score (- 6.8 vs. -1.5 points). However, it was not statistically significant. Average hematoma volume reduction in the catheter group was 83.14%. In the medically managed group, 2 of 12 patients (16.6%) had hematoma expansion, 6 patients (50%) developed hydrocephalus, and 2 patients (16.6%) died. In the catheter group, 4 of 10 patients (40%) developed mild pneumocephalus that resolved. CONCLUSIONS: The evacuation of hypertensive basal ganglionic hematomas is feasible with basic neurosurgical instruments and existing resources (e.g., CT scan) with improved functional outcome compared with conservative treatment alone.