Impact of subventricular zone interaction on clinical outcomes in patients with intracerebral hematoma

Aim: To investigate the impact of subventricular zone (SVZ) interaction on the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing surgery for intracerebral hematoma (ICH). Specifically, we aimed to analyze radiological parameters and assess whether access of the hematoma to the SVZ affects clinical outcomes and long-term clinical course. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent surgery for ICH, dividing them into two groups based on SVZ involvement. Preoperative clinical evaluations, including Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) assessments, and preoperative cranial tomographs were performed. The study assessed hematoma localizations, volumes, and extension to the SVZ. Postoperative outcomes, including reoperation rates, Glasgow Outcome Scores (GOS) at 6 months, and hydrocephalus development, were monitored. Results: Out of 121 patients, 40 had SVZ involvement while 81 did not. There were no significant differences in demographic characteristics between the groups. However, significant differences were observed in hematoma locations, volumes, midline shifts, and development of hydrocephalus between patients with and without SVZ involvement. At 6 months, patients with SVZ involvement had significantly different GOS scores compared to those without SVZ involvement. Conclusions: Our study suggests that SVZ involvement plays a crucial role in the prognosis of patients with ICH. Patients with hematoma reaching the SVZ had different clinical outcomes, highlighting the potential significance of this brain region in brain injury repair mechanisms. These findings emphasize the need for further research into the role of the SVZ in recovery processes after brain injury and the development of innovative treatment strategies for ICH.