Early diagnosis of subarachnoid hemorrhage: a comparative analysis of computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and doppler ultrasound
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11606/issn.1679-9836.v105i6e-237913Keywords:
Traumatic Brain Injury, Diagnosis, Ultrasound Doppler, Transcranial Doppler, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Computed Tomography, Subarachnoid HemorrhageAbstract
Introduction: Subarachnoid Hemorrhage is a severe neurological event caused by bleeding in the subarachnoid space, often resulting from head trauma. Early detection and appropriate treatment are crucial to minimize complications and improve clinical outcomes. Cranial computed tomography is typically the first examination performed, as it is quick and widely available, allowing for the identification of acute hemorrhages. Magnetic resonance imaging and transcranial Doppler ultrasound are other available options for evaluating the event. Understanding the effectiveness of imaging methods in the diagnosis and management of patients with suspected SAH is essential for improving emergency care. Objective: To identify which examination is most effective for the early diagnosis of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage. Method: An integrative review was conducted by consulting the PubMed/Medline, CAPES, and BVS databases in September 2024. Descriptors used: “Subarachnoid Hemorrhage AND (Computed Tomography OR Magnetic Resonance Imaging OR Transcranial Doppler OR Ultrasound Doppler) AND Diagnosis AND Traumatic Brain Injury”. Inclusion criteria encompassed articles from 2019 to 2026, in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, peer-reviewed, and fully available. Review articles and those unrelated to the topic were excluded. Results: Initially, 639 articles were identified, of which 565 were excluded after screening. 74 eligible studies remained. After reading titles and abstracts, 56 were eliminated, leaving 18 for full analysis. Of these, 5 articles were discarded for not meeting the inclusion criteria, resulting in 13 articles analyzed. Data collection was performed using a validated form. The studies confirm that cranial computed tomography is the most widely used method for the rapid diagnosis of SAH after traumatic brain injury. Conclusion: Cranial computed tomography is the most effective imaging method for diagnosing subarachnoid hemorrhage in clinical emergencies, given its accessibility, speed, and sensitivity.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Douglas Ferreira Vilas Boas, Hiago Rui Soprani, Elias Name Silva; Julianna Vaillant Louzada Oliveira; André Rocha Soares, Davi Mombrini Cosme, Hudson Pereira Pinto
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