Comparison of the ABC/2 Estimation Technique to Computer-Assisted Volumetric Analysis of Intraparenchymal and Subdural Hematomas Complicating the GUSTO-1 Trial

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The volume of an intracerebral hemorrhage has been shown to be an important independent predictor of mortality in several reports. A technique for estimating hematoma volume, known as the ABC/2 method, has been proven a reliable, simple bedside technique for the volume measurement of intraparenchymal intracerebral hemorrhage. Subdural hematomas also carry a significant mortality risk but are more amenable to surgical evacuation. A reliable, simple bedside measurement of subdural hematoma volume may prove a valuable tool in prognostication and management of patients with this entity. METHODS: Computed tomographic (CT) brain scans of 244 patients suffering from intracranial hemorrhage in the GUSTO-1 trial were systematically reviewed. The volumes of 298 intraparenchymal hematomas were measured by the ABC/2 technique, and the volumes of 44 subdural hematomas were measured by an adaptation of this technique and compared to computer-assisted volumetric analysis. RESULTS: Excellent correlation between the techniques were achieved for both subdural (r=0.842; slope, 0.982) and intraparenchymal hematoma volume measurements (r=0.929; slope, 1.11). CONCLUSIONS: The ABC/2 method is a simple and accurate technique for the measurement of intraparenchymal hematoma volume, and a simple adaptation allows for a similarly accurate measurement of subdural hematoma volume as well.