MedPix COW 674 - Hypertensive Hemorrhage
Channel: James Smirniotopoulos
Date: 2013-05-08

10-20% of strokes are intracerebral hemorrhage and most are caused by hypertension - arteriolar sclerosis.  Unlike large vessel lipid deposits (atherosclerosis) small vessel changes include "onion-skin" thickening, vessel weakness, spontaneous occlusion (lacunar infarct) or rupture (hypertensive hematoma).  Complications include neurologic deficit, increased intracranial pressure, hydrocephalus, fever, and seizures.