Measurement of regional cerebral blood flow by 133Xe inhalation method in patients with ruptured aneurysm

Regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) was measured in 20 patients with ruptured aneurysm. rCBF images are obtained by 133Xe inhalation method using a ring type gamma camera (SET-020, Shimazu Co.) with high sensitivity collimator. Examinations are performed at acute stage (1-7 days after onset) and at subacute stage (8-14 days after onset). In acute stage, rCBF in the affected cerebral hemisphere has tendency to be low in 12 patients with angiospasm after the aneurysmal rupture comparing to those in patients without angiospasm. Low rCBF areas in cerebral hemisphere at acute stage were apt to become normal in subacute stage. rCBF measurement by 133Xe inhalation method seemed to be an useful method to evaluate rCBF in patients with ruptured aneurysm.