Heterogeneity Signs on Noncontrast Computed Tomography Predict Hematoma Expansion after Intracerebral Hemorrhage: A Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Hematoma expansion (HE) is related to clinical deterioration after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and noncontrast computed tomography (NCCT) signs are indicated as predictors for HE but with inconsistent conclusions. We aim to clarify the correlations of NCCT heterogeneity signs with HE by meta-analysis of related studies. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane library were searched for eligible studies exploring the relationships between NCCT heterogeneity signs (hypodensity, mixed density, swirl sign, blend sign, and black hole sign) and HE. Poor outcome and mortality were considered as secondary outcomes. Odds ratio (OR) and its 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were selected as the effect size and combined using random effects model. RESULTS: Fourteen studies were included, involving 3240 participants and 435 HEs. The summary results suggested statistically significant correlations of heterogeneity signs with HE (OR, 5.17; 95% CI, 3.72–7.19, P < 0.001), poor outcome (OR, 3.60; 95% CI, 1.98–6.54, P < 0.001), and mortality (OR, 4.64; 95%, 2.96–7.27, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggested that hematoma heterogeneity signs on NCCT were positively associated with the increased risk of HE, poor outcome, and mortality rate in ICH.