Computed tomographic evaluation of bleeding sites in primary pontine hemorrhages.

Abstract

With the aim of identifying common bleeding sites and probable parent vessels in "small" primary pontine hemorrhages, we reviewed computerized tomographic scans of 20 patients with hematomas less than 2.5 cm in diameter. We used scans depicting the upper and lower pons and plotted the centers of the hematomas, assuming them to be a probable source of bleeding. No predilection sites were found on the axial plane. Both the paramedian and the long and short circumferential arteries were probable sources of hemorrhage in the present series.