Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in North Central Nigeria: A Computed Tomography Study

Background: The incidence of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in Nigeria is largely underreported. Literature is rich with data on the Computed Tomographic (CT) patterns of SAH stroke, but the majority of studies are conducted in Western countries. Therefore, there's a necessity for precise data regarding SAH patterns among individuals from the North Central region of Nigeria. Objective: To identify the CT patterns of SAH observed in Jos, North Central Nigeria and to examine the correlation between SAH and factors such as age and sex. Methods: A retrospective study of 569 patients with Computed Tomography diagnosis of acute stroke between November 2021 to May 2023 in Jos. Cranial findings of stroke and subarachnoid hemorrhage were gotten from the CT images. Frequency distribution of the pattern of SAH, the presence of aneurysms, and modified Fisher scale classification were acquired. Results: Of the total 569 patients investigated on account of acute stroke, 55 (9.7%) had subarachnoid hemorrhage. Males 33 (60%) were more affected. The study participants ranged between 21 and 86 years with an overall mean and standard deviation of 55 ± 13.30 years. The predominant age group was 40–49 years (29.1%), followed closely by 60–69 years (25.5%). Nine (9) patients had aneurysms, the anterior and middle cerebral artery regions were most affected. Conclusion: Our study found SAH in 9.7% of all the patients with CT diagnosis of stroke. SAH was more common in men. Mean age of 55 years, with the predominant age being 40-49 years. Nine of the patients had CT confirmed aneurysms which was more in the anterior circulation region.