Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in Pointe-Noire: Epidemiological, Diagnostic and Pronostic Aspects

Abstract

Introduction: Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a neurovascular emergency with high morbidity and mortality, with few data available in Congo. The objective was to determine the epidemiological, clinical, and pronostic aspects of SAH in Pointe-Noire. Patients and Methods: This is a descriptive study carried out in the neurology department of Loandjili General Hospital over the period from April 1, 2022 to December 31, 2024. The patients included were hospitalized for SAH confirmed by brain scan. Results: Twenty-nine patients were identified with a mean age of 57.3 ± 8.4 years with a s ex ratio of 0.7. Headaches (51.7%) and impaired consciousness (27.6%) were the main reasons for admission. Hypertension was the most common risk factor (68.9%), and 27.6% consumed alcohol. On admission, 34.5% were at WFNS stage III and 41.4% had FISHER grade IV. Two cases of unruptured intracranial aneurysm were diagnosed. The mean hospital stay was 10.4 ± 5.7 days, and treatment was mainly symptomatic. Mortality was 27.6%. Conclusion: Although rare, SAH remains a serious condition; it is underdiagnosed in Pointe-Noire with a low proportion of intracranial aneurysms, the management of which poses a problem due to insufficient technical facilities.