Most neurosurgeons regard cerebral vasospasms as one of the most significant prognostic factors for patients with ruptured intracranial aneurysms.
Its etiology and pathogeneis are still unknown, though there have been many clinical and experimental studies.
In this report we assessed the clinical value of sequential measurement of CSF uric acid level in patients with ruptured aneurysm. CSF was investigated postoperatively in controls and 31 cases with ruptured aneurysm.
The initial CSF uric acid level in patients with unruptured aneurysm was decreased but normalized within a few days after operation.
In the patients with ruptured aneurysm associated with or without mild vasospasm, the CSF uric acid level was within normal or increased slightly and transiently.
In the patients with ruptured aneurysm associated with severe vasospasm, the CSF uric acid level was increased markedly.
The sequential measurement of uric acid in CSF in patients with ruptured aneurysm is important for evaluating intracranial tissue damage and for predicting their prognosis.
