Cerebrovascular Disease USMLE Step 1 Practice Question
A 48-year-old woman develops sudden, severe "thunderclap" headache while exercising. She is nauseated, photophobic, and confused. Vital signs: BP 168/94 mmHg, HR 112 bpm, RR 18, Temp 37.2°C, SpO2 98% on room air. Noncontrast head CT reveals blood layering in the basal cisterns and subarachnoid space. CSF analysis shows xanthochromia. She denies prior seizures. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
Answer choices
- ABridging vein rupture
- BLaceration of the middle meningeal artery
- CHypertensive hemorrhage of the putamen
- DBerry aneurysm ruptureCorrect answer
- ERupture of a cortical contusion
- FHypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage
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