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ORIGINAL RESEARCH article

Front. Neurol., 01 July 2025

Sec. Stroke

Volume 16 - 2025 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2025.1634441

Predicting hemorrhage expansion in patients with hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage: the HE-VSD-A2TP score

Yingying ZhuYingying Zhu1Luyang LinLuyang Lin1Wei WangWei Wang1Conghui LiuConghui Liu2Peiling DaiPeiling Dai3Kai ChenKai Chen4Jian Chen
Jian Chen1*
  • 1Department of Emergency Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
  • 2Department of Ultrasound Imaging, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
  • 3Department of Radiotherapy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
  • 4Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China

Background: Hematoma expansion (HE) in hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage (HICH) is significantly associated with patient mortality. Early identification of HE would be planning for appropriate and aggressive management for improving outcome and containing HE. Existing HE prediction models show variable accuracy across settings. To address this limitation, we developed and validate a new predictive model to enhance the accuracy of HE in patients with HICH.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using data from two centers. The primary outcome was the occurrence of HE within 24 h of symptom onset, defined as an increase in hematoma volume ≥33% or ≥12.5 mL on follow-up imaging. Logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of HE, and the HE-VSD-A2TP score system was developed and validated.

Results: Five hundred and sixty seven patients in the derivation cohort and 378 patients in the validation cohort. The HE-VSD-A2TP score included age, uncontrolled blood pressure, hematoma volume, irregularity/lobulation shape, non-homogeneous density, presentation within 6 h from symptom onset to CT, and the use of anticoagulation/antiplatelet therapy. The HE-VSD-A2TP score demonstrated superior discrimination in predicting HE compared to existing models like PREDICT, 9-point, and BRAIN scores, with an AUC of 0.871(95%CI 0.839–0.904) in the derivation cohort and 0.858 (95%CI 0.819–0.897) in the validation cohort. The score also showed excellent calibration and outperformed other models in terms of sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratios, negative predictive value, and positive predictive value. With regard to clinical usefulness, the decision curve analysis (DCA) of HE-VSD-A2TP showed higher net benefit than PREDICT, 9-point, and BRAIN scores in the both cohorts.

Conclusion: The HE-VSD-A2TP score was validated to be an effective tool for identifying patients at risk of HE in patients with HICH. It was a valuable tool for guiding clinical management strategies and potentially improving patient outcomes.

Introduction

Hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), a catastrophic stroke subtype, is associated with high mortality and morbidity rates (1). Hematoma expansion (HE), which occurs in a substantial proportion of ICH patients, serves as a crucial predictor of poor outcomes (2). Identifying patients at high risk of HE is essential for clinical management strategies, including surgical intervention, and ultimately influences patient prognosis (3), which has driven the development of various predictive models (47).

Despite the advances in neuroimaging and medical technologies, the prediction of HE remains a clinical challenge. The BRAIN score (5), PREDICT score (6), and the 9-point clinical prediction score (7) are some of the established models for predicting HE. These models incorporate variables such as baseline hematoma volume, time from symptom onset to baseline CT, use of anticoagulants, intraventricular hemorrhage, and admission Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) (57). However, these scoring systems have varying predictive abilities in different environments and their overall performance is not good (8). While established models like the PREDICT Score and the 9-point clinical prediction model incorporate the CTA spot sign, they may not be universally applicable due to the limited availability of advanced imaging in certain settings (9). Moreover, models focusing solely on baseline hematoma volume or initial GCS fail to incorporate the dynamic changes in patient conditions and the multitude of biological factors contributing to HE. As research continues to deepen, many new and meaningful factors for HE have not been incorporated into the existing prediction systems (10).

Given the limited generalizability in existing models, we aimed to develop a universally applicable score integrating novel non-contrast CT (NCCT) markers and dynamic clinical factors to improve HE prediction in ICH. The new model seeks to provide a reliable alternative for settings where a CTA is not feasible. Additionally, while CTA is valuable for identifying underlying vascular anomalies, the focus here is on enhancing predictive accuracy specifically for HE in cases confirmed as hypertensive ICH through clinical assessment and available imaging. This approach aims to improve prognostication and guide clinical management in resource-constrained environments.

Methods

Study design and participants

We conducted a retrospective cohort study utilizing data from two centers: The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University (Derivation cohort) and The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University (Validation cohort). The study period for the derivation cohort spanned from 1 June 2018 to 28 February 2024, while the validation cohort data was collected from 1 August 2021 to 28 February 2024. Participants were patients aged ≥18 years with hypertensive ICH (HICH). HICH was defined by the presence of ICH with a history of hypertension. Exclusion criteria included: patients who underwent surgical treatment before the repeat CT scan; hemorrhage secondary to cerebral arteriovenous malformations, trauma, intracranial aneurysms, brain tumors, or hemorrhagic transformation of brain infarction; coagulopathy-related brain hemorrhage, and no repeat head CT scan within 24 h after the initial CT scan. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University. The informed consent was waived due to the retrospective nature.

Patient identification

We identified patients through a comprehensive electronic medical records system at both centers. The search criteria included relevant International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes for HICH, as well as key terms associated with HICH. The medical records of potential participants were manually reviewed by two researchers to ensure that all inclusion and exclusion criteria were met.

Sample size

To ensure the robustness of our predictive model, we adhered to the principle of Events Per Variable (EPV), which is a widely accepted criterion for determining the adequate sample size in logistic regression analysis (11). The EPV principle recommends that there should be at least 10 events (or cases) per predictor variable to avoid overfitting and to ensure the stability of the regression coefficients. Considering an expected event rate of approximately 20–30% and allowing for a dropout rate of 10%, we estimated that we would need a total sample size of at least 500 patients in the modeling cohort to observe approximately 100 events. For the validation cohort, we aimed to include at least 200 patients to validate the model derived from the modeling cohort, ensuring that the model’s predictive performance could be generalized to an independent set of patients.

Variables

Candidate variables included demographics, medical history, clinical presentation, laboratory results, and imaging findings. Specific variables were selected based on their potential association with HE, as informed by previous literature and clinical expertise. Demographic (Age, Gender), vital signs upon Emergency Department (ED) arrival, GCS, anticoagulant/antiplatelet therapy, time from symptom onset to head CT scan, baseline hematoma volume (calculated using the ABC/2 method or volumetric analysis), hematoma shape (irregularity, lobulation), and non-homogeneous density which was manifesting as any of the following signs: blend sign, hypodensities, black hole sign, swirl sign, island sign, or liquification, biochemical indicators (white blood cell count, hemoglobin, platelet count, serum glucose, serum creatinine, international normalized ratio (INR)). Hypodensities, defined as areas of lower attenuation; liquification: presence of fluid levels within the hematoma; Island sign was defined as ≥3 separate small hematomas dispersed and distinct from the main hematoma; or ≥4 small hematomas, several of which can be connected to the main hematoma. Black hole sign was characterized as a well-demarcated hypodense area within the hyperdense hematoma, which may be round, oval, or strip-shaped, and does not connect with the surrounding brain tissue, with a CT value difference of at least 28 Hounsfield Unit (HU) from the surrounding hematoma. Swirl sign was described as a hypodense or isodense area within the hyperdense hematoma, with variable shapes such as round, strip-like, or irregular. Blend sign: Refers to the coexistence of relatively hyperdense and hypodense areas within the hematoma, with a clear boundary between them, and a CT value difference of more than 18 HU (10). Uncontrolled blood pressure was defined as systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥ 140 mmHg recorded within 1 h of hospital admission.

Outcome

The primary outcome was the occurrence of HE within 24 h of the onset of symptoms, defined as an increase in hematoma volume ≥33% or ≥12.5 mL on follow-up imaging (5).

Statistical analysis

Continuous variables were presented as mean ± standard deviation (SD) or median with interquartile range (IQR), depending on the distribution. To compare baseline characteristics between two cohorts, the student’s t-test or Mann–Whitney U test was used for continuous variables, as appropriate. For categorical variables, the chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test was applied.

For the derivation of the predictive model for HE in patients with HICH, we employed a rigorous statistical approach. Candidate variables were selected based on two criteria: (1) their established link to HE as reported in existing literature, and (2) their availability in routine hospital settings without requiring additional intervention for assessment. This variable selection ensured that all variables included in the final model would be clinically relevant. We utilized a standard logistic regression model with HE (yes/no) as the dependent variable. All preselected variables were simultaneously entered into the model. Variables were retained in the final model only those with p value<0.05 from the regression analysis. We aimed to construct a predictive scoring system based on the final model. The scoring system was developed by dividing the regression coefficient of each predictor variable by the smallest coefficient from the model, thereby assigning a whole number or half-point score to each variable.

The new score’s discrimination for HE was examined by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and calibration was conducted using calibration curves and the Hosmer and Lemeshow (H–L) test. The DeLong’s non-parametric method was used to compare the AUC values. To assess the clinical utility of the new score in predicting HE, Decision Curve Analysis (DCA) was conducted to compare the net benefits of the new score, BRAIN, PREDICT and the 9-point across various threshold probabilities.

Missing data were predominantly observed in laboratory indicators, with the rate of missingness being less 5% for each indicator. Missing data filling is carried out by using the multiple imputation. Since our prediction model is not intended to incorporate laboratory indicators, missing data has no impact on our model construction. All analyses were conducted using R, version 4.4.0 (R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria), and a p value < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.

Results

Populations

In our analysis, the derivation cohort encompassed 567 patients, and the validation cohort comprised 378 patients (Figure 1). While the baseline characteristics of the two cohorts were largely similar, there were notable differences in vital signs upon admission and imaging features, specifically hematoma volume and density characteristics. Despite these differences, the incidence of HE was comparable, occurring in 23.8% of the derivation cohort and 22% of the validation cohort. A detailed comparison of the baseline characteristics of both cohorts is presented in Table 1.

Figure 1
Flowchart depicting cohort study on intracerebral hemorrhage patients. The derivation cohort starts with 869 patients, excluding 302 due to surgical treatment and other criteria, leaving 567 assessed. Of these, 432 had non-hematoma expansion, and 135 had hematoma expansion. The validation cohort begins with 580 patients, excluding 202 similarly, resulting in 378 assessed. Among these, 295 had non-hematoma expansion, and 83 had hematoma expansion.

Figure 1. The study flow diagram.

Table 1
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Table 1. Baseline patient characteristics in derivation and validation cohort.

Predictors of HE

The multivariate analysis revealed seven independent predictors of HE: Age, uncontrolled blood pressure, hematoma volume, irregularity/lobulation shape, non-homogeneous density, CT scan performed ≤6 h after symptom onset, and the use of anticoagulation/antiplatelet therapy (Table 2). These variables were chosen based on their established link to HE as reported in existing literature and their availability in routine hospital settings.

Table 2
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Table 2. Risk factors for predictive model for HE in the derivation cohort.

HE-VSD-A2TP score

We developed a novel scoring system specifically designed to predict HE in patients with HICH. We named this scoring system the HE-VSD-A2TP score, which is derived from the seven variables it encompasses: Hematoma Volume, Shape, Density, Age, Anticoagulation/antiplatelet, within 6 h from symptom onset to CT, uncontrolled blood Pressure. Each variable was assigned a score proportional to its regression coefficient as determined from the multivariate logistic regression analysis (Table 2). The score for each predictor variable was calculated by dividing the regression coefficient of the variable by the smallest regression coefficient among the significant predictors, ensuring that all scores were on a comparable scale. This process allowed for the transformation of the regression coefficients into clinically interpretable scores. The HE-VSD-A2TP score for an individual patient was calculated by summing the scores of each predictor variable that applied to that patient. This cumulative score provided a quantitative estimate of the patient’s risk for HE. The total score ranged from 0 to a maximum of 12.5, with a higher score indicating a greater risk of hematoma expansion.

Validation of the HE-VSD-A2TP score

We compared the performance of the HE-VSD-A2TP score with established models, PREDICT, 9 Point and BRAIN score, in predicting HE in patients with HICH. In the derivation cohort, the AUROC for the HE-VSD-A2TP score was 0.871 (95% CI, 0.839–0.904), which was significantly higher than that of the PREDICT score at 0.757 (95% CI, 0.711–0.802), the 9 Point score at 0.654 (95% CI, 0.601–0.706), and the BRAIN score at 0.739 (95% CI, 0.695–0.782) (Figure 2A and Table 3). This indicates that the HE-VSD-A2TP score demonstrated superior discrimination in predicting HE compared to the other scoring systems. In the validation cohort, the AUROC values for the HE-VSD-A2TP score remained high at 0.858 (95% CI, 0.819–0.897) and were significantly higher than those for the PREDICT score at 0.584 (95% CI, 0.510–0.657), the 9 Point score at 0.711 (95% CI, 0.644–0.779), and the BRAIN score at 0.762 (95% CI, 0.707–0.818) (Figure 2B and Table 3). The consistency of the HE-VSD-A2TP score’s performance across both cohorts highlights its robustness and generalizability in predicting HE. Furthermore, the HE-VSD-A2TP score outperformed the PREDICT, 9 Point, and BRAIN scores in terms of sensitivity, specificity, LHR, NPV, and PPV. The detailed performance metrics for each score are presented in Table 4. The superior performance of the HE-VSD-A2TP score across these metrics underscores its clinical utility in more accurately identifying patients at risk of HE.

Figure 2
Two ROC curves compare the performance of models. Chart A,

Figure 2. ROC curves for HE prediction in derivation (A) and validation (B) cohorts.

Table 3
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Table 3. Discrimination and calibration of predictive scores to predict HE in derivation and validation cohort.

Table 4
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Table 4. Predictive accuracy of scores to predict HE in derivation and validation cohort.

In addition to the discrimination analysis, we also evaluated the calibration of the HE-VSD-A2TP score compared to the PREDICT, 9 Point, and BRAIN scores by H–L test and calibration curves (Figure 3 and Table 3). In the derivation cohort, the HE-VSD-A2TP score demonstrated excellent calibration with a H-L Chi-square value of 7.569 and a p-value of 0.271. The deviation correction curve generated by the bootstrap method is displayed very close to the reference line, indicating that the HE-VSD-A2TP prediction of HE occurrence is still highly consistent with the actual HE occurrence. In contrast, the PREDICT score, 9 Point score and BRAIN score exhibited the poor calibration (Figure 3A and Table 3). In the validation cohort, the calibration performance of the HE-VSD-A2TP score was consistent with that observed in the derivation cohort (Figure 3B and Table 3).

Figure 3
Grid of eight calibration plots showing predicted versus actual hepatic encephalopathy (HE) incidence for derivation and validation cohorts. Top row: Derivation cohort plots for HE-VSD-A2TP, PREDICT, 9 Point, and BRAIN scores. Bottom row: Validation cohort plots for the same scores. Each plot includes lines for apparent, bias-corrected, and ideal predictions, illustrating how closely models' predictions align with actual outcomes.

Figure 3. Calibration for HE prediction in derivation (A) and validation (B) cohorts.

Risk stratification

The stratification of HE risk in HICH patients was determined using the HE-VSD-A2TP score, which was calculated by summing the points assigned to each identified risk factor. The risk stratification was categorized into three groups: low risk (0–4.5 points), moderate risk (5–7 points), and high risk (7.5–12.5 points). The HE-VSD-A2TP score effectively categorized patients into low-risk, moderate-risk, and high-risk groups for HE in both the derivation and validation cohorts. Each risk group had a predicted HE rate that closely mirrored the actual HE rates (Table 5).

Table 5
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Table 5. Risk of HE in the derivation and validation cohort according to risk stratification.

Net benefit of using the HE-VSD-A2TP score

Decision curve analysis (DCA) was conducted to evaluate the clinical utility of the HE-VSD-A2TP score compared to the PREDICT, 9 Point, and BRAIN scores in both the derivation and validation cohorts (Figure 4). The DCA graphically represents the net benefit of using each scoring system across a range of threshold probabilities for predicting HE. The DCA results from both cohorts consistently show that the HE-VSD-A2TP score outperforms the PREDICT, 9 Point, and BRAIN scores in predicting HE. This suggests that the HE-VSD-A2TP score is more likely to identify patients who would benefit from targeted interventions to prevent HE, thereby potentially improving patient outcomes.

Figure 4
Two line graphs compare the net benefit versus high-risk threshold for different models. Graph A (Derivation Cohort) and Graph B (Validation Cohort) feature lines for PREDICT, 9 Point, BRAIN, HE-VSD-A2TP, All, and None. The PREDICT model is in green, 9 Point in black, BRAIN in red, HE-VSD-A2TP in orange, All in blue, and None in purple. Each graph shows a decline in net benefit as the high-risk threshold increases from zero to one, with HE-VSD-A2TP demonstrating higher net benefit than other scores.

Figure 4. The DCA curve of HE prediction in derivation (A) and validation (B) cohorts.

Discussion

In this retrospective multicenter study, we developed the HE-VSD-A2TP score to predict HE in ICH patients using routinely available NCCT markers. The score demonstrated higher discriminative accuracy and better calibration than PREDICT, 9-point, and BRAIN scores in our cohorts.

The development of the HE-VSD-A2TP score was driven by the need for a robust and widely applicable tool to predict HE in ICH patients. Previous models, while valuable, have shown varying predictive abilities and are not universally applicable (7). For instance, models that rely on CT angiography (CTA) spot sign, such as the PREDICT score and 9-Point score, may not be feasible in all clinical settings due to the unavailability of CTA (9). Moreover, scores focusing on baseline hematoma volume or initial GCS fail to account for the dynamic evolution of ICH and other factors that contribute to HE. Our study addresses these limitations by incorporating a comprehensive set of clinical and imaging features that are readily available in most healthcare settings. The HE-VSD-A2TP score is derived from seven independent predictors of HE: hematoma volume, shape, density, age, anticoagulation/antiplatelet use, time from symptom onset to CT, and uncontrolled blood pressure. Each predictor was assigned a score based on its regression coefficient, allowing for a clinically interpretable and easily understood scoring system.

Advanced age has been consistently reported as a predictor of HE, likely due to age-related vascular fragility and decreased brain compliance (12). The significance of hematoma characteristics, such as irregular shape and non-homogeneous density, is supported by studies suggesting these features reflect ongoing hemorrhage and increased risk of expansion (10, 13, 14). Furthermore, the use of anticoagulants and antiplatelet therapy has been implicated in increased risk of HE, presumably due to impaired hemostasis (15). Early blood pressure control, as demonstrated by Ma et al. (16), is crucial in managing ICH, with our study emphasizing the importance of SBP controlled within 1 h after admission. This approach aligns with current clinical guidelines emphasizing the importance of early blood pressure management in ICH (16, 17). Our exclusion of laboratory indicators, which are often subject to delays, reflects our commitment to developing a model based on rapidly obtainable and objective clinical and imaging parameters.

The performance of the HE-VSD-A2TP score was favorable compared to existing models like the PREDICT, 9-point, and BRAIN scores in terms of discrimination, calibration, sensitivity, and specificity (18). With an AUC exceeding 0.85 in both cohorts, the HE-VSD-A2TP score demonstrates excellent discrimination. This is particularly significant given the heterogeneity in patient populations between the two cohorts, which reflects real-world clinical scenarios. The HE-VSD-A2TP score’s calibration, as assessed by the H-L test and calibration curves, confirms that the model’s predictions are well-aligned with observed outcomes. This is in contrast to the PREDICT, 9-point, and BRAIN scores, which showed poorer calibration in our analysis. Moreover, the score’s sensitivity and specificity highlight its utility in accurately identifying patients at risk of HE.

Risk stratification using the HE-VSD-A2TP score allowed for the effective categorization of patients into low-, moderate-, and high-risk groups for HE. The close alignment between predicted and actual risks within each stratum underscores the score’s clinical applicability. This stratification is crucial for guiding clinical decision-making, enabling the prioritization of resources, and potentially improving patient outcomes through targeted interventions (19). For instance, surgery for patients at high risk may be an important treatment to save their lives. DCA further substantiates the clinical utility of the HE-VSD-A2TP score, demonstrating its superior net benefit over PREDICT, 9-point, and BRAIN scores across a range of threshold probabilities. This suggests that the HE-VSD-A2TP score is more likely to identify patients who would benefit from targeted interventions to prevent HE.

A key strength of the HE-VSD-A2TP score is its simplicity, applicability, and the use of objective parameters that can be quickly obtained in diverse clinical settings, as it does not require sophisticated imaging or laboratory tests. It is worth noting that our study has limitations. The retrospective design and the reliance on data from two centers may introduce biases. Additionally, while we endeavored to include a comprehensive set of predictors, unmeasured confounders may exist. We acknowledge the important distinction raised regarding the retrospective nature of our study versus the prospective design of studies like PREDICT. Although our retrospective analysis demonstrated that the HE-VSD-A2TP score achieved higher AUC values and better calibration than the PREDICT, 9-point, and BRAIN scores within our cohorts, we agree that the direct comparison of performance metrics across different study designs must be interpreted with caution. The PREDICT score was derived and validated in a prospective setting specifically designed to evaluate the spot sign, which represents a different level of evidence. Our retrospective validation of these existing scores might not fully replicate the conditions of their original prospective studies. The primary contribution of our work lies in proposing a novel score based solely on readily available NCCT and clinical parameters that showed promising predictive ability in our retrospective cohorts. While the observed comparative performance is encouraging, definitive claims of superiority over prospectively derived models would require prospective validation of the HE-VSD-A2TP score itself.

In conclusion, the HE-VSD-A2TP score represents a significant advancement in the prediction of HE in ICH patients. Its superior predictive performance, ease of use, and applicability in diverse clinical settings make it a promising tool for guiding clinical management strategies and improving patient outcomes.

Data availability statement

The raw data supporting the conclusions of this article will be made available by the authors, without undue reservation.

Ethics statement

The studies involving humans were approved by The Ethics Review Committee of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University. The studies were conducted in accordance with the local legislation and institutional requirements. The human samples used in this study were acquired from a by- product of routine care or industry. Written informed consent for participation was not required from the participants or the participants’ legal guardians/next of kin in accordance with the national legislation and institutional requirements.

Author contributions

YZ: Methodology, Software, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing. LL: Software, Visualization, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing. WW: Software, Visualization, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing. CL: Data curation, Investigation, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing. PD: Data curation, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing. KC: Data curation, Methodology, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing. JC: Data curation, Project administration, Software, Supervision, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing.

Funding

The author(s) declare that no financial support was received for the research and/or publication of this article.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Generative AI statement

The authors declare that no Gen AI was used in the creation of this manuscript.

Publisher’s note

All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article, or claim that may be made by its manufacturer, is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

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Keywords: intracerebral hemorrhage, hematoma expansion, predictive model, risk stratification, clinical decision-making

Citation: Zhu Y, Lin L, Wang W, Liu C, Dai P, Chen K and Chen J (2025) Predicting hemorrhage expansion in patients with hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage: the HE-VSD-A2TP score. Front. Neurol. 16:1634441. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2025.1634441

Received: 24 May 2025; Accepted: 18 June 2025;
Published: 01 July 2025.

Edited by:

Ashfaq Shuaib, University of Alberta, Canada

Reviewed by:

Aizaz Ali, University of Toledo, United States
Radhika Nair Kadangot, University of Alberta Hospital, Canada

Copyright © 2025 Zhu, Lin, Wang, Liu, Dai, Chen and Chen. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.

*Correspondence: Jian Chen, Y2hlbjE4NzU3MDg1MDM2QDEyNi5jb20=

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