Intracerebral haematoma volume (ABC/2)
Estimates intracerebral haematoma volume from three perpendicular diameters on computed tomography.
When to use
Rapid estimate of intraparenchymal haematoma volume when segmentation is not available.
Pearls and pitfalls
- Measure the three diameters in centimetres, perpendicular to each other, then divide the product by two.
- The equation assumes a regular ellipsoid haematoma, so it errs more in irregular haematomas.
- In the published comparison, ABC/2 did not agree with semi-automatic segmentation within 10%, and segmentation remains the reference when available.
- Volume enters the neurosurgical decision together with the neurological examination and haematoma location.
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Formula
Volume (mL) = (A × B × C) divided by 2, with the diameters in centimetres.
Evidence
Manual method compared with semi-automatic and automatic segmentation in 300 patients with spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage.
References
- Colmer NHC, Fakhry R, de Haan Y, et al. Validity of intracerebral haemorrhage volume assessment: comparison of fully automated segmentation analysis with manual ABC/2 and semi-automated measurement. Eur Stroke J. 2026. doi:10.1093/esj/aakaf020
Frequently asked questions
What is Intracerebral haematoma volume (ABC/2)?
Estimates intracerebral haematoma volume from three perpendicular diameters on computed tomography. Rapid estimate of intraparenchymal haematoma volume when segmentation is not available.
How is the result calculated?
Volume (mL) = (A × B × C) divided by 2, with the diameters in centimetres.
How should the result be interpreted?
Manual method compared with semi-automatic and automatic segmentation in 300 patients with spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage.
What are the sources?
Colmer NHC, Fakhry R, de Haan Y, et al. Validity of intracerebral haemorrhage volume assessment: comparison of fully automated segmentation analysis with manual ABC/2 and semi-automated measurement. Eur Stroke J. 2026.