Charlson Comorbidity Index and Frailty as Predictors of Resolution Following Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization for Chronic Subdural Hematoma

Abstract

Research on variables associated with chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) resolution following middle meningeal artery embolization (MMAE) is limited. This study investigated the clinical utility of age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index (ACCI) and modified 5-item Frailty Index (mFI-5) for predicting cSDH resolution following MMAE. We identified patients who underwent MMAE at our institution between January 2018, and December 2022, with at least 20 days of follow-up and one radiographic follow-up study. Patient demographics, characteristics, and outcomes were collected. Complete resolution was defined as absence of subdural collections on CT-scan at last follow-up. Non-age adjusted CCI (CCI), ACCI, and mFI-5 scores were calculated. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyzed the relationship between cSDH resolution and variables. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve established the utility of ACCI and mFI-5 in predicting hematoma resolution. The study included 85 MMAE procedures. In univariate analysis, patients without resolution were older, had higher CCI, higher ACCI, higher mFI-5, and were more likely to have diabetes mellitus. In multivarible analysis, CCI (OR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.48, 0.91) was independently associated with resolution controlling for age and antithrombotic resumption. The area under the ROC (AUROC) curve was 0.75 (95% CI: 0.65 - 0.85) for ACCI and 0.64 (95% CI: 0.52 - 0.76) for mFI-5. The optimal cutoffs for predicting resolution were ACCI ≥ 5 (sensitivity = 0.63, specificity = 0.77), and mFI-5 > 0 (sensitivity = 0.84, specificity = 0.43). ACCI and mFI-5 moderately predict MMAE resolution and may aid in medical decision-making.