Statins versus Nonstatin Use in Patients with Chronic Subdural Hematomas Treated with Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization Alone – A Single-Center Experience

Abstract

Statins have been reported to reduce the rates of recurrence and improve the resolution of chronic subdural hematomas (cSDHs) treated surgically or conservatively. No studies have investigated the effect of statins in patients treated with middle meningeal artery embolization. We performed a retrospective search of our cSDH database to identify patients treated with middle meningeal artery embolization alone. Only patients with at least 1 noncontrast computed tomography scan obtained 3-12weeks after embolization were included. Hematoma volumes were measured at baseline and last noncontrast computed tomography available. The volumes, volume reduction, speed of resolution, and recurrence were compared between patients already receiving statin therapy when admitted and those who were not. Forty-six patients with 50 cSDHs were included (statins, 17 patients with 18 cSDHs vs. nonstatins, 29 patients with 32 cSDHs). The statin group had a significantly higher rate of hyperlipidemia (statin, 64.7% vs. nonstatin, 31%, P= 0.03) but similar demographics, remaining comorbidities, medications, and hematoma thickness, axial and coronal lengths, and baseline volumes. The time between procedure and last noncontrast computed tomography scan was similar between groups. There were no differences between the groups regarding volume reduction, final volume, speed of resolution, complete resolution, and recurrence. Patients treated with middle meningeal artery embolization alone who were on statin therapy had no differences in cSDH resolution or recurrence compared to those who were not on statin therapy. It is possible that the anti-inflammatory effects of statins may not be relevant when supply to the dura is interrupted by treatment with embolization.