The need to be alert to complications of peri-lead cerebral edema caused by deep brain stimulation implantation: Asystematic literature review and meta-analysis study.

Abstract

BackgroundThe compatibility of deep brain stimulation (DBS) hardware and MRI scans has greatly improved the diagnostic rate of postoperative peri‐lead edema (PLE). However, the etiology, incidence, and prognostic outcomes of this complication have not been established.ObjectiveThe incidence of PLE and associated symptoms, the process of occurrence and progression of this complication, as well as treatment strategies were evaluated.MethodsWe conducted a Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses compliant systematic review of all studies that reported on incidences of PLE and associated symptoms after DBS implantation. Through systematic literature review, we evaluated its causes, neuropsychiatric symptoms, duration, treatment methods, and prognostic outcomes.ResultsOur search retrieved 10 articles, including 5 articles on PLE and 10 articles on symptomatic PLE. The incidence of PLE was 35.8% (95% CI: 17.0%–54.6%), while the incidence of symptomatic PLE was 3.1% (95% CI: 1.5%–4.7%) accounting for 8.7% of PLE.ConclusionsThis complication is not as rare as previously reported. Therefore, it requires significant attention after DBS implantation. The correlation between its causes, duration, symptoms, and the area involved in edema should be assessed in long‐term prospective clinical studies with large sample sizes.