Abstract
Background and aim: Malignant middle cerebral artery infarction (MMCAI) usually leads to brain edema that may result in transtentorial herniation and brainstem compression. The prognosis of MMCAI is generally poor. The aim of this study was to discuss our experience with surgical decompression for MMCAI, and determine the association between timing of craniectomy and neurological outcomes. Methods: We identified consecutive patients diagnosed with MMCAI who underwent decompressive craniectomy (DC). Clinical and demographic data were obtained from electronic medical records, including: age, sex, preoperative Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, surgery timing, postoperative GCS scores, and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores. Results: This study included 27 stroke patients (aged 38–80 years) operated within 72 h of the onset of neurological symptoms. Sixteen, five, and six patients underwent DC within 24 h, between 24 and 48 h, and after 48 h after onset of symptoms, respectively. Five patients died after the surgery. Patients who underwent DC within 24 h and 24–48 h had better mean GCS scores than those who underwent DC after 48 h (p = 0.000, p = 0.015). In addition, patients who underwent DC within 24 h had better mean postoperative mRS scores (p = 0.000) than other patients. Patients older than 60 years had significantly lower GCS scores (p = 0.027) and higher mRS scores (p = 0.033) than younger patients. Conclusion: Our findings support that DC had satisfying outcomes in patients who underwent DC within 24 h. Older age and lower Glasgow Coma Scale scores among DC patients with MMCAI are associated with high morbidity and mortality.
Highlights
Malignant middle cerebral artery infarction (MMCAI) is the term used to describe rapid neurological deterioration due to the effects of space-occupying cerebral edema, between 24 h and 72 h following acute middle cerebral artery ischemic stroke [1]
We reviewed the records of 27 patients who had undergone surgical intervention for MMCAI and who were admitted within 72 h of acute ischemic infarction during a 24-month period from 2015 to 2017 in our neurosurgery department
Relevant clinical and demographic data were obtained from the electronic medical records, including: age, sex, preoperative Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores, surgery timing, infarction side, hemiparesis or hemiplegia side, early-term postoperative GCS scores, and modified Rankin Scale score
Summary
Malignant middle cerebral artery infarction (MMCAI) is the term used to describe rapid neurological deterioration due to the effects of space-occupying cerebral edema, between 24 h and 72 h following acute middle cerebral artery ischemic stroke [1]. Decompressive craniectomy (DC) is one of the surgical options to treat brain edema, and lessens the risk of brain herniations and death. Malignant middle cerebral artery infarction (MMCAI) usually leads to brain edema that may result in transtentorial herniation and brainstem compression. The aim of this study was to discuss our experience with surgical decompression for MMCAI, and determine the association between timing of craniectomy and neurological outcomes. Results: This study included 27 stroke patients (aged 38–80 years) operated within 72 h of the onset of neurological symptoms. Five, and six patients underwent DC within 24 h, between 24 and 48 h, and after
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