Intraoperative Intracranial Pressure Research Articles

Intraoperative Intracranial Pressure Monitoring as an Intraoperative Guide During Operations for Relieving Elevated Intracranial Pressure

Intracranial pressure (ICP) is a well-established measure in managing not only traumatic brain injury but also nontraumatic intracranial bleeding or edema. When ICP increases despite nursing or medical management, ICP may be reduced via surgical measures. Deciding whether to perform a craniotomy vs. craniectomy (whether the bone flap is replaced or not, respectively) is commonly made intraoperatively following preoperative planning. While ICP monitoring (ICPm) is standard pre- and postoperatively, its intraoperative utility remains understudied. We conducted a study utilizing prospectively gathered and retrospectively analyzed data from 25 traumatic brain injury surgical decompression cases at a single center. All cases had intraoperative ICPm throughout surgery. Our findings indicate that ICPm significantly influenced real-time intraoperative decision-making, diverging from preoperative. These results bring forward the potential pivotal role of intraoperative ICPm in guiding surgical strategies for elevated ICP, suggesting a novel data-driven approach to intraoperative management of decompression surgery.

Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter on Computed Tomography Scans Reflects Elevated Intracranial Pressure in Patients with Craniosynostosis.

Assessment for elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) helps guide interventional decision-making to treat craniosynostosis. However, non-invasive techniques for measuring ICP are limited. This study assesses whether optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) on low-dose computed tomography (CT) scans is associated with ICP in patients with craniosynostosis. Pediatric patients treated between 2014 and 2023 with craniosynostosis, intraoperative ICP measurements by direct subdural catheterization, and spectral domain-optical coherent tomography (SD-OCT) data were included. ONSD was retrospectively assessed on pre-operative CT scans by a masked neuroradiologist and compared to measures and proxies of ICP. Among 132 patients included, median age was 6.9 years (IQR 4.7-9.5) and 41 (31.1%) had a syndromic diagnosis. Maximum ONSD (ONSDmax) was increased in patients with ICP≥15mmHg (6.1mm vs. 5.5mm, p<0.01) and ICP≥20mmHg (6.3mm vs. 5.6mm, p<0.01). Maximum (r=0.32, p<0.001), minimum (r=0.26, p=0.003), and average (r=0.29, p<0.001) ONSD correlated with direct ICP measurements. ONSD and SD-OCT measurements were also correlated (RNFLmax: r=0.21, p=0.04; RTmax: r=0.24, p=0.02). An ONSDmax threshold of 5.75mm demonstrated 65% sensitivity and 64% specificity for detecting ICP≥15mmHg on optimized receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Multivariable logistic regression generated an algorithm incorporating ONSDmax and age to detect ICP≥20mmHg with 64% sensitivity and 80% specificity. Optic nerve sheath diameter measured in low-dose CT scans detects elevated intracranial pressure with moderate accuracy, and precision increases when patient age is taken into consideration. Given the ease of accessing CT scan data, this may be a helpful ICP proxy for clinical decision-making.

Intraoperative Intracranial Pressure Changes in Children With Craniosynostosis Undergoing Endoscopic-Assisted Strip Craniectomy.

Craniosynostosis can lead to progressive cranial and skull base deformities and can be associated with increased intracranial pressure (ICP), ophthalmological manifestations, behavioral changes, and developmental delay. Most published data on the incidence of elevated ICP include older children undergoing open surgical correction. Endoscopic-assisted release of fused sutures with postoperative helmet therapy is an established method for managing craniosynostosis presenting at an early age; however, the immediate effect of this approach on ICP in a young cohort has not been previously reported. Prospective data on 52 children undergoing endoscopic-assisted release of stenosed cranial sutures were included. Individuals were excluded if they underwent open correction or had previous cranial surgery. Individuals underwent a standardized endoscopic approach for each suture type. ICP was measured using an intraparenchymal sensor both before creation of the neosuture and after complete release of the stenosed suture. An ICP reading of >10 mm Hg was considered elevated. The mean age was 5.3 months, range 1 to 32 months, and 94% was younger than 12 months. The mean opening pressure was 12.7 mm Hg, and the mean closing pressure was 2.9 mm Hg. Opening ICP ≥10 mm Hg was present in 58%, ≥15 mm Hg was present in 31%, and ≥20 mm Hg was present in 23%. No patient had an ICP above 10 mm Hg at closing. The mean percentage change in ICP among all craniosynostosis cases was a 64% decrease. Optic disk swelling was identified in 28 children preoperatively and improved in 22 children at follow-up. Elevated ICP may occur in infants with craniosynostosis at higher rates than previously reported. Endoscopic-assisted craniectomy has an immediate effect on lowering ICP and improving postoperative ophthalmological findings.

Intracranial Pressure Monitoring Location: A Pilot Study on the Validation of Subdural Site with the Intraventricular Site.

Introduction Knowledge of preoperative and intraoperative intracranial pressure (ICP) enables the neuroanesthesiologist to optimize cerebral perfusion pressure. However, ICP is rarely monitored during the intraoperative period. In this report, subdural site ICP measurement is validated with intraventricular ICP measurement, and the feasibility of subdural ICP monitoring during the intraoperative period is discussed. Materials and Methods In this prospective pilot study, ICP measurement at the subdural site was achieved with an intravenous cannula and the ventricular site with a ventricular cannula. Both were transduced using a fluid-filled pressure transducer and connected to the monitor for display of the number and the waveforms. Monitoring of intraoperative ICP using both the techniques was done in all patients recruited into the study. The correlation between the two modalities of measurement was studied by the Spearman correlation test and their limits of agreement were studied using the Bland-Altman plot. A case series describing the perioperative management based on the subdural ICP values are also described. Results Subdural ICP showed a strong correlation with intraventricular ICP ( r s = 0.93, p = 0.01). Agreement analysis using the Bland-Altman plot showed that the mean difference of ICP between the modalities was 1.44 mm Hg (95% confidence interval, -0.6 to 3.49, p = 0.122). Discussion This study validates the ICP values measured at the subdural site with the intraventricular site. Subdural site ICP monitoring can be achieved rapidly with readily available systems and helps in making intraoperative clinical decisions. Conclusion Cannula-based subdural ICP is a satisfactory alternative to intraventricular ICP monitoring in the intraoperative period.

Intraoperative Anesthetic Management of Bilateral Intraventricular Hemorrhage Secondary to Anterior Communicating Artery Aneurysm Rupture in Hypertensive Patient

Introduction: Primary (IVH) is non traumatic intracerebral hemorrhage confined to the ventricular system which is relatively infrequent, but is more commonly caused by hypertensive (52%) hemorrhagic stroke, followed by trauma (15%), intraventricular arteriovenous malformation (7.5%), coagulopathy (7.5%), diabetic vasculopathy (7.5%), anterior communicating artery aneurysms (3%), and undetectable cause. Clipping of ruptured anterior communicating artery with hypertension possess anesthetic challenges in managing intra-operatively, and when it comes for an ideal neuroprotective agent, barbiturates induced anesthesia was planned. Case Report: A 70 years old male came to our hospital with history of sudden loss of consciousness and a known case of systemic hypertension for 3 years and was on irregular medications, intubated in emergency medicine department in view of low GCS which was difficult intubation. CT brain Angiogram was done and diagnosed as ruptured Anterior Communicating Artery Aneurysm and underwent Aneurysmal clipping of anterior communicating artery aneurysm under general anesthesia. Emergency medications were kept ready. Intensive neuro monitoring, invasive blood pressure monitoring and to decrease the intraoperative intracranial pressure, to preserve autoregulation of cerebral blood flow, barbiturates induced anesthesia were planned (thiopentone as an induction agent and maintained with inhalational anesthetic agent). Patient was shifted to ICU for observation and extubated on next day uneventfully. Conclusion: We present a successful anesthetic management of hypertensive patient with ruptured anterior communicating artery who underwent clipping of aneurysm. A detailed pre-anesthetic evaluation and proper planning is utmost important to encounter the risk of ischemic injury to brain while clipping of ruptured aneurysmal vessel.

A novel method for repeated cerebrospinal fluid sampling and long-term monitoring of intracranial pressure in rats.

Cannulation implantation into the cisterna magna is an important procedure in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sampling and intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring. The disadvantages of existing techniques include the risk of brain damage, compromised muscle mobility, and the complexity of the procedures. In the present study, the authors describe a modified, simple, and reliable procedure for long-term cannulation implantation into the cisterna magna in rats. The device consists of four parts: the puncture segment, the connection segment, the fixing segment, and the external segment. Intraoperative ICP monitoring and post-operative computed tomography (CT) scans were performed, which confirmed the accuracy and safety of this method. There were no limitations on the daily activities of the rats when long-term drainage was carried out for 1 week. This new technique offers an improved method of cannulation and will be a potentially useful method for CSF sampling and ICP monitoring in neuroscience research.

AVALIAÇÃO ULTRASSONOGRÁFICA DO DI METRO DA BAINHA DO NERVO ÓPTICO EM PROSTATECTOMIAS: REVISÃO DE LITERATURA

Introduction: Neuroimaging assessment and neuromonitoring are important in the treatment of patients at risk of severe acute brain injury. However, the neurological examination may be unreliable, either due to sedation or the patient's baseline status. Therefore, a non-invasive and easily accessible tool stands out, the measurement of the Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter (ONSD), which is related to Intracranial Pressure (ICP). Objective: To review the literature, summarizing the evidence related to the measurement of ONSD in prostatectomies for the analysis of intraoperative ICP. Method: The paper's search was performed in Pubmed/Medline, Lilacs and Google Scholar databases, using the descriptors: intracranial pressure AND ultrasound AND optic nerve AND prostatectomy. Results: 30 articles were selected, 20 of which were excluded because they did not adequately discuss the proposed theme. Conclusion: ONSD is a very useful method for determining ICP increase, especially during Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy (RALRP), which may be associated with inadequate emergence of anesthesia. Dexmedetomidine, administered during the course of surgery, attenuates the increase in ICP during pneumoperitoneum in the Trendelenburg position. Finally, propofol reduces ICP changes in patients undergoing robotic surgery in comparison to sevoflurane.

Outcomes and Predictors of Outcome with Cisternostomy in the Management of Traumatic Brain Injury—A Prospective Observational Study at a Tertiary Centre

Abstract Background Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in young individuals. Goal of management in TBI patients is mainly focused on the secondary injury. Since the cisterns and the brain communicate, it would be possible to decrease the pressure in both these compartments by opening the cisterns to the atmospheric pressure. Objective To study the outcomes and predictors of outcome with cisternostomy in the management of TBI. Methods A single tertiary care center's prospective observational study of outcomes with cisternostomy with intraoperative intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring. Patients were evaluated clinically and radiologically with Marshall CT score. They were categorized into mild, moderate, and severe head injury groups based on Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score. Outcomes were evaluated with Glasgow outcome scale (GOS) score. Results A total of 25 patients with TBI were enrolled in this study. They underwent cisternostomy with intraoperative ICP monitoring. They were categorized into 4 groups based on the age. In our study, mortality rate was 32%. As much as 48% had good recovery at 3 months follow-up with GOS 4 and 5. Mean ICP after cisternostomy was 6.36 ± 1.91 mm Hg. In our study, there was decrease in ICP after cisternostomy. Conclusion Age, time interval from trauma to surgery, and ICP showed prognostic importance on outcomes. Cisternostomy can efficiently decrease the ICP in the TBI patients and reduce postoperative complications.

Role of the Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Early Brain Edema Score in the Management of Decompressive Craniectomy for Poor-Grade Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

The Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Early Brain Edema Score (SEBES) is a radiographic marker for early brain injury after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). We evaluated the role of the SEBES in performing decompressive craniectomy (DC) for poor-grade aSAH. We retrospectively analyzed all cases of poor-grade (World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies [WFNS] grade IV and V) aSAH in adults who underwent microsurgery at our center between April 2017 and March 2021. Patient demographics, clinical presentation, imaging findings, and surgical data were obtained. The study endpoints of DC rate, complications, and functional outcomes (modified Rankin Scale score >3) were compared between the traditional surgery and SEBES-informed groups. A survival analysis was performed to estimate 180-day survival and hazard ratios for death. The study included 116 patients (mean age, 60.8±9.5years, DCs [n= 63, 54.3%]). In the univariate analysis, age, intracranial pressure, midline shift, pupil changes, SEBES grade III-IV, traditional group, and WFNS grade Ⅴ were associated with DC. DC (46.4% vs. 67.4%) and in-hospital mortality rates (9.6% vs. 25.6%) were significantly lower in the SEBES-informed group. At day 180 after admission, modified Rankin Scale scores did not significantly differ between the 2 groups, but 180-day survival was significantly higher in the SEBES-informed group (78.1% vs. 53.5%). In the multivariable analysis, age, pupil changes, being in the traditional group, and delayed cerebral ischemia were independently associated with 180-day postadmission mortality. The SEBES provides good imaging support for preoperative and intraoperative intracranial pressure management in poor-grade aSAH, allowing for improved DC-related decision-making and better 180-day survival.

Cisternostomy versus Decompressive Craniectomy for the Management of Traumatic Brain Injury: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The goal of treatment of traumatic brain injury (TBI) is to avoid secondary brain injury. Decompressive craniectomy has been shown to reduce intracranial pressure (ICP), but it actually provides an outlet for brain tissue to expand without reducing edema. Basal cisternostomy is an emerging microsurgical technique to manage cerebral edema in TBI. Cerebrospinal fluid is released from basal cisterns, which reduces cerebral edema. We compared outcomes of cisternostomy with decompressive craniectomy in a randomized controlled trial and studied the effectiveness of cisternostomy in decreasing cerebral edema. All enrolled patients were randomly assigned to 2 groups and assessed clinically and radiologically. TBIs were categorized as mild, moderate, and severe injuries, and Marshall computed tomography-based score was assessed. Intraoperative ICP was measured in both groups. Outcomes were assessed based on postoperative intensive care unit stay, days on ventilator support, and Glasgow Outcome Scale score. There were 50 patients randomly assigned to 2 groups (25 patients in each group). Mortality rate was 32% (8 deaths) in the cisternostomy group and 44% (11 deaths) in the decompressive craniectomy group. Patients in the cisternostomy group had decreased mean days of ventilator support and intensive care unit stay. Cisternostomy resulted in significant decreases in ICP after craniotomy. Age, time from trauma to surgery, and Marshall score showed prognostic importance on outcomes. Cisternostomy was effective in reducing ICP in patients with TBI. Good Glasgow Outcome Scale scores and low rates of complications were found in the postoperative period after cisternostomy. Age, presenting Glasgow Coma Scale score, Marshall score, other major injuries, and time from trauma to surgery had a significant prognostic impact on outcome in management of TBI.

Correlations between optic nerve sheath diameters measured using computed tomography and elevated intracranial pressure levels

BackgroundIncreased intracranial pressure (ICP) is commonly encountered in neurosurgery. Invasive external ventricular drainage is the gold standard ICP monitoring method. Higher ICPs enlarge the optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD). Currently, few data describing correlations between ONSDs measured using computed tomography and ICPs. This manuscript describes a study that aimed to evaluate associations between the ICP and the ONSD measured using head CT, and to determine the ability of the ONSD to predict intracranial hypertension. ObjectivesWe aimed to study correlations between ONSDs and ICPs in patients who underwent ventricular shunting procedures, and to determine ONSD cutoff values that represent ICPs >15 mmHg and >20 mmHg, together with their sensitivities, specificities, negative predictive values (NPVs), and positive predictive values (PPVs). MethodsThe patients’ charts, operative notes, and brain computed tomography (CT) findings were reviewed retrospectively. The ONSDs were measured at 3 mm behind the globes on axial CT images from 102 patients who underwent ventricular shunting. Intraoperative ICP data were collected. ResultsA total of 102 patients were enrolled, comprising 93 (91.2%) without and 9 (8.8%) with traumatic brain injuries. Their mean age was 56.95 years (SD 17.01 years). The most common diagnoses were spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhages (ICH) with or without hydrocephalus (30 [29.4%]) and aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhages (SAH) (19 [18.6%]). The mean preoperative ONSD was 4.875 mm (SD 0.96 mm). The ONSD correlated significantly with the ICP levels (p < 0.001). An ONSD cutoff value of 5.125 mm predicted an ICP >15 mmHg (sensitivity: 94.7%; specificity: 90.6%; PPV: 85.7%; NPV: 96.7%). An ONSD cutoff value of 5.35 mm corresponded with an ICP >20 mmHg (sensitivity: 94.7%; specificity: 84.3%; PPV: 58.1 %; NPV: 98.6%). The ONSD decreased significantly to within the normal range (4.17 mm [standard deviation (SD) 0.60 mm]; p < 0.001) at 27 days (SD 14.70 days) postoperatively. ConclusionsCT-determined ONSDs correlated strongly with invasive ICP measurements. An ONSD of 5.35 mm, which corresponded with an ICP >20 mmHg, could become a noninvasive, alternative indicator for ICP level.

Role of Intraoperative ICP And CPP Measurement for Predicting Surgical Outcome in Severe Traumatic Brain Injury

Abstract Introduction Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the leading causes of mortality and disability worldwide, and optimizing the management of these patients is a continuing challenge. Intraoperative intracranial pressure (ICP) and cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) were evaluated for use as prognostic indicators after surgery for severe TBI. Although ICP and CPP monitoring is standard postsurgery treatment for TBI, very few studies have reported the use of ICP and CPP values monitored during surgery. Objectives The objectives of this study were to evaluate the use of intraoperative ICP and CPP values as prognostic indicators and as subjective guidelines for managing severe TBI. Materials and Methods All patients with severe TBI who underwent surgical decompression and ICP monitoring intraoperatively were included in our study from 2017 to 2018. We measured ICP and CPP values after creation of the first burr hole, after hematoma evacuation, and after wound closure. Results From the analysis of receiver-operated characteristic (ROC) curves, we observed that ICP initial (cutoff &gt; 28 mm Hg) and CPP initial (cutoff &lt; 44.5 mm Hg) are the best predictors of unfavorable outcomes. Favorable outcome (Glasgow outcome scale [GOS] 4 and 5) and unfavorable outcome (GOS 1–3) after 6 months were achieved in 64.1 and 35.8% of patients, respectively. There was significant difference between the ICP and CPP values which are measured after the first burrhole, after hematoma evacuation, and after scalp closure in both favorable and unfavorable outcomes. The highest positive Pearson’s correlation coefficient is found between GOS and ICP and CPP after first burr hole. Conclusion Monitoring ICP and CPP during surgery improves management in patients with severe TBI and provides an early prognostic indicator in such patients.

'T-SLIP' MRI imaging of cerebrospinal fluid flow through the mesencephalic aqueduct.

A 9-year-old neutered male Chihuahua was presented to the Animal Medical Center at Nihon University as an emergency patient. The dog was stuporous with a previous history of seizures and progressive neurological deficits, including circling and blindness, for 1 month. MRI revealed compression of the mesencephalic aqueduct by an extra-axial mass that displaced the diencephalon and brainstem dorsally, bilateral enlargement of the lateral ventricles and absence of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) signal in the cerebral sulci. The mass was T1-hyperintense, T2- and FLAIR-hypointense and enhanced homogenously on post-contrast T1-weighted images (Fig. 1). Obstructive hydrocephalus secondary to a presumed brain tumour (e.g. meningioma, histiocytic sarcoma or granular cell tumour) was diagnosed and treated by ventriculoperitoneal shunting. Intraoperative intracranial pressure was ~24 mmHg (measured with ICP EXPRESS, CODMAN/Johnson and Johnson, New Brunswick, NJ, USA) before shunting and ~4 mmHg after shunting with a medium pressure valve system (Medtronic Japan, Tokyo, Japan). There was visible reduction in ventricular size and reappearance of CSF signal in the cerebral sulci on postoperative MR images (Fig. 1). T-SLIP images were acquired only after surgery (because we needed to limit anaesthesia time when the dog initially presented as an emergency) and confirmed CSF flow through the aqueduct (Fig. 2, Video S1, Supporting information). The mass was treated with radiotherapy (six doses of 5.5Gy; total 33Gy) and a good quality of life, including resolution of circling, recovery of mentation and blindness, was maintained for more than 8 months at the time of writing. T-SLIP directly images CSF flow and, in this case, implied that the aqueduct might have been narrowed rather than completely obstructed. As commonly occurs, treatment of obstructive hydrocephalus associated with an intracranial mass lesion by ventriculoperitoneal shunting and radiation therapy ameliorated the clinical signs for a prolonged period. The authors gratefully acknowledge Shinya Yamada for technical assistance. No conflicts of interest have been declared by any of the authors. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.

Intraoperative intracranial pressure monitoring in the pediatric craniosynostosis population.

OBJECTIVEEvaluation of increased intracranial pressure (ICP) in the pediatric craniosynostosis population based solely on ophthalmological, clinical, and radiographic data is subjective, insensitive, and inconsistent. The aim of this study was to examine the intraoperative ICP before and after craniectomy in this patient population.METHODSThe authors measured the ICP before and after craniectomy using a subdural ICP monitor in 45 children. They regulated end-tidal carbon dioxide and the monitoring site under general anesthesia to record consistent ICP readings.RESULTSThe average age of the patient population was 29 months (range 3.8-180.5 months). Thirty-seven patients (82.2%) were undergoing initial craniosynostosis procedures. All craniosynostosis procedures were categorized as one of the following: frontoorbital advancement (n = 24), frontoorbital advancement with distraction osteogenesis (n = 1), posterior vault distraction osteogenesis (n = 10), and posterior vault reconstruction (n = 10). Nineteen of 45 patients (42.2%) had syndromic or multisuture craniosynostosis. The mean postcraniectomy ICP (8.8 mm Hg, range 2-18 mm Hg) was significantly lower than the precraniectomy ICP (16.5 mm Hg, range 6-35 mm Hg) (p < 0.001). Twenty-four patients (53%) had elevated ICP prior to craniectomy, defined as ≥ 15 mm Hg. Only 4 (8.9%) children had papilledema on preoperative funduscopic examination (sensitivity 17%, specificity 100%, negative predictive value 51%, and positive predictive value 100%). There were no significant differences in elevated precraniectomy ICP based on type of craniosynostosis (syndromic/multisuture or nonsyndromic) or age at the time of surgery. Patients undergoing initial surgery in the first 12 months of life were significantly less likely to have elevated precraniectomy ICP compared with patients older than 12 months (26.3% vs 73.1%, p = 0.005).CONCLUSIONSIn this study, the authors report the largest cohort of syndromic and nonsyndromic craniosynostosis patients (n = 45) who underwent precraniectomy and postcraniectomy ICP evaluation. A craniectomy or completed craniotomy cuts for distractors effectively reduced ICP in 43/45 patients. The authors' findings support the notion that papilledema on funduscopy is a highly specific, however poorly sensitive, indicator of increased ICP, and thus is not a reliable screening method. These findings indicate that even nonsyndromic patients with craniosynostosis are at risk for increased ICP. Furthermore, patients who present prior to 12 months of age appear less likely to have elevated ICP on presentation. Further studies with other noninvasive imaging of the retina may be useful as an adjunct tool for determining elevated ICP.

Clinical efficacy of acute intraoperative encephalocele prevention strategy for severe traumatic brain injury

Objective: To explore the clinical efficacy of prevention strategy for acute intraoperative encephalocele of patients with severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI). Methods: A total of 173 patients with sTBI, who treated in Emergency Neurosurgery Department of Shandong University Qilu Hospital from January, 2011 to September, 2015 were collected and divided into research group and control group, according to their therapeutic strategy.The clinical data during hospitalization and prognosis 1 year after injury was analyzed retrospectively to clarify the effect of acute encephalocele prevention strategy. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in sex, age, preoperative Glasgow coma scale score and imaging type of lesion between patients from the two groups.The highest intraoperative intracranial pressure in the research group and control group were (35.71±4.13) mmHg and(34.85±3.81) mmHg, respectively.The acute encephalocele incidence of the research group (7 cases, 6.5%) was significantly lower than that of the control group (13 cases, 19.7%) (P<0.01). Subgroup analysis showed that the incidence of acute encephalocele in patients with only unilateral lesions was low (1.3%), while higher (19.4%) in patients with both unilateral lesions and other secondary lesions or diffuse brain swelling.The prognosis of the patients was evaluated by Glasgow Outcome Scale according to the follow-up 1 year after injury, and it was suggested that the percentage of patients with good outcome in the research group (62 cases, 57.9%) was remarkably higher than that in the control group (26 cases, 39.4%) (P=0.018). Conclusions: For sTBI patients with high risk of acute encephalocele, prevention strategy was found to be able to retard the progression of delayed hematoma and diffuse brain swelling, prevent the acute encephalocele during operation, and then significantly improve the prognosis.

Evaluation of Optical Coherence Tomography to Detect Elevated Intracranial Pressure in Children

Detecting elevated intracranial pressure in children with subacute conditions, such as craniosynostosis or tumor, may enable timely intervention and prevent neurocognitive impairment, but conventional techniques are invasive and often equivocal. Elevated intracranial pressure leads to structural changes in the peripapillary retina. Spectral-domain (SD) optical coherence tomography (OCT) can noninvasively quantify retinal layers to a micron-level resolution. To evaluate whether retinal measurements from OCT can serve as an effective surrogate for invasive intracranial pressure measurement. This cross-sectional study included patients undergoing procedures at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia from September 2014 to June 2015. Three groups of patients (n = 79) were prospectively enrolled from the Craniofacial Surgery clinic including patients with craniosynostosis (n = 40). The positive control cohort consisted of patients with hydrocephalus and suspected intracranial hypertension (n = 5), and the negative control cohort consisted of otherwise healthy patients undergoing a minor procedure (n = 34). Spectral-domain OCT was performed preoperatively in all cohorts. Children with cranial pathology, but not negative control patients, underwent direct intraoperative intracranial pressure measurement. The primary outcome was the association between peripapillary retinal OCT parameters and directly measured elevated intracranial pressure. The mean (SD) age was 34.6 (45.2) months in the craniosynostosis cohort (33% female), 48.9 (83.8) months in the hydrocephalus and suspected intracranial hypertension cohort (60% female), and 59.7 (64.4) months in the healthy cohort (47% female). Intracranial pressure correlated with maximal retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (r = 0.60, P ≤ .001), maximal retinal thickness (r = 0.53, P ≤ .001), and maximal anterior retinal projection (r = 0.53, P = .003). Using cut points derived from the negative control patients, OCT parameters yielded 89% sensitivity (95% CI, 69%-97%) and 62% specificity (95% CI, 41%-79%) for detecting elevated intracranial pressure. The SD-OCT measures had high intereye agreement (intraclass correlation, 0.83-0.93) and high intragrader and intergrader agreement (intraclass correlation ≥0.94). Conventional clinical signs had low sensitivity (11%-42%) for detecting intracranial hypertension. Noninvasive quantitative measures of the peripapillary retinal structure by SD-OCT were correlated with invasively measured intracranial pressure. Optical coherence tomographic parameters showed promise as surrogate, noninvasive measures of intracranial pressure, outperforming other conventional clinical measures. Spectral-domain OCT of the peripapillary region has the potential to advance current treatment paradigms for elevated intracranial pressure in children.

Efficacy and safety of durotomy after decompressive hemicraniectomy in traumatic brain injury.

Decompressive hemicraniectomy (DH) plus duroplasty was demonstrated to be effective for treating critically elevated intracranial pressure (ICP). In order to shorten operation time and to avoid the use of autologous or heterologous material, durotomy has been introduced as an alternative to duroplasty. Only limited data is available on the effect of DH and durotomy on the increased ICP in traumatic brain injury (TBI). Therefore, we collected consecutive intraoperative ICP readings during the different steps of DH and durotomy in TBI patients. Eighteen patients with TBI and uncontrollable ICP increase (measured by either an intraparenchymal or an intraventricular ICP probe) underwent DH and durotomy. ICP readings as well as mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) and arterial PCO2 were obtained during defined stages of the operation. Surgical complications of the durotomy itself and of cranioplasty after 3months were recorded. The outcome was assessed prior to cranioplasty using the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS). ICP dropped significantly during surgery from a mean of 41 (±16.2) mmHg at the beginning to a mean of 11.8 (±7.5) mmHg at the end (p≤0.001). A first significant ICP-decrease to a mean of 18 (±10.8) mmHg (p≤0.001) was detected after removal of the bone flap, and a second significant ICP-decrease to a mean of 10.6 (±5.3) mmHg (p<0.001) during durotomy. The mean operation time was 115.3min (±49.6). Five patients (28%) died; seven patients (39%) had a good outcome (GOS 5). There were no relevant complications associated to durotomy. Durotomy after DH is a safe and straightforward procedure, which significantly lowers critically increased ICP in patients with TBI. Although no graft is used, dural preparation for cranioplasty at 3months is easily possible.

The Clinical Value of Intraoperative Mobile Computed Tomography in Managing High-Risk Surgical Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury–A Single Tertiary Trauma Center Experience

A subset of surgically treated patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) cannot be stabilized by initial surgery. Mobile computed tomography (CT) provides real-time information for diagnosis in these TBI surgically high-risk (TBI-SHR) patients. The objective of this study was to analyze a 5-year series of TBI-SHR patients to evaluate the impact of intraoperative mobile CT (imCT) on prognosis. Of 1017 surgically treated patients with TBI retrospectively reviewed over a 5-year period (2009-2013), 59 patients required second operations within 72 hours of their initial surgery because of progressive or delayed hematomas (TBI-SHR group). Their clinical, radiographic, and intraoperative findings were compared among 19 patients who received imCT versus 40 patients who received fixed-unit CT. Our TBI-SHR group accounted for 5.8% of all surgically treated patients with TBI. The use of imCT led to a change in surgical plan in 56% of patients with TBI intraoperatively. Younger patients (≤55 years; P < 0.05) with multifocal hemorrhage on preoperative CT (P= 0.033) and with an intraoperative unexpected event such as intraoperative intracranial pressure >20 mm Hg or acute brain swelling after adequate decompression (P= 0.003 and 0.004, respectively) significantly benefited from imCT in the TBI-SHR group. imCT also provided a quicker diagnosis (P< 0.001), led to a trend toward shorter intensive care unit stays (P= 0.077), and was associated with better neurologic outcomes at discharge days (P= 0.044). The use of imCT is associated with better neurologic outcomes at discharge days compared with the use of fixed-unit CT in TBI-SHR patients.

Effect of molding helmets on intracranial pressure and head shape in nonsurgically treated sagittal craniosynostosis patients.

OBJECTIVE Cranial vault expansion is performed in pediatric patients with craniosynostosis to improve head shape. Another argument for performing total cranial vault reconstruction is the potential reduction in the harmful effects of elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) that are associated with craniosynostosis. Alternatively, molding helmets have been shown to improve the cranial index (CI) in patients with sagittal synostosis without surgery. However, it is unknown if the use of molding helmets without surgery contributes to adverse changes in ICP. The effect of molding helmets on ICP and CI in patients with sagittal synostosis was investigated. METHODS A prospective cohort study of 24 pediatric patients with sagittal synostosis who planned to undergo total cranial reconstruction was performed from 2011 to 2014 at the Children's Hospital of Michigan. A preoperative molding helmet was used in 13 patients, and no molding helmet was used in 11 patients. End-tidal carbon dioxide, patient positioning, level of sedation, type of anesthetic, and the monitoring site at the time of intraoperative recording were regulated and standardized to establish the accuracy of the ICP readings. CI and head circumference were monitored for each patient. RESULTS The mean duration of the preoperative use of the molding helmet was 17 weeks (range 7-37 weeks). Under controlled settings, the average intraoperative ICP was 7.2 mm Hg (range 2-18 mm Hg) for patients treated with a preoperative molding helmet and 9.5 mm Hg (range 2-22 mm Hg) for patients with no preoperative molding helmet. ICP was not significantly different between the 2 groups, suggesting that the use of a molding helmet in this population is safe. The average CI at the time of helmet placement was 0.70 (range 0.67-0.73), and this improved to an average of 0.74 (range 0.69-0.79) after using the molding helmet for a mean of 17 weeks. CONCLUSIONS ICPs were not significantly different with the use of a preoperative molding helmet, refuting the prevailing thought that molding helmets would be detrimental in children who have craniosynostosis. The use of molding helmet in this population of patients improves head shape and does not adversely affect ICP.

According to which factors in severe traumatic brain injury craniectomy could be beneficial.

Background:To investigate the clinical outcome at 101 patients undergoing decompressive craniectomy (DC) after severe traumatic brain injury (TBI).Methods:Age, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) at the time of intubation, and the intraoperative intracranial pressure (ICP) were recorded. Formal DC was performed in all cases and the square surface of bone flap was calculated in cm2 based on the length and the width from computed tomography scan.Results:The difference of good neurological recovery (Glasgow outcome score 4–5), between patients with ICP ≤20 mmHg, GCS ≥5, age ≤60 years, and bone flap ≥130 cm2 and those with ICP >20 mmHg, GCS <5, age >60 years, and bone flap <130 cm2, was statistically significant.Conclusion:Although the application of DC in severe TBI is controversial and the population in this study is small, our study demonstrates the threshold of the specific factors (patient age, ICP and GCS on the day of the surgery and the size of the bone flap) which may help in the decision of performing DC. Furthermore, this study proves that the different combinations and mainly at the same time involvement of all prognostic parameters (age <60, GCS <5, bone flap ≥130 cm2, and ICP ≤20 at time of DC surgery) allow a better outcome.