Management Of Chronic Subdural Hematoma Research Articles

Middle meningeal artery embolization with subdural evacuating port system for primary management of chronic subdural hematomas.

Optimal treatment for chronic subdural hematomas remains controversial and perioperative risks and comorbidities may affect management strategies. Minimally invasive procedures are emerging as alternatives to the standard operative treatments. We evaluate our experience with middle meningeal artery (MMA) embolization combined with Subdural Evacuating Port System (SEPS) placement as a first-line treatment for patients with cSDH. A single institution retrospective review was performed of all patients undergoing intervention. Patients were stratified by treatment with MMA embolization and SEPS placement, MMA embolization and surgery, SEPS placement only, and surgery only for cSDH from 2017 to 2020, and cohorts were compared against each other. Patients treated with MMA/SEPS were more likely to be older, be on anticoagulation, have significant comorbidities, have shorter length of stay, and less likely to have symptomatic recurrence compared to SEPS only cohort. Thus, MMA/SEPS appears to be a safe and equally effective minimally invasive treatment for cSDH patients with significant comorbidities who are poor surgical candidates.

Fibrinolytic-Facilitated Chronic Subdural Hematoma Drainage—A Systematic Review

The current treatment options for chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) include burr hole drainage, twist drill drainage, and craniotomy with or without postoperative catheter drainage. Although generally effective, these treatments have continued to be complicated by recurrence, especially in partially hemolyzed or septated hematomas. Recently, interest in the use of fibrinolytic agents as an adjunct to surgical treatment to address this limitation has been increasing. We conducted a systematic review, focusing on the efficacy and safety profile of fibrinolytic agents and compared the different fibrinolytic agents. The PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL Plus, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for trials relevant to fibrinolytic administration in the treatment of CSDH. The findings are reported in accordance with the PRISMA (preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses) guidelines. The data from 1702 subjects from 6 retrospective observational studies were qualitatively analyzed. In addition, we included 11 case series and reports for discussion. For 1449 patients, the use of urokinase or tissue plasminogen activator improved hematoma drainage and shortened the hospital stay (7.04 days), with an overall hematoma recurrence rate of 1.59%. The incidence of infection, seizure, and intracranial bleeding was 3.18%, 0.80%, and 0.41%, respectively, which compared favorably with previously reported findings for surgical drainage without the use of fibrinolytic agents. The routine use of intrathecal urokinase and tissue plasminogen activator could be a new direction in the management of CSDH. Conclusive clinical evidence is lacking, however, and further prospective controlled studies are warranted to confirm the benefit and safety of this treatment strategy and to identify the optimal agent and dosing regimen.

Statins as a Medical Adjunct in the Surgical Management of Chronic Subdural Hematomas

By stabilizing immature leaky vessel formation in neomembranes, statin drugs have been suggested as a nonsurgical treatment option for chronic subdural hematomas (cSDH). Statin therapy seems to reduce conservatively managed cSDH volume. However, the usefulness of these medications in supplementing surgical treatment is unknown. To investigate the effect of concurrent statin therapy on outcomes after surgical treatment of cSDH. A retrospective single-institution cohort study of surgically managed patients with convexity cSDH between 2009 and 2019 was conducted. Patients receiving this diagnosis who underwent surgical decompression were included, and those without follow-up scans were excluded. Demographic, clinical, and radiographic variables were collected. cSDH size was defined as maximum radial thickness in millimeters on axial computed tomography of the head. Multivariable linear regression was performed to identify factors (including statin use) that were associated with preoperative to follow-up cSDH size change. Overall, 111 patients, including 36 patients taking statins on admission, were evaluated. Median time to follow-up postoperative imaging was 30 days (interquartile range, 17-42 days). Patients on statins were older (median, 75 years, range, 68-78.25 years vs. 69 years, range, 59-7 years; P= 0.006) and reported more antiplatelet use (67% vs. 28%; P < 0.001). Median change in follow-up size was 13 mm in both statin and nonstatin groups. Adjusting for other clinical covariates, statin use was associated with greater reduction in cSDH size (CE= -6.72 mm, 95% confidence interval, -13.18 to -0.26 mm; P= 0.042). Statin use is associated with improved cSDH size postoperatively. Statin drugs might represent a low-cost and low-risk supplement to the surgical management for patients with cSDH.

Management of chronic subdural hematoma with the subdural evacuating port system: Systematic review and meta-analysis

The subdural evacuating port system (SEPS) is a minimally invasive option for treating chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH). Individual case series have shown it to be safe and effective, but outcomes have not been systematically reviewed. We sought to review the literature in order to determine the safety and efficacy of SEPS as a first line treatment for cSDH. A comprehensive literature search for outcomes following SEPS placement as a primary treatment for cSDH was performed. The primary outcome was treatment success, which was defined as a composite of improvement in presenting symptoms and no need for further treatment in the operating room. Additional outcomes included discharge disposition, length of stay (LOS), hematoma recurrence, and complications. A total of 12 studies comprising 953 patients who underwent SEPS placement met the inclusion criteria. The pooled rate of a successful outcome was 0.79 (95% CI 0.75–0.83). Frequency of delayed hematoma recurrence was 0.15 (95% CI 0.10–0.21). The pooled inpatient mortality rate was 0.02 (95% CI 0.01–0.03). Complications rates included 0.02 (95% CI 0.00–0.03) for any acute hemorrhage, 0.01 (95% CI 0.00–0.01) for acute hemorrhage requiring surgery, and 0.02 (95% CI 0.01–0.03) for seizure. SEPS placement is associated with a success rate of 79% and very low rates of acute hemorrhage and seizure. This data supports its use as a first-line management strategy, although prospective randomized studies are needed.

Herbal medicine treatment for patients with chronic subdural hematoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background and purposeIn Asian countries, herbal medicines have been used to treat Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) as an adjunctive therapy. This review aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of herbal medicine on treating CSDH and preventing recurrent CSDH. MethodsA literature search was conducted on PubMed, CENTRAL, Scopus, CiNii, KTKP, NDSL, OASIS, and CNKI for randomized controlled trials that evaluated the effects of herbal medicines on CSDH. ResultsSeven studies (n = 646) were included. The overall methodological quality of these studies was low. In the herbal group, the meta-analysis indicated statistically significant improvements in the total effective rate and recurrence rate as compared with those in the non-herbal group. Herbal treatments were found to be relatively safe. ConclusionHerbal medicines might be efficacious in the management of CSDH and prevent its recurrence. Further rigorous studies will have to be conducted in order to make more definite conclusions.

Predicting for Lost to Follow-up in Surgical Management of Patients with Chronic Subdural Hematoma

Lost to follow-up (LTF) represents an understudied barrier to effective management of chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH). Understanding the factors associated with LTF after surgical treatment of cSDH could uncover pathways for quality improvement efforts and modify discharge planning. We sought to identify the demographic and clinical factors associated with patientLTF. A single-institution, retrospective cohort study of patients treated surgically for convexity cSDH from 2009 to 2019 was conducted. The primary outcome was LTF, with neurosurgical readmission as the secondary outcome. Univariate analysis was conducted using the student-t test and χ2 test. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify the factors associated with LTF and neurosurgical readmission. A total of 139 patients were included, 29% of whom were LTF. The mean first postoperative follow-up duration was 60 days. On univariate analysis, uninsured/Medicaid coverage was associated with increased LTF compared with private insurance/Medicare coverage (62.5% vs. 41.4%; P= 0.039). A higher discharge modified Rankin scale score was also associated with LTF (3.7 vs. 3.5; P < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, uninsured/Medicaid patients had a significantly greater risk of LTF compared with private insurance/Medicare patients (odds ratio, 2.44; 95% confidence interval, 1.13-5.23; P=0.022). LTF was independently associated with an increased risk of neurosurgical readmission (odds ratio, 1.94; 95% confidence interval, 1.17-3.24; P= 0.011). Uninsured and Medicaid patients had a greater likelihood of LTF compared with private insurance and Medicare patients. LTF was further associated with an increased risk of neurosurgical readmission. The results from the present study emphasize the need to address barriers to follow-up to reduce readmission after surgery for cSDH. These findings could inform improved discharge planning, such as predischarge repeat imaging studies and postdischarge contact.

The Japan Neurosurgical Database: Statistics Update 2018 and 2019.

Each year, the Japan Neurosurgical Society (JNS) reports up-to-date statistics from the Japan Neurosurgical Database regarding case volume, patient demographics, and in-hospital outcomes of the overall cohort and neurosurgical subgroup according to the major classifications of main diagnosis. We hereby report patient demographics, in-hospital mortality, length of hospital stay, purpose of admission, number of medical management, direct surgery, endovascular treatment, and radiosurgery of the patients based on the major classifications and/or main diagnosis registered in 2018 and 2019 in the overall cohort (523283 and 571143 patients, respectively) and neurosurgical subgroup (177184 and 191595 patients, respectively). The patient demographics, disease severity, proportion of purpose of admission (e.g., operation, 33.9–33.5%) and emergent admission (68.4–67.8%), and in-hospital mortality (e.g., cerebrovascular diseases, 6.3–6.5%; brain tumor, 3.1–3%; and neurotrauma, 4.3%) in the overall cohort were comparable between 2018 and 2019. In total, 207783 and 225217 neurosurgical procedures were performed in the neurosurgical subgroup in 2018 and 2019, respectively, of which endovascular treatment comprised 19.1% and 20.3%, respectively. Neurosurgical management of chronic subdural hematoma (19.4–18.9%) and cerebral aneurysm (15.4–14.8%) was most common. Notably, the proportion of management of ischemic stroke/transient ischemic attack, including recombinant tissue plasminogen activator infusion and endovascular acute reperfusion therapy, increased from 7.5% in 2018 to 8.8% in 2019. The JNS statistical update represents a critical resource for the lay public, policy makers, media professionals, neurosurgeons, healthcare administrators, researchers, health advocates, and others seeking the best available data on neurosurgical practice.

Failure Rates of Conservative Management of Chronic Subdural Hematoma (CSDH)

Failure Rates of Conservative Management of Chronic Subdural Hematoma (CSDH)

Surgical Management of Chronic Subdural Hematoma in Older Adults: A Systematic Review.

Chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) is a form of intracranial hemorrhage common in older adults. Optimal treatment remains controversial. We conducted a systematic review to identify surgical thresholds, characterize outcomes, and delineate critical considerations in the surgical management of older adults in order to summarize the evidence supporting the best contemporary management of cSDH. A systematic review exploring surgical management of cSDH among individuals aged 65 years and older was conducting by searching the PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases for articles in English. Abstracts from articles were read and selected for full-text review according to a priori criteria. Relevant full-text articles were analyzed for bibliographic data, aim, study design, population, interventions, and outcomes. Of 1473 resultant articles, 21 were included. Surgery rationale was case-by-case for symptomatic patients with cSDH. Surgery was superior to conservative management and promoted equivalent neurologic outcomes and rates of complications. Recurrence and reoperation rates in older adults were similar to younger individuals. Some studies reported higher mortality rates for older adults, while others reported no difference. Anticoagulation or antiplatelet agent use did not seem to be associated with poorer outcomes in older adults. Surgery for cSDH in older adults leads to favorable neurologic outcomes without increased risk of overall complications, recurrence, or reoperation compared to younger patients. However, older adults may be at increased risk for mortality after surgery. It is important to determine use of anticoagulant or antiplatelet agents in older adults to optimally manage patients with cSDH.

Tips and Pearls in Chronic Subdural Hematoma

Background and Aim: One of the most prevalent neurosurgery conditions is Chronic Subdural Hematoma (CSDH). Among neurosurgeons, there are various CSDH treatment approaches. Methods and Materials/Patients: This is a narrative review examining the various aspects of the CSDH. To provide up-to-date information on CSDH, we concisely reviewed the related articles. All of the relevant articles retrieved from Google Scholar, PubMed, and Medline were reviewed and critically analyzed. We searched for keywords including chronic subdural hematoma, burr hole craniotomy versus craniostomy, middle meningeal artery embolization, conservative therapy versus surgical therapy in CSDH, and recurrence of CSDH in published articles from 1960-2020. Results: CSDH may present with various clinical presentations. Medical symptoms range from general and moderate symptoms (such as headache, tiredness) to severe symptoms (e.g. hemiparesis, coma). A definite trauma history may be obtained in most cases. Contrast-enhanced CT or MRI may help diagnosis. The treatment choice for uncomplicated CSDH is Burr-Hole Craniotomy (BHC). The use of drainage to decrease recurrence rates has been shown to have limited outcomes in most recent studies. Craniotomy is also used for treatment. Only asymptomatic or high-risk operative patients are subjected to non-surgical management. Conclusion: Management of CSDH is still contentious. It is widely agreed that if neurological signs and radiological observations are present, CSDH should be evacuated. Burr-hole craniotomy appears to be the preferred surgical technique because, in most patients, it gives the best treatment outcomes. Several issues are still uncertain, including the proper surgical technique [Burr-hole craniotomy versus Twist Drill Craniostomy (TDC) and craniotomy], the advantage of 2 perforated holes over one, the location of drainage, the impact of irrigation of the hematoma, and the duration of post-operative immobilization.

The Outcome of Medical Management of Chronic Subdural Hematoma with Tranexamic Acid – A Prospective Observational Study

IntroductionThe conservative management of Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is controversial. Many drugs have been tried in the conservative management of CSDH. Tranexamic acid (Txa) is one such drug in the armamentarium for conservative management of CSDH. We conducted a prospective observational study about treatment of CSDH with Txa. Material and methodsThe study was conducted over three years. The clinical grading was assessed by the Markwalder grading system. All patients who were relatively and mildly symptomatic and willing for conservative management were recruited for the study. All patients were given Txa in the dosage of 750 mg/day in divided doses. The patients were followed up in the neurosurgery out-patient department. ResultsThere were 27 patients with 30 CSDH during this period who were treated with Txa. There were 20 cases of primary CSDHs and 7 cases of recurrent CSDHs following surgery that were enrolled in the Txa group. The mean volume of treated CSDH was 135.62 ± 92.90 SD. The mean thickness of CSDH enrolled in the study was 14.31 ± 5.47 SD. The mean number of days the patients treated with Txa was 64.83 ± 24.8 SD. There were no complications in any of the patients. All patients had good resolution of the hematomas, and none of the hematomas progressed during conservative treatment. ConclusionThe conservative management of CSDH with Txa is both a safe and effective alternative in the absence of life-threatening symptoms.

A rare asymptomatic retroperitoneal endometriotic cyst with mass effect on the inferior vena cava.

The current treatment options for chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) include burr hole drainage, twist drill drainage, and craniotomy with or without postoperative catheter drainage. Although generally effective, these treatments have continued to be complicated by recurrence, especially in partially hemolyzed or septated hematomas. Recently, interest in the use of fibrinolytic agents as an adjunct to surgical treatment to address this limitation has been increasing. We conducted a systematic review, focusing on the efficacy and safety profile of fibrinolytic agents and compared the different fibrinolytic agents.The PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL Plus, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for trials relevant to fibrinolytic administration in the treatment of CSDH. The findings are reported in accordance with the PRISMA (preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses) guidelines. The data from 1702 subjects from 6 retrospective observational studies were qualitatively analyzed. In addition, we included 11 case series and reports for discussion.For 1449 patients, the use of urokinase or tissue plasminogen activator improved hematoma drainage and shortened the hospital stay (7.04 days), with an overall hematoma recurrence rate of 1.59%. The incidence of infection, seizure, and intracranial bleeding was 3.18%, 0.80%, and 0.41%, respectively, which compared favorably with previously reported findings for surgical drainage without the use of fibrinolytic agents.The routine use of intrathecal urokinase and tissue plasminogen activator could be a new direction in the management of CSDH. Conclusive clinical evidence is lacking, however, and further prospective controlled studies are warranted to confirm the benefit and safety of this treatment strategy and to identify the optimal agent and dosing regimen.

Neurosurgical and Perioperative Management of Chronic Subdural Hematoma.

Objective: Surgery and specifically burr hole craniostomy is the most common first choice treatment of patients with Chronic Subdural Hematoma (CSDH). However, several aspects of neurosurgical and peri-operative management are still a subject of research, such as how to treat bilateral CSDH and the anesthetic approach. We aim to investigate the effect of the surgical approach to bilateral CSDH and the effect of anesthesia modality on outcome of CSDH patients.Methods: We retrospectively included surgically treated CSDH patients between 2005 and 2019 in three hospitals in the Netherlands. The effect of the surgical approach to bilateral CSDH (unilateral vs. bilateral decompression) and anesthesia modality (general vs. local anesthesia) on outcome (complications, recurrence, and length of hospital stay over 4 days) was studied with logistic regression adjusting for potentially confounding radiological and clinical characteristics.Results: Data of 1,029 consecutive patients were analyzed, mean age was 73.5 years (±11) and 75% of patients were male. Bilateral CSDH is independently associated with an increased risk of recurrence within 3 months in logistic regression analysis (aOR 1.7, 95% CI: 1.1–2.5) but recurrence rate did not differ between primary bilateral or unilateral decompression of bilateral CSDH. (15 vs. 17%, p = 0.775). Logistic regression analysis showed that general anesthesia was independently associated with an increased risk of complications (aOR 1.8, 95% CI: 1.0–3.3) and with a length of hospital admission of over 4 days (aOR 8.4, 95% CI: 5.6–12.4).Conclusions: Bilateral CSDH is independently associated with higher recurrence rates. As recurrence rates in bilateral CSDH are similar for different surgical approaches, the optimal choice for primary bilateral decompression of bilateral CSDH could vary per patient. General anesthesia for surgical treatment of CSDH is associated with higher complication rates and longer hospital admission.

Endoscopic Management of Chronic Subdural Hematoma.

Twist drill evacuation, burr hole aspiration, mini-craniotomy, and craniotomy are some of the surgical methods to remove chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH). Endoscopic treatment was also recently found to be useful. We conducted a prospective study of 72 hematomas in 68 patients. Computed tomography was performed in all cases. Endoscopic surgery was performed in all CSDH patients. A 4-cm skin incision was performed at the most curved part of skull with the CSDH. A mini-craniotomy or enlarged burr hole was made. The inner and outer table of the burr hole margin was drilled to provide a straight trajectory to the hematoma cavity. An endoscope supported by a telescope holder was used. A modified silicone brain retractor was used in five patients. A subgaleal drain was left in all patients for 3 to 5 days. There were 42 male and 26 female patients. The age ranged from 45 to 79 years (average: 69 years). All patients had a history of head trauma. Preoperative average Glasgow Coma Scale Score was 14. The procedure was effective in hematoma evacuation and a good visualization of the whole cavity in all patients. The endoscopic technique helped in complete hematoma removal in organized/solid clot, septations, and bridging vessels in 17, 2, and 2 cases, respectively. Duration of surgery ranged from 35 to 80 minutes. One death occurred. There was no recurrence, infection, fresh bleed, or injury to the brain or membrane. The endoscopic technique is an effective alternative technique for treating CSDH. Although the study has limitations because of the small number of patients with a short follow-up, the study indicated that thick and vascular membranes, septations, and organized and solid clots can be removed effectively using this technique.

CT-Based Quantitative Analysis for Pathological Features Associated With Postoperative Recurrence and Potential Application Upon Artificial Intelligence: A Narrative Review With a Focus on Chronic Subdural Hematomas.

Chronic subdural hematomas (CSDHs) frequently affect the elderly population. The postoperative recurrence rate of CSDHs is high, ranging from 3% to 20%. Both qualitative and quantitative analyses have been explored to investigate the mechanisms underlying postoperative recurrence. We surveyed the pathophysiology of CSDHs and analyzed the relative factors influencing postoperative recurrence. Here, we summarize various qualitative methods documented in the literature and present our unique computer-assisted quantitative method, published previously, to assess postoperative recurrence. Imaging features of CSDHs, based on qualitative analysis related to postoperative high recurrence rate, such as abundant vascularity, neomembrane formation, and patent subdural space, could be clearly observed using the proposed quantitative analysis methods in terms of mean hematoma density, brain re-expansion rate, hematoma volume, average distance of subdural space, and brain shifting. Finally, artificial intelligence (AI) device types and applications in current health care are briefly outlined. We conclude that the potential applications of AI techniques can be integrated to the proposed quantitative analysis method to accomplish speedy execution and accurate prediction for postoperative outcomes in the management of CSDHs.

Middle meningeal artery embolization in the management of chronic subdural haematoma: A case report and review of literature

Chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) is a common cranial neurosurgical condition with morbidity and mortality ranging from 2% to 5%. Conventional treatment includes conservative and surgical evacuation. Minimally invasive middle meningeal artery (MMA) embolisation is emerging as a potential treatment option. We report our case successfully managed by MMA embolization and review the literature. cSDH development and progression is related to the cycle of chronic inflammation and angiogenesis following the original hemorrhage due to trivial trauma. Due to growth factor, stimulation-initiating angiogenesis leading to growth of leaky blood vessels causing microhaemorrhages resulting in the progressive enlargement of subdural collection as the physiologic absorption capability is outpaced by the rate of collection. Strategies for the management of cSDH are aimed at interrupting the vicious cycle of its development and tilting the balance toward reabsorption of haemorrhage. Conservative management, medical treatment and surgical treatments are conventional treatment options with surgical evacuation considered as the gold standard option. However, challenges include recurrence and reversal of anti-platelets and anti-coagulants and its associated risk of ischaemic complications. cSDH being a pathology of meninges deriving blood the dura causing microhaemorrhages, it is prudent to seal off the vessels to tilt the balance towards resorption. MMA embolisation as a treatment option has been used with significant published data. It may be used as a stand-alone therapy in minimally symptomatic patients. Technical success rate is high both with polyviny alcohol and liquid embolic agents. Recurrence rate is consistently low in spite of significant patients having antiplatelets and anti-coagulants on board. It eliminates the ischemic complication due to stoppage of antiplatelets and anticoagulants. MMA embolization is also emerging as an adjunct to surgically evacuated cSDH that is considered high risk for recurrence.

Efficacy of Single Burr Hole in Management of Chronic Subdural Hematoma

Background: Surgery of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is a common practice of neurosurgeons. CSDH is considered a pathology of the elderly and usually many co-morbidities are present. CSDH carries high risk of mortality if not treated or not treated well. So, the minimal, safe and adequate surgical intervention is the bases to choose specific surgical maneuver. Aim of the Study: The efficacy of a single burr in evacuation and treatment of chronic subdural hematoma. Methods: This study was held in Assiut university hospitals, neurosurgical department. It is a prospective randomized controlled study. 113 patients were enrolled in this study in the period between March 2018 and June 2019. We included all cases of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) and subacute subdural hematoma that were evacuated with single burr hole. Hematomas either, unilateral or bilateral were included. Septated hematomas were excluded. Patients’ clinical characteristics as age, sex, clinical presentation, co-morbidities and patients outcome were recorded. Postoperative status as regards improvement of the neurological status, complications and recurrence of hematoma were recorded. Results: We had 113 patients operated via properly situated single burr hole in our study. 113 patients were included in this study, 79 males (69.9%) and 34 females (30.1%). Age of the patients ranges between 27 years old and 90 years old. Postoperative follow up was evaluated according to Glasgow outcome score (GOS). We had 98 patients with good recovery, 4 patients with moderate disability, 6 patients with severe disability and 5 patients died. Complications were in form of 3 patients with residual hematoma, 2 patients with tension pneumocephalus, 7 patients developed postoperative seizure, 5 cases developed cortical/parenchymal hematoma and 9 cases developed hematoma recurrence. Conclusion: Single, properly situated burr hole with previously described characters is an effective treatment option in cases of CSDH. It helps adequate, effective and safe removal of the pathology with limited maneuver.

Glucocorticoides en el tratamiento del hematoma subdural crónico

Se revisan cincuenta y tres pacientes adultos consecutivos tratados por hematoma subdural crónico con el agregado de glucocorticoidesen su plan de tratamiento. El concepto actual de la patogenia del hematoma subdural crónico y el mecanismo por el cual los glucocorticoides podrían mejorar el pronóstico de esta condición son discutidos. Se presentan los resultados clínicos de este régimen terapéutico y si se comparan con los resultados de otras series en las cuales el hematoma subdural crónico fue tratado sin el agregado de glucocorticoides. Da la impresión que los glucocorticoides merecen un lugar en el tratamiento del hematoma subdural crónico.

The Efficacy and Safety of Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization in the Management of Chronic Subdural Hematomas: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Abstract INTRODUCTION Refractory chronic subdural hematomas (cSDH) constitute a challenging entity that neurosurgeons face frequently nowadays, especially in fragile elderly populations. Middle meningeal artery embolization (MMAE) has emerged in the past years as a promising treatment option. However, solid evidence is still lacking due to paucity of studies and small sample sizes. METHODS We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis (MA) in compliance with the PRISMA guidelines to evaluate the efficacy and safety of MMAE compared with conventional treatments for refractory or SDH. Four databases were searched up to March 2019. Using a random-effects model, meta-analyses of proportions and risk difference were conducted on outcomes including recurrence, need for surgical rescue, and complications RESULTS A total of 12 studies (177 patients) were included. Majority (69%) were males with weighted mean age of 71 + −19.5 yr. Rate of chronic alcoholism was 15%, cerebral atrophy 39%, use of anticoagulants/antiplatelets 52%, and history of head trauma 55%. Weighted mean hematoma thickness was 17.9 + −13.3 mm. In embolized patients across 12 studies, proportion MA showed rate of treatment failure to be 2.9% (95% CI = 0.5%-5.2%, I2 = 0%), need for surgical rescue 2.7% (95% CI = 0.4%-5%, I2 = 0%), and embolization-related complications 1.2% (95% CI 0.3%-2.7%, I2 = 0%). Meta-analysis of risk-difference between embolized and nonembolized patients in three double-armed cohort studies showed a 26% lower risk of failure in MMAE (95% CI 21%-31%, I2 = 0, Cochran Q = 0.64) that was statistically significant (P &lt; 0.001). Similarly, in the embolized group, the need for surgical rescue was 20% less (95% CI = 12%-27%, I2 = 12.4, Cochran Q = 2.28) and complications 3.6% less (95% CI 1%-6%, I2 = 0, Cochran Q = 0.31) than in conventional groups, both of which achieved statistical significance CONCLUSION Although MMAE appears to be a promising treatment for refractory or cSDH, drawing definitive conclusions remains limited by paucity of data. Large, prospective trials are needed to compare embolization to conventional treatments, like watchful waiting, medical management, or surgical evacuation. More extensive research of MMAE could begin a new era in the minimally invasive management of cSDH.

Volume and Midline Shift as Preoperative Computed Tomography Imaging Predictors of Postoperative Chronic Subdural Hematoma Recurrence: Retrospective Review of 345 Patients With 412 Operative Subdural Sides

Abstract INTRODUCTION The treatment and management of chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) is highly variable, with recurrent surgery resulting in increased elderly morbidity, and economic burden to patients and the healthcare system. By conducting a retrospective review of patients with cSDH who underwent evacuation, we will provide a better understanding of predictive factors of recurrence, thereby optimizing a surgeon's management and treatment. METHODS We conducted a retrospective review of 345 patients with a total of 412 sides of cSDH, who received either burr-hole craniostomy or a craniotomy with closed system drainage. We reviewed the immediate preoperative and postoperative computed tomography (CT) scan, and defined recurrence as repeat surgical intervention on the side of initial evacuation. We performed a per-patient and per-side analysis of the collected data. RESULTS A total of 49 (11.9%) patients and 51 sides (12.4%) experienced a recurrent cSDH requiring re-evacuation. In the per-patient analysis, the preoperative hematoma volume [CI 1.082 (1.013-1.155)] and midline shift at the third ventricle [CI 1.118 (1.1028-1.215)] were predictors of recurrence. This was also observed in the per-side analysis at CI 1.088 (1.021-1.159) and CI 1.130 (1.045-1.222), respectively. On the per-patient side, comorbidities (diabetes, liver disease, alcohol abuse, antiplatelet/anticoagulant medication) and other demographic factors (gender, age) were not linked to recurrence. If a patient had a bilateral hematoma and both sides were operated on, it was found to be protective of recurrence with a CI of 0.111 (0.025-0.486). CONCLUSION Larger preoperative volumes and a greater midline shift significantly increased the risk of re-evacuation for cSDH, while other demographic and CT characteristics did not. Therefore, this may represent that a high-risk subgroup can be used as a target for preventative therapy.