Management Of Subdural Hematoma Research Articles

Updates on the diagnosis and management of subdural hematoma.

Intracranial hemorrhage is a potentially life-threatening condition categorized into four main groups by the location of bleeding: epidural, subdural, subarachnoid, and intraparenchymal. Subdural hematoma (SDH) is increasingly common as the population of older adults increases. Clinicians must recognize the typical presentations and order diagnostic imaging studies to make a timely diagnosis and referral to neurosurgery for definitive treatment. Understanding the pathophysiology and risk factors for chronic or expanding SDH informs decision-making in managing anticoagulants. Emerging treatments offer potential alternatives to the traditional evacuation of SDH by craniotomy, which remains the standard of care for most symptomatic patients.

Subdural Hematoma due to Dural Metastasis: A Systematic Review on Frequency, Clinical Characteristics, and Neurosurgical Management.

Subdural hematoma (SDH) occasionally accompanies dural metastasis and is associated with high recurrence rate, significantly impacting patient morbidity and mortality. This systematic review aims to evaluate the characteristics, management options, and outcomes of patients with SDH associated with dural metastasis. A comprehensive search of the PubMed and Cochrane databases was conducted for English-language studies published from inception to March 20, 2023, adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The authors reviewed cases of histopathologically confirmed SDH with non-central nervous system (non-CNS) tumor metastasis, focusing on therapeutic management of SDH. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software, with a significance level set at 0.05. This review included 32 studies comprising 37 patients with 43 SDH cases associated with dural metastasis. Chronic SDH was the most frequently observed presentation (n = 28, 65.12%). The systemic malignancies most commonly associated with SDH due to dural metastasis were prostate carcinoma (n = 9, 24.32%) and gastric carcinoma (n = 5, 13.51%). A statistically significant association was found between metastatic melanoma and subacute SDH (p = 0.010). The majority of patients were treated with burr holes (n = 15, 40.54%) or craniotomies (n = 14, 37.84%), with no statistically significant difference in mortality rates between the two techniques (p = 0.390). Adjuvant therapy was administered to a limited number of patients (n = 5, 13.51%), including chemotherapy (n = 2, 5.41%), whole brain radiotherapy (n = 1, 2.70%), a combination of chemotherapy and whole brain radiotherapy (n = 1, 2.70%), and transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (n = 1, 2.70%). The overall recurrence rate was 45.95% (n = 17), with burr holes being the most common management approach (n = 4, 10.81%). Within a median of 8 days, 67.57% (n = 25) of patients succumbed, primarily due to rebleeding (n = 3, 8.11%), disseminated intravascular coagulation (n = 3, 8.11%), and pneumonia (n = 3, 8.11%). This review highlights the need for improving existing neurosurgical options and exploring novel treatment methods. It also emphasizes the importance of dural biopsy in patients with suspected metastasis to rule out a neoplastic etiology.

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis manifesting as chronic spontaneous subdural hematoma: case report and review of the literature

BackgroundCerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is a rare form of stroke that is mainly seen in young women. It is frequently associated with hemorrhagic venous infarction and subarachnoid hemorrhage. There are few reports of CVST associated with chronic non-traumatic subdural hematoma (SDH). The diagnosis of CVST with spontaneous SDH is difficult because of the variability of its clinical features. The management of SDH associated with CVST is controversial and not well-established.Case presentationWe report a 26-year-old woman with positive COVID-19 serology who presented with superior longitudinal sinus thrombosis associated with chronic spontaneous SDH. She was managed conservatively and treated with anticoagulation and corticosteroids. A follow-up angioscan 1 month after treatment showed regression of the SDH volume with partial repermeabilisation of the thrombosed sinus. Three months later, the follow-up angioscan showed complete resolution of the chronic SDH and superior longitudinal sinus thrombosis with restoration of venous flow.ConclusionsCVST can also present with spontaneous chronic SDH. The management of SDH concomitant with CVST remains controversial due to the rarity of its presentation and the risks associated with the use of anticoagulation.

Acute Subdural Hematoma Management in the Emergency Department

Acute subdural hematoma (ASDH) is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that requires prompt and effective management in the emergency department (ED). This review article aims to provide an overview of the current evidence-based management strategies for ASDH in the ED setting. The article begins by discussing the pathophysiology of ASDH, emphasizing the rapid accumulation of blood between the dura mater and the arachnoid membrane following a traumatic brain injury. This can lead to increased intracranial pressure and potentially fatal brain herniation if not promptly addressed. The review then outlines the initial assessment and resuscitation of patients with suspected ASDH in the ED. The article then delves into the specific management strategies for ASDH in the ED, including the role of neurosurgical consultation, and the potential need for emergent surgical intervention to evacuate the hematoma and relieve pressure on the brain. In conclusion, this review article provides a comprehensive overview of the current evidence-based management of ASDH in the ED, emphasizing the importance of prompt recognition, accurate diagnosis, and timely intervention to optimize patient outcomes.

Intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) in acute leukemia (AL): A single-center study from a general hospital with two cases managed with middle meningeal artery (MMA) embolization.

e19033 Background: ICH is a devastating and potentially fatal complication in patients with AL. Contributing factors for ICH include thrombocytopenia, hyperleukocytosis, and coagulopathy. Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) has a higher risk of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and fatal ICH, contributing to early deaths from the disease. At our institution, we have incorporated MMA embolization into traditional methods of observation and surgery for the management of ICH in AL patients. Methods: We performed a single-center retrospective study of adult AL patients with ICH at Memorial Hermann Hospital Texas Medical Center from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2022. Data collected included: age at diagnosis, type of AL, white blood cell count (WBC), platelet count, coagulation profile, Glasgow Coma Scale score at presentation, response to platelet transfusion, need for surgical, minimally invasive intervention, and mortality rates at 72 hours and 30 days. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. Results: Among 160 consecutive AL patients, we identified 22 (13.75%) with ICH at presentation (APL = 11, AML = 6, B-ALL = 3, Burkitt leukemia = 1, myeloid sarcoma = 1). All were newly diagnosed except for one (an intracranial relapse of AML). Median age was 54 (range, 20–82) years; 60% were women. Subject races included white (n = 10), Asian (n = 5), Hispanic (n = 2), African American (n = 2), and others (n = 3). Median WBC count at admission was 23 (range, 0.2–400) × 109/L. Thrombocytopenia (platelet levels < 50,000/μL) was present in 16 patients (72%), and 3 had platelet counts < 10,000/μL. Twelve patients (54%) had evidence of DIC. Sites of ICH included intraparenchymal (n = 8), subarachnoid (n = 3), subdural (n = 10), cerebellum (n = 1). In 3 patients, ICH extended into the ventricles. Three patients had ≥2 types of ICH. Three patients had middle cerebral artery ischemic stroke in addition to ICH. One patient with myelofibrosis and myeloid sarcoma had bilateral subdural hematomas (SDHs) on admission and developed a fatal basal ganglia ICH during induction chemotherapy. All APL patients were promptly started on all-trans retinoic acid. Two patients had refractory thrombocytopenia. Five patients required craniotomy, with 2 deaths from recurrent ICH. Two patients with SDH underwent MMA embolization with favorable outcomes. Four patients (18%) died within 72 hours of admission (APL = 3, AML = 1). The 30-day mortality rate among patients presenting with ICH was 31% (n = 7). Conclusions: ICH in AL continues to be a major cause of mortality and morbidity. Early diagnosis, transfusion support, correction of coagulopathy, and neurosurgical expertise are critical in improving outcomes in AL-associated ICH. MMA embolization is a new, minimally invasive strategy for the management of SDH in these critically ill patients.

765 Outcome of Chronic Subdural Hematoma Management in Patients on Long Term Antiplatelet Therapy—A Propensity Score Matched Analysis

INTRODUCTION: Chronic subdural hematomas (cSDH) are particularly common in frail older adults given their increased risk of falls, and the fact that they often have conditions that require antithrombotic agents, such as antiplatelets. METHODS: Patients who underwent surgical management for subdural hematoma (SDH) at our institution between January 2006 and June 2021 were identified. Propensity score matched analysis was used to make a balance in patients on antiplatelets before procedure vs those who were not on antiplatelets and patients on antiplatelets post-procedure vs those who were not. Length of hospitalization, peri-procedural complications, reintervention rate during the same admission, rebleeding risk and reintervention rates after discharge were compared. RESULTS: In total, 180 patients were on long-term antiplatelets before procedure, while 286 were not. After matching, 57 pairs were included in analysis. Post-procedure, 76 patients were started on long-term antiplatelets, the rest were not. Then 44 patients in each group were included in the analysis after matching. Comparing the pre-procedure antiplatelet group with non-antiplatelet group, no significant differences were found in length of hospitalization (7.9 ± 5.5 vs 9.2 ± 7.7, p = 0.28), procedural complications (3.5% vs 5.3%, p = 0.65), or reintervention during the same admission (10.5% vs 3.5%, p=0.14). In the comparison of post-procedure antiplatelet group and non-antiplatelet group, no significant differences were seen in recurrence rate (9.1% vs 13.6%, p = 0.5) or reintervention rate after discharge (4.5% vs 4.5%, p = 1). CONCLUSIONS: Being on long-term antiplatelets before cSDH procedures does not affect length of hospitalization, peri-procedural complications or reintervention during the same admission. Similarly, long-term antiplatelets after cSDH procedure does not increase rebleeding risk or reintervention rate. Our data suggest that similar management protocols can be applied to both groups of patients, and it is safe to restart antiplatelet agents in the setting of a chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH).

Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization Versus Conventional Management for Patients With Chronic Subdural Hematoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The results from studies that compare middle meningeal artery (MMA) embolization vs conventional management for patients with chronic subdural hematoma are varied. To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on studies that compared MMA embolization vs conventional management. Medline, PubMed, and Embase databases were searched. Primary outcomes were treatment failure and surgical rescue; secondary outcomes were complications, follow-up modified Rankin scale > 2, mortality, complete hematoma resolution, and length of hospital stay (day). The certainty of the evidence was determined using the GRADE approach. Nine studies yielding 1523 patients were enrolled, of which 337 (22.2%) and 1186 (77.8%) patients received MMA embolization and conventional management, respectively. MMA embolization was superior to conventional management for treatment failure (relative risk [RR] = 0.34 [0.14-0.82], P = .02), surgical rescue (RR = 0.33 [0.14-0.77], P = .01), and complete hematoma resolution (RR = 2.01 [1.10-3.68], P = .02). There was no difference between the 2 groups for complications (RR = 0.93 [0.63-1.37], P = .72), follow-up modified Rankin scale >2 (RR = 0.78 [0.449-1.25], P = .31), mortality (RR = 1.05 [0.51-2.14], P = .89), and length of hospital stay (mean difference = -0.57 [-2.55, 1.41], P = .57). For MMA embolization, the number needed to treat for treatment failure, surgical rescue, and complete hematoma resolution was 7, 9, and 3, respectively. The certainty of the evidence was moderate to high for primary outcomes and low to moderate for secondary outcomes. MMA embolization decreases treatment failure and the need for surgical rescue without furthering the risk of morbidity and mortality. The authors recommend considering MMA embolization in the chronic subdural hematoma management.

Abstract Number ‐ 104: Outcomes after middle meningeal artery embolization using n‐butyl‐2 cyanoacrylate for subdural hematomas: a case‐series

Introduction Chronic subdural hematomas (SDH) have a higher prevalence among the elderly population and can cause significant morbidity and mortality when they recur after surgical intervention. Use of n‐butyl‐2‐cyanoacrylate (n‐BCA) has proven to be an effective and safe therapeutic agent for embolization of the middle meningeal artery (MMA). In our study, we present a retrospective analysis of 31 patients who underwent MMA embolization for chronic SDH. Methods In a prospectively maintained database in a single center, we retrospectively analyzed 31 patients admitted to our institution who were diagnosed with chronic SDH, acute on chronic SDH, and acute SDH, and underwent MMA embolization with n‐BCA between May 20th, 2021, and June 28th, 2022. Our primary endpoint was >50% SDH reduction on follow‐up imaging. Our secondary endpoint was all‐cause mortality. Patients were separated into outcome groups and their baseline demographic, clinical, and procedural variables were compared using t‐test, Wilcoxon rank‐sum test, chi‐squared test, and Fisher’s exact test. Through univariate logistic regression, we attempted to determine if these variables directly influenced SDH reduction and mortality. Results In our study, a total of 42 MMA embolizations for 31 patients were included. We found that a greater number of patients with hypertension (n = 23; p = 0.04), use of antiplatelet (AP) medication (n = 8; p = 0.02), and those who underwent MMA embolization via the radial approach (n = 18; p = 0.004) were among those with < 50% SDH reduction. We also found that MMA embolization via the femoral approach (n = 13; p = 0.004) were more likely seen in those with >50% SDH reduction. The mean fluoroscopy time was longer in patients with >50% SDH reduction compared to those with < 50% reduction (43.2 minutes vs. 28.2 minutes, respectively; p = 0.03). On linear regression analysis, history of hypertension showed a non‐significant trend towards < 50% resolution of SDH (OR 5.67; 95% CI 0.99, 32.43; p = 0.05). Femoral approach for MMA embolization was associated with >50% of hematoma reduction (OR 12.00; 95% CI 1.89, 76.38; p = 0.004). Longer fluoroscopy time showed the same association (OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.00, 1.11; p = 0.03). All‐cause mortality was seen in 6 of the 31 patients, none of them associated with the SDH or the n‐BCA embolization procedure with no significant difference between groups. Conclusions MMA embolization with n‐BCA appears to be an effective and safe method for management of SDH as has been shown in prior retrospective studies. Our small sample size may underestimate the effect some variables have on radiographic and clinical outcomes. Hypertension and use of AP seem to play a role in hematoma resolution; however, a bigger cohort is needed to confirm these hypotheses. Femoral approach and longer fluoroscopy time were associated with hematoma resolution, but other variables should be considered to rule out any procedure‐related confounders. Future randomized controlled trials may help establish MMA embolization as the primary method for SDH management given its safety and morbidity compared to traditional methods of SDH evacuation.

Abstract Number ‐ 102: Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization Failure Profile: A Single Institution Retrospective Study

Introduction Middle Meningeal Artery (MMA) embolization has emerged as a qualitative treatment option for subdural hematomas (SDH). Multiple studies have compared MMA embolization to other alternatives, namely surgery, and conservative treatment, with some indicating that MMA embolization was as effective and safe as the other two options. This study aimed to identify predictors of failures in SDH patients undergoing an MMA embolization. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 52 patients receiving MMA embolization for subdural hematoma management at our institution from 2020 until July 5, 2022 either as primary or adjunctive management. Patients who were under the age of 18 were excluded. Our definition of failure was any MMA embolization requiring an additional surgical procedure to evacuate the hematoma or relieve persistent symptoms. Results 52 patients with mean age of 71±14 and male gender 36 (69.2%) were reviewed. Most common presenting symptom was headache27 (51.9%) followed by gait instability22 (42.3%).35 out of 52 patients underwent MMA embolization as primary management of chronic subdural hematoma without prior surgical treatment. Six out of the 35 patients (17.1%) required a rescue surgical treatment due to increased hematoma size or recurrence of symptoms. Our early trend shows that half of the patients whose MMA embolization failed had a possible onset of SDH between 2 to 4 weeks prior the embolization. This trend is similar to Khorasanizadeh et al. description in which they concluded that late‐stage SDH was more predicated to have a failure of MMA embolization compared to early‐stage SDH (1). Of the remaining three patients, one was diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer to the bones and kidney. This patient passed away 12 days after the procedure despite a craniotomy post‐embolization. Conclusions More clinical trials are needed to further establish MMA embolization as standard of care in the management of cSDH in a subset profile of patients with higher success rates.

Abstract TMP93: Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization - A Preliminary Analysis Of Efficacy In Acute Settings And Among Patients With Major Co-morbidities

Introduction: Middle meningeal artery (MMA) embolization is an therapy utilized in the management of subdural hematomas (SDH). Based on promising preliminary data, several clinical trials are underway to evaluate the efficacy of this endovascular approach in patients with chronic subdural hematomas. However, consensus for the efficacy of MMA embolization has not been well established in acute settings or among patients with major co-morbidities. Methods: Patient data were gathered from consecutive cases performed at UCLA between 05/02/2018 and 08/26/2022. Retrospective chart review was performed to determine inpatient/outpatient status, mortality, co-morbidities, and time-to-death. Primary statistical analyses were performed to determine the proportion of patients. Results: Among the 111 patients meeting study entry criteria, 44 (39.6%) had acute, inpatient MMA procedures performed and 66 (40.4%) had elective procedures in the setting of advanced or terminal diseases (e.g. malignancy, cirrhosis). After follow-up of median 31.9 months, mean 17.4 months years, 86 (77.5%) of patients were still living and 25 (22.5%) were deceased. The age for both deceased and living patients was the same, 71±13 vs 71±16.1 years old. Mortality during follow-up was more common among patients undergoing MMA as an inpatient (47.8% vs 6.1%). Among the 25 deceased patients, mortality occurred within 1 year in 64% and beyond 1 year in 36%. Co-morbidity frequencies among deceased compared with surviving patients were: 40% vs 22%; solid tumor cancer in 28% vs 14%; cirrhosis in 32% vs 6%; and hematologic malignancy in 4% vs 4%. Among those deceased, 14 of 25 (56%) were diagnosed with a major co-morbidity (hematologic condition, cancer, or liver cirrhosis) at the time of the procedure. Among those living, 19 of 86 (22.1%) were diagnosed with a major co-morbidity (hematologic condition, cancer, or liver cirrhosis) at the time of the procedure. Conclusion: Patients with SDH undergoing MMA embolization on an acute inpatient basis have a high, nearly 50%, rate of mortality within the next 0.5-2 years, while patients electively treated despite major co-morbidities have a substantially higher survival rate.

Paroxysmal AV Block

A 69 year old woman with a history of congestive heart failure and stroke presented to the emergency room with sudden onset lightheadedness leading to a fall at the grocery store and sustaining head trauma. On physical examination, she was alert and in mild distress. Her HR was 72 beats per minute and blood pressure was 196/70. A 12 lead electrocardiogram (ECG) showed normal sinus rhythm, first degree atrioventricular (AV) block and right bundle branch block. She was admitted for management of subdural hematoma which was noted on CT scan. A few hours later, patient experienced multiple episodes of long pauses leading to syncopal episodes in bed. A 12 lead ECG was obtained and is shown in Figure 1.

Craniotomy or Craniectomy for Acute Subdural Hematoma? Difference in Patient Characteristics and Outcomes at a Tertiary Care Hospital.

Objective This article compares the outcomes of patients with traumatic acute subdural hemorrhage (SDH) managed either with craniotomy (CO) or with decompressive craniectomy (DC). Methods In this single-center, retrospective analysis we included all adult patients with acute traumatic SDH who were treated either using CO or DC. Sixteen-year hospital data was reviewed for patient demographics, injury details, and hospital course. Outcomes were noted in terms of intraoperative blood loss, intensive care unit stay, need for tracheostomy, post-surgery Glasgow Coma Score (GCS; calculated immediately after surgery), delayed GCS (DGCS; calculated 1 week after surgery), and delayed Glasgow Outcome Score (DGOS) after 6 months of surgery. Postoperative complications were noted during hospital stay, while mortality was noted within 6 months of surgery for each patient. Results Patients who underwent DC were younger (mean age 34.4 ± 16.8 years vs. 42.4 ± 19.9 years in the CO group) ( p = 0.006). Patients who underwent DC also had worst degree of traumatic brain injury as per Marshall grade (62.4% patients with Marshall grade 4 in the DC group vs. only 41.2% patients in the CO group) ( p = 0.037). Mean size of hematoma was 23.8 ± 24.6 mm in the DC group versus 11.3 ± 8.2 mm in the CO group ( p = 0.001). Mean postop GCS was lower in the DC group; 8.0 ± 4 versus 10.8 ± 4 in the CO group ( p < 0.001). However, there was no significant difference in DGCS and DGOS between the DC and CO groups ( p = 0.76 and 0.90, respectively). Mortality rate was 24 (30.8%) in the DC group versus 18 (20.7%) in the CO group ( p = 0.14). Conclusion The patients who underwent DC were younger, had larger size hematoma, and poor Marshall grade. We did not find any significant difference in the outcomes of CO and DC for management of subdural hematoma.

Results of a French pilot database of standard of care of chronic subdural hematoma

BackgroundA registry of chronic subdural hematoma does not exist in France yet. ObjectiveTo present a monocentric pilot project of a French registry of surgical management of chronic subdural hematoma. MethodA monocentric pseudonymized formal database was created. From May 2020 to May 2021, all patients undergoing surgical evacuation of chronic subdural hematoma were entered into the database. ResultsOne hundred and twenty four surgeries from 113 patients were entered in the database. Patients’ demographic and surgical data as well as follow-up are described. ConclusionA local database is easy to implement. We propose a national registry of chronic subdural hematoma management.

A rare cause of subdural hematoma: Multiple septic brain embolisms in a child with infective endocarditis

Cerebrovascular complications occur in 25%–70% of patients with infective endocarditis (IE). Among these complications, ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage and cerebral abscess are frequently seen and usually the consequence of vegetation embolization or ruptured infectious (mycotic) aneurysm. Acute subdural hematoma (ASDH) is a very rare complication of IE due to multiple septic brain embolisms. Presented herein was a 15-year-old child with a very rare presentation of ASDH, which resulted from ruptured mycotic aneurysm. To the best of our knowledge, only 13 cases have been reported in the literature with an ASDH due to IE. The reported case herein was the second child case with mycotic aneurysms- related ASDH and intracerebral hemorrhage. Also discussed were the pathogenesis, clinical manifestation, and management of this rare neurologic complication of IE in the current knowledge. The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical features and management of subdural hematoma in pediatric patients with infective endocarditis in light of the literature.

Influence of Insurance Status on Subdural Hematoma Management: A National Trauma Data Bank Analysis

BackgroundTraumatic brain injury is a major public health concern with a rising incidence in the United States. Prior studies have looked at associations between insurance status and traumatic brain injury, but none have focused specifically on traumatic subdural hematomas (SDH). It is important to evaluate whether insurance and/or other social determinants of health play a role in treatment and outcomes of traumatic SDH. MethodsA retrospective analysis of the National Trauma Data Bank was conducted from 2012 to 2016 to look at associations between insurance status and management of SDH with surgery versus intracranial pressure (ICP)/EVD monitoring. Secondary outcomes of interest were emergency department (ED) length of stay (LOS), hospital LOS, ICU admission, ICU LOS, and mortality. ResultsWe identified 68,687 adult patients with a single diagnosis of subdural hematoma. Overall, self-pay patients with SDH were younger, predominately male, and more likely to be non-white compared to patients with public or private health insurance. More specifically, Black/African American SDH patients made up a large percentage of the self-pay category (15.5%; P < 0.001) compared to publicly and privately insured (7.5% and 8.0%, respectively). After adjusting for age, sex, injury severity score (ISS), Glasgow Coma Scale, alcohol intoxication, and trauma center level, publicly insured patients were 1.86 (95% CI 1.36-2.55, P < 0.001) times more likely to undergo a craniotomy or craniectomy compared to self-pay patients. However, insurance status did not appear to impact whether a patient received ICP/EVD monitoring (OR 0.52; 95% CI 0.24-1.18, P = 0.118). There was no statistically significant difference in ED LOS, Hospital LOS, and ICU LOS between insurance categories. ConclusionsPublicly insured patients have higher odds of undergoing surgical management for traumatic SDH compared to self-pay patients. Further studies evaluating this association are warranted.

Repeated Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization for Chronic Subdural Hematoma Management: Case Report

Aim: Middle Meningeal Artery (MMA) embolization has emerged as a viable neuroendovascular technique for the management of chronic subdural hematoma (SDH). Comparative analysis of various endovascular techniques for embolization is lacking. Guidance on operative techniques in situations of prior embolization failure is rare. Materials and Methods: In this case report, we present a patient with a chronic subdural hematoma that failed previous coil embolization of the MMA. Digital Subtraction Angiography showed the previously placed coil and continued distal flow to the dural membranes. Results: Onyx liquid embolization was completed successfully, effectively halting both anterograde flow to the MMA and retrograde flow from external circulation collaterals. Conclusion: This case report suggests that in situations of MMA embolization failure, follow-up angiography may be completed to determine if further embolization through other procedural techniques may be possible. The angiographic images contained here highlight the advantages of liquid embolization over coil embolization of the MMA in halting SDH angiogenesis.

Pathology Confirmation of Particle Embolization of Middle Meningeal Artery for Management of Subdural Hematoma

Pathology Confirmation of Particle Embolization of Middle Meningeal Artery for Management of Subdural Hematoma

Regional Variation in the Management of Nontraumatic Subdural Hematomas Across the United States

Nontraumatic subdural hematomas are a common indication for inpatient hospitalization in the United States, yet there is little high-quality evidence regarding which patients should receive surgical or medical treatment. We sought to assess variation in surgical management and medical treatment with steroids for nontraumatic subdural hematomas across the United States. Using the Premier database, we analyzed patients with a primary discharge diagnosis of nontraumatic subdural hematoma in 2014. International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, procedure codes were used to identify patients who underwent surgical management, and pharmacy data were used to identify patients treated with dexamethasone. Univariable and multivariable analyses were used to examine the association of age, race, sex, academic versus nonacademic center, and regions of the United States with conservative or surgical management. There were 3915 inpatient hospitalizations for nontraumatic subdural hematomas in 2014 in the Premier database, of whom 1860 (47.5%) underwent surgery, and 360 (9.2%) underwent treatment with dexamethasone, either as a primary treatment or as an adjuvant to surgery. Older age, female sex, and being managed outside of the Western U.S. region were associated with a lower likelihood of undergoing surgical management on multivariable analysis; only younger age was associated with a greater likelihood of being treated with dexamethasone. There is considerable variability in surgical management of nontraumatic subdural hematomas across the United States based on age, sex, and region. Future studies should explore the reasons for the variability and attempt to better clarify indications for surgical management of subdural hematomas.

Delayed Restart of Antithrombotic Therapy and Rates of Adverse Events in Subdural Hematomas

Abstract INTRODUCTION The management of subdural hematoma (SDH) in the setting of antithrombotic (AT) therapy, which includes antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapy, is especially challenging. While there exists consensus that AT should be discontinued during initial workup and surgical treatment of SDH, guidance regarding whether and when to restart AT is lacking. This study aims to characterize the association between the timing of AT restart and rates of thrombotic and hemorrhagic adverse events among SDH patients previously on AT in order to inform future clinical decision making. METHODS A 10-yr retrospective analysis of SDH patients treated with antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy was performed. Patients were grouped based on time to restart of AT therapy from admission (within 14, 15–29, 30–44, 45–59 d, and not within 60 d), and multivariable regression was used to compare the rates of adverse events between these groups. Adverse events included bleeding, thromboembolism, myocardial infarction, deep vein thrombosis, and stroke. RESULTS A total of 226 consecutive patients were included in this analysis. Groups based on AT restart time were similar in terms of demographics and rates of comorbidities. The rates of coronary artery disease, operative treatment, and chronicity of SDH differed significantly between groups. The 45 to 59 d group had significantly fewer total complications compared to the 60 + day group (P = .016) and trended towards fewer complications than the within 14 d group and the 15 to 29 d group (P = .062 and .065, respectively). CONCLUSION Evidence supports a lower rate of overall adverse events in patients restarted between 45 and 59 d postadmission. This restart window may be the optimal time point for potential future clinical trials.

Antiplatelet Medication and Operative Subdural Hematomas: A Retrospective Cohort Study Evaluating Reoperation Rates

Antiplatelet therapy is common and complicates the operative management of subdural hematomas (SDH). The risk of reoperation inferred by antiplatelet medication and the ability of platelet transfusion to reduce hemorrhagic complications in patients presenting with antiplatelet associated SDHs are poorly defined. We performed a retrospective review of consecutive patients treated with craniotomy or craniectomy for evacuation of an acute or mixed-density SDH between 2012 and 2017 at 2 academic institutions. Exclusion criteria included anticoagulant therapy, thrombocytopenia, and/or international normalized ratio >1.3. Clinical and radiographic data were collected; primary endpoint was reoperation within 30 days. Logistic regression models were used to identify predictors of reoperation. A total of 195 patients were included: 86 patients on antiplatelet medication and 109 with no antithrombotic history. Overall, 24 (12.3%) of patients required a reoperation. Reoperation rate in patients on antiplatelet medication was not significantly different than those not on antithrombotics (14.0% vs. 11.0%, P= 0.53). Patients taking antiplatelet medication were significantly older, more likely to have medical comorbidities, and more likely to receive preoperative platelet transfusion (36.0% vs. 3.7%, P< 0.001). Of patients taking antiplatelet medications, there was no difference in reoperation rate between those patients receiving preoperative platelet transfusion and those not receiving transfusion (16.1% vs. 12.7%, P= 0.75). Antiplatelet medication was not a significant predictor of reoperation following evacuation of an acute or mixed-density SDH. In patients on antiplatelet medication, preoperative platelet transfusion did not reduce reoperation rates.