Mean Midline Shift Research Articles

Middle meningeal artery embolization associated with reduced chronic subdural hematoma volume and midline shift in the acute postoperative period

BackgroundMiddle meningeal artery (MMA) embolization for endovascular treatment of chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) is growing in popularity. cSDH volume and midline shift were analyzed in the immediate postoperative window after...

Is basal cisternostomy in traumatic brain injury a need of hour or white elephant - A randomized trial to answer.

Basal cisternostomy (BC) recently emerged as an adjuvant/alternative procedure to decompressive craniectomy (DC) in traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) with its potential to effectively reduce both intracranial pressure (ICP) and brain edema. However, its role in TBI is not yet established in the true sense and with clarity. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of adjuvant BC on ICP, mortality, and clinicoradiological outcome. A single-center randomized control trial was conducted. Fifty patients were assigned to each DC-group and DC+BC-group. Randomization was done using the sealed envelope method. Both groups were followed in the postoperative period to compare the impact of surgery on ICP, radiological changes, and clinical outcome (mortality, days on ventilator/in intensive care unit (ICU), and Glasgow outcome scale-extended (GOS-E) at 12 weeks). Both groups were comparable in terms of preoperative clinicoradiological characteristics. On postoperative days 1, 2, and 3, mean ICP was significantly low in the DC+BC-group (P < 0.0001). The decline in ICP in the DC+BC-group was significant in both moderate and severe TBI patients. In comparison, DC+BC-group has a shorter duration of mechanical ventilation/ICU stay and significantly better GOS-E score at 12 weeks (P < 0.0001*). The mortality rate was less in the DC+BC-group (48%) as compared to the DC-group (64%). Among radiological features, mean midline shift and mean outward brain herniation were significantly less in the DC+BC group. Bone-flap replacement was possible in ten patients of DC+BC-group at the time of primary surgery. Results of our study indicated that BC is beneficial in reducing both ICP and brain edema, which translates into favorable clinicoradiological outcomes.

Acute Extra-Arachnoid Subdural Hematomas in Patients 50 Years and Older: When Subdurals Act Like Epidurals

Some patients with subdural hematoma (SDH) with acute extra-arachnoid lesions and without concomitant subarachnoid blood or contusions may present in similarly grave neurological condition compared with the general population of patients with SDH. However, these patients often make an impressive neurological recovery. This study compared neurological outcomes in patients with extra-arachnoid SDH with all other SDH patients. We compared a prospective series of extra-arachnoid SDH patients without subarachnoid hemorrhage or other concomitant intracranial injury with a Transforming Research and Clinical Knowledge in TBI control group with SDH only. We performed inverse probability weighting for key characteristics and ordinal regression with and without controlling for midline shift comparing neurological outcomes (Extended Glasgow Outcome Scale score) at 2 weeks. We used the Corticosteroid Randomization After Significant Head Injury prognostic model to predict mortality based on age, Glasgow Coma Scale score, pupil reactivity, and major extracranial injury. Mean midline shift was significantly different between extra-arachnoid SDH and control groups (7.2 mm vs. 2.7 mm, P < 0.001). After weighting for group allocation and controlling for midline shift, extra-arachnoid SDH patients had 5.68 greater odds (P < 0.001) of a better 2-week Extended Glasgow Outcome Scale score than control patients. Mortality in the extra-arachnoid SDH group was less than predicted by the Corticosteroid Randomization After Significant Head Injury prognostic model (10% vs. 21% predicted). Patients with extra-arachnoid SDH have significantly better 2-week neurological outcomes and lower mortality than predicted by the Corticosteroid Randomization After Significant Head Injury model. Neurosurgeons should consider surgery for this patient subset even in cases of poor neurological examination, older age, and large hematoma with high degree of midline shift.

Recurrent Subdural Hematoma: An Institutional Experience.

Background Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is a common neurosurgical problem, which offers a good outcome following surgery. In many cases, burr hole irrigation and drainage under local anesthesia can provide satisfactory results. However,recurrencecan be a cause for concern for both the surgeon and the patient. While recurrence is not a frequent phenomenon, studies have reported rates of up to 31.6%. Aims and objectives In this study, our objective is to examine a comprehensive range of potential risk factors and provide valuable insights into identifying patients at a higher risk of recurrence to aid in surgical decision-making. Methodology This study employed a prospective and retrospective design, conducted between 2017 and 2021, at Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research. The study received ethical approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee. The research aimed to assess patients who underwent surgery for CSDH, with a particular focus on those who experienced recurrence. Results The average age of patients with recurrence was 71.5 years compared to 65.2 years in the no-recurrence group, but this difference did not show a significant statistical correlation. A significant male predominance was observed, with 27 men and four women affected (out of a total of 147 men and 73 women in the study), resulting in a statistically significant p-value of 0.01.On multivariate analysis, heterogenous subtypes were a significant predictor of recurrence (OR: 8.88, 95% CI: 6.96-16.54, p = 0.01).The mean midline shift in those with recurrence was 11.4 mm compared to 7.09 mm in those without recurrence. This was a statistically significant correlation with a p-value of 0.02.Regarding those with recurrence, 24 patients underwent evacuation using two burr holes, with one placed in the frontal region and another in the parietal region. All of these patients had a subdural drain placed, which was removed on postoperative day 2. The remaining eight patients underwent a mini-craniotomy for evacuation.We had four cases of refractory CSDH, all of whom underwent the second evacuation using burr holes. Three of them underwent evacuation via craniotomy, while the family of the fourth patient did not give consent for the procedure. Conclusion Patient-related factors such as gender, bilateral presentation, and the presence of hypertension and radiological factors such as the presence of heterogenous subtype and a significant midline shift are clues towarda higher chance of recurrence.

The outcomes of Tiantan first-aid protocol on critically ill patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma

Objective: To examine the outcomes of Tiantan first-aid protocol on critically ill patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL). Methods: The clinical data of 18 patients with PCNSL who were treated according to Tiantan first-aid protocol at Department of Neurosurgery,Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University from November 2019 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 9 males and 9 females, aged (56.9±11.1)years (range: 29 to 77 years). The median Karnofsky performance status(KPS) score at admission was 40 (range: 20 to 60). Three patients were mild coma, 3 were lethargy and 12 were conscious. The mean midline shift was 0.7 cm (range: 0 to 1.8 cm). After admission, all patients were treated according to the plan of rapid biopsy, rapid routine pathology and rapid salvage chemotherapy. The treatment procedures, clinical and radiographic outcomes, KPS score and adverse reactions of patients after chemotherapy were collected. Results: All of the 18 patients completed the first-aid treatment. The median duration from admission to the biopsy was 1 day (range: 0 to 5 days), from biopsy to routine pathological diagnosis was 1 day (range: 1 to 4 days) and from routine pathology to salvage chemotherapy was 1 day (range: 0 to 4 days). All the patients were pathologically confirmed with diffuse large B cell lymphoma, 1 patient was double-hit lymphoma. Seventeen patients underwent clinical remission and 1 died of cardiac dysfunction. The successful salvage rate was 17/18. Radiologically, complete remission was observed in 1 case, partial remission in 16 cases, and stable disease in 1 case. The median KPS score at discharge was 60 (range: 30 to 80). The mild gastrointestinal, hematological and hepatic adverse effects were observed after chemotherapy. Conclusion: Tiantan first-aid protocol is effective for critically ill patients with PCNSL, which has the merit to be popularly used and improved.

Prognostic Factors after Acute Subdural Hematoma

Background: Acute subdural hematoma is a lesion caused by traumatic brain injury. Computed topography, hematoma thickness and midline shift analysis are important factors in evaluating its prognosis. Aim: To evaluate the factors involved in prognosis of acute subdural hematoma. Study design: Retrospective study Place and duration of study: Department of Neurosurgery, Chandka Medical College Hospital, Larkana from 1st October 2020 to 30the June 2021. Methodology: One hundred patients from both genders and between age 18-55 years were enrolled. Clinical examination and radiological complete examination was done in each patient. Zumkeller Index (ZI) was calculated and Glasgow scoring was performed. Results: The mean age were 44.1±15.8 years with 87% males having major reasoning of head injury as a motor cycle accident. Traumatic brain injury was recorded as &gt;3mm ZI in 10 cases. The mean midline shift was 12.4±6.06 mm with a significant difference between three categories. Conclusion: Midline shift and hematoma thickness are useful predictors of prognosis related to acute subdural hematoma. Keywords: Prognostic factor, Acute subdural hematoma, Computed tomography (CT)

Clinico-radiological related to early brain death factors

ObjectiveTo identify clinical and radiological factors associated to early evolution to brain death (BD), defined as occurring within the first 24 h. DesignA retrospective cohort study was made covering the period 2015−2017. SettingAn adult Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Patients/methodsEpidemiological, clinical and imaging (CT scan) parameters upon admission to the ICU in patients evolving to BD. ResultsA total of 166 patients with BD (86 males, mean age 62.7 years) were analyzed. Primary cause: intracerebral hemorrhage 42.8%, subarachnoid hemorrhage 18.7%, traumatic brain injury 17.5%, anoxia 9%, stroke 7.8%, other causes 4.2%. Epidemiological data: arterial hypertension 50%, dyslipidemia 34%, smoking 33%, antiplatelet medication 21%, alcoholism 19%, anticoagulant therapy 15%, diabetes 15%. The Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) upon admission was 3 in 68.8% of the cases in early BD versus in 38.2% of the cases in BD occurring after 24 h (p = 0.0001). Eighty-five patients presented supratentorial hematomas with a volume of 90.9 ml in early BD versus 82.7 ml in BD > 24 h (p = 0.54). The mean midline shift was 10.7 mm in early BD versus 7.8 mm in BD > 24 h (p = 0.045). Ninety-one patients presented ventriculomegaly and 38 additionally ependymal transudation (p = 0.021). Thirty-six patients with early BD versus 24 with BD > 24 h presented complete effacement of basal cisterns (p = 0.005), sulcular effacement (p = 0.013), loss of cortico-subcortical differentiation (p = 0.0001) and effacement of the suprasellar cistern (p = 0.005). The optic nerve sheath measurements showed no significant differences between groups. ConclusionsEarly BD (>24 h) was associated to GCS < 5, midline shift, effacement of the basal cisterns, cerebral sulci and suprasellar cistern, and ependymal transudation.

Effectiveness of Continuous Hypertonic Saline in Acute Ischemic Infarcts: A Radiographic and Clinical Evaluation

The role of continuous hypertonic saline (HS) infusion in the management of malignant cerebral edema is controversial. We evaluated patients presenting with large anterior circulation territory infarcts and compared radiographic and clinical outcomes to evaluate the effects of continuous HS. This was a retrospective review of patients with malignant ischemic strokes who were initially managed with continuous HS versus routine medical management. Radiographic parameters of cerebral edema and clinical parameters were collected at different time intervals after admission. Rates and timing of surgery, mortality, and complications were also collected. The study included 43 patients: 26 in group 1 (HS) and 17 in group 2 (no HS). Both cohorts had comparable baseline clinical and radiographic parameters. There was no difference between rates and timing of surgery, complications, and mortality. Mean midline shift was significantly greater in the HS group at interval 1 (12-36 hours, P= 0.003) and interval 2 (36-60 hours, P= 0.030), and mean change in midline shift from initial interval to interval 1 was significantly greater in the HS group (P= 0.019). Despite the widespread use of continuous HS in acute ischemic infarcts, only a limited number of studies have evaluated its efficacy, and virtually no studies have studied its effect on radiographic progression and rates of decompressive surgery. Results of this study indicate that there is no benefit of continuous HS. In fact, there may be worsening of cerebral edema with administration of continuous HS. In addition, there are no differences in prevention or delay of decompressive surgery or in overall mortality.

The Mini-Craniotomy for cSDH Revisited: New Perspectives.

Background: Chronic subdural hematomas (cSDH) are increasingly prevalent worldwide with the increased aging population and anticoagulant use. Different surgical, medical, and endovascular treatments have had varying success rates. Primary neurosurgical interventions include burr hole drainage of the cSDH and mini-craniotomies/craniotomies with or without fenestration of the inner membrane. A key assessment of the success or failure of cSDH treatments has been symptomatic recurrence rates which have historically ranged from 5 to 30%. Pre-operative prediction of the inner subdural membrane by CT scan was used to guide our decision to perform mini-craniotomies. Release of the inner membrane facilitates the expansion of the brain and likely improves glymphatic flow.Methods: Consecutive mini-craniotomies (N = 34) for cSDH evacuation performed by a single neurosurgeon at a quaternary academic medical center/Level I trauma center from July 2018-September 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Patient characteristics [age, gender, presenting GCS, GOS, initial CTs noting the inner subdural membrane, midline shift (MLS), cSDH width, inner membrane fenestration, cSDH recurrence, post-operative seizures, infections, length of stay] were extracted from the EMR.Results: Twenty nine patients had mini-craniotomies as primary treatment of the cSDH. Mean age = 68.9 ± 19.7 years (range 22–102), mean pre-operative GCS = 14.5 ± 1.1, mean MLS = 6.75 ± 4.2 mm, and mean maximum thickness of cSDH = 17.7 ± 6.0 mm. Twenty four were unilateral, five bilateral, 34 total craniotomies were performed. Thirty three had inner membrane signs on pre-operative head CTs and an inner subdural membrane was fenestrated in all cases except for the one craniotomy that didn't show these characteristic CT findings. Mean operating time = 79.5 ± 26.0 min. Radiographic and clinical improvement occurred in all patients. Mean improvement in MLS = 3.85 ± 2.69. There were no symptomatic recurrences, re-operations, surgical site infections, or deaths during the 6 months of follow-up. One patient was treated for post-operative seizures with AEDs for 6 months.Conclusion: Pre-operative CT scans demonstrating inner subdural membranes may guide one to target the treatment to allow release of this tension band. Mini-craniotomy with careful fenestration of the inner membrane is very effective for this. Brain re-expansion and re-establishment of normal brain interstitial flow may be important in long term outcomes with cSDH and may be related to the recent interests in brain glymphatics and dural lymphatics.

Lifesaving Decompressive Craniectomy for High Intracranial Pressure Attributed to Deep-Seated Meningioma: Emergency Management.

Objects:As the most common intracranial extra-axial tumor among adults who tend to grow slowly with minimal clinical manifestation, the patients with meningioma could also fall in neurological emergency and even life-threatening status due to high intracranial pressure (ICP). In those circumstances, decompressive craniectomy (DC) without definitive tumor resection might offer an alternative treatment to alleviate acute increasing of ICP. The current report defines criteria for the indications of lifesaving DC for high ICP caused by deep-seated meningioma as an emergency management.Patients and Methods:This study collected the candidates from 2012 to 2018 at Dr. Soetomo General Hospital, Surabaya, Indonesia. The sample included all meningioma patients who came to our ER who fulfilled the clinical (life-threatening decrease in Glasgow Coma Scale [GCS]) and radiography (deep-seated meningioma, midline shift in brain computed tomography [CT] >0.5 cm, and diameter of tumor >4 cm or tumor that involves the temporal lobe) criteria for emergency DC as a lifesaving procedure. GCS, midline shift, tumor diameter, and volume based on CT were evaluated before DC. Immediate postoperative GCS, time to tumor resection, and Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) were also assessed postoperation.Results:The study enrolled 14 patients, with an average preoperative GCS being 9.29 ± 1.38, whereas the mean midline shift was 15.84 ± 7.02 mm. The average of number of tumor's diameter and volume was 5.59 ± 1.44 cm and 66.76 ± 49.44 cc, respectively. Postoperation, the average time interval between DC and definitive tumor resection surgery was 5.07 ± 3.12 days. The average immediate of GCS postoperation was 10.07 ± 2.97, and the average GOS was 3.93 ± 1.27.Conclusion:When emergency tumor resection could not be performed due to some limitation, as in developing countries, DC without tumor resection possibly offers lifesaving procedure in order to alleviate acute increasing ICP before the definitive surgical procedure is carried out. DC might also prevent a higher risk of morbidity and postoperative complications caused by peritumoral brain edema.

Study of factors related to early mortality after primary decompressive craniectomy in patients with severe traumatic brain injury

Background: Traumatic brain injury is considered one of the leading causes of death in paediatrics and adults less than 45 years. Decompressive craniectomy is a common neurosurgical procedure aiming to relieve raised intracranial pressure. In present study we aimed to evaluate factors related to early mortality after primary decompressive craniectomy in patients with severe traumatic brain injury. Material and Methods: Present study was single-centre, prospective, observational study, conducted in patients age &gt; 15 years, with severe traumatic brain injury in whom primary decompressive craniectomies (within 24 hours of trauma) were performed at our centre. Results: During study period total 42 patients satisfying study criteria underwent primary decompressive craniectomy at our centre. Most of patients were male (85.71 %), from age group 31-45 years (50 %), with severe (≤ 8) Glasgow Coma Scale scores on admission (54.76%), common etiology was road traffic accidents. Most of patients were operated within 6-12 hours from trauma (45.24%) and left side was common surgical site (57.14%). At discharge from ICU - Glasgow Outcome score (GOS) outcome was poor in 22 patients (52.38 %) and good outcome noted in 20 patients (47.62 %). Mortality at discharge was noted in 16 patients (38.10%). Conclusion: Advanced age, GCS ≥ 8, timing of surgery (&gt;12 hours), presence of pupillary asymmetry on admission, presence of lung or abdominal injury, hypotension at admission (SBP &lt; 90 mm hg), mean midline shift ( &gt; 7 mm), mean volume of the bleed ( &gt; 70 ml), bone flap ≥130 cm², intraventricular extension of the bleed present and surgery-related complication (hydrocephalus , extra-axial fluid collection, post-operative acute hematoma and skin flap ischemia) were predictors for early mortality patients with severe traumatic brain injury underwent primary decompressive craniectomy.

Clinico-radiological related to early brain death factors.

To identify clinical and radiological factors associated to early evolution to brain death (BD), defined as occurring within the first 24hours. A retrospective cohort study was made covering the period 2015-2017. An adult Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Epidemiological, clinical and imaging (CT scan) parameters upon admission to the ICU in patients evolving to BD. A total of 166 patients with BD (86 males, mean age 62.7 years) were analyzed. Primary cause: intracerebral hemorrhage 42.8%, subarachnoid hemorrhage 18.7%, traumatic brain injury 17.5%, anoxia 9%, stroke 7.8%, other causes 4.2%. Epidemiological data: arterial hypertension 50%, dyslipidemia 34%, smoking 33%, antiplatelet medication 21%, alcoholism 19%, anticoagulant therapy 15%, diabetes 15%. The Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) upon admission was 3 in 68.8% of the cases in early BD versus in 38.2% of the cases in BD occurring after 24h (p=0.0001). Eighty-five patients presented supratentorial hematomas with a volume of 90.9ml in early BD versus 82.7ml in BD>24h (p=0.54). The mean midline shift was 10.7mm in early BD versus 7.8mm in BD>24h (p=0.045). Ninety-one patients presented ventriculomegaly and 38 additionally ependymal transudation (p=0.021). Thirty-six patients with early BD versus 24 with BD>24h presented complete effacement of basal cisterns (p=0.005), sulcular effacement (p=0.013), loss of cortico-subcortical differentiation (p=0.0001) and effacement of the suprasellar cistern (p=0.005). The optic nerve sheath measurements showed no significant differences between groups. Early BD (>24h) was associated to GCS<5, midline shift, effacement of the basal cisterns, cerebral sulci and suprasellar cistern, and ependymal transudation.

Comparative Study of Surgical Outcome of Chronic Subdural Hematoma Treated with and without External Drainage

Background and purpose: Chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) poses a significant morbidity and mortality risk particularly in elderly population. It can be treated with simple surgical techniques like burr hole drainage under local anesthesia, however it often recurs after surgical evacuation in significant number of patients.&#x0D; Material and methods: A randomized controlled trial was designed at Mayo Hospital/KEMU in 2013 to 2016. Total number of 98 patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were randomized into ‘with drain’ and ‘without drain’ arm. All of them were treated with burr hole drainage under local anesthesia. Half of them had subdural drain while the remaining half did not. Recurrence of hematoma and surgical outcome was compared.&#x0D; Result: Among 98 patients included in the study(54 males and 44 females) met the inclusion criteria. Mean age of presentation was 63 years ± 12.4 (range 40-100). There was left sided preponderance in hematoma location (53.1%). Mean midline shift was 2.7 mm ± 1.5. Owing to drainage of cSDH, post-operative MRC score of patients along with midline shift in the CT brain showed statistically significant improvement. However, irrespective of insertion of drainage system, there was no significant difference noted in recurrence of cSDH, midline shift and improvement in presenting symptoms (hemiparesis or monoparesis) considering all post-operative days.&#x0D; Conclusion: There is no significant difference in recurrence rate depending on weather a postoperative external drainage is placed or not.

Surgical strategies for management of pediatric arteriovenous malformation rupture: the role of initial decompressive craniectomy.

Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are a common cause of intracranial hemorrhage in children, which can result in elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) and cerebral edema. We sought to explore the role of initial decompressive craniectomy at time of rupture, followed by interval surgical AVM resection, compared to treatment with initial resection, in clinical outcomes and recovery in children. A retrospective chart review was conducted examining patients age 0-18 with AVM rupture between 2005 and 2018 who underwent resection for ruptured AVM either initially at presentation or underwent initial decompressive craniectomy followed by interval AVM resection. Clinical, radiographic, surgical, and outcome data were examined. Primary outcomes measured included functional status, AVM obliteration rate, AVM recurrence/residual, and re-hemorrhage. Thirty-six cases were included; 28 (77.8%) underwent initial AVM resection, and 7 (19.4%) underwent initial decompressive craniectomy with interval resection. The mean time between craniectomy and resection was 66.9days (SD 59.3). Patients undergoing initial decompressive craniectomy with interval resection were younger (mean age 6.1 vs. 9.8years, p = 0.05) and had a higher mean hematoma volume (52.9 vs. 22.2mL, p = 0.01), mean midline shift (5.1 vs. 2.1mm, p = 0.01), and presence of cisternal effacement (p = 0.01). There were no statistically significant associations between surgical strategy and postoperative outcomes, including complications, radiographic outcomes, complete resection, residual, recurrence, and functional outcomes. Those treated by initial craniectomy followed by interval resection were associated with undergoing additional procedures. Children presenting with AVM rupture who require emergent decompression may safely undergo emergent craniectomy with interval AVM resection and cranioplasty without additional risk of morbidity or mortality. This is reasonable in those with elevated intracranial pressure. This strategy may provide time for initial recovery and allow for natural degradation of the hematoma enhancing the plane for interval AVM resection, perhaps improving outcomes.

Variation of Ventricular Size after Surgical Treatment of Chronic Subdural Hematoma.

Background:Surgical removal is the treatment of choice for chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH). Despite clinical improvement after surgery, computed tomography (CT) scan control often showed residual collection, which may discuss the possibility of failed surgery. The aim of this study is the assessment of ventricular size before and after surgery and to study its relation with residual hematoma.Methods:In this prospective study (2013-2016), 63 patients who had burr-hole drainage of CSDH were sequentially allocated to either two groups; Group 1 with CT scan control under the 3rd day of surgery and Group 2 with delayed CT scan control (from 4th to 7th day). Linear measure of ventricular size was assessed by Evans’ index. We reviewed and analyzed the data between both groups.Results:There were 33 patients in Group 1 and 30 patients in Group 2. Preoperatively, the average thickness of hematoma was 20.5 mm in Group 1 versus 19.9 mm in Group 2 (P = 0.67); the mean midline shift was 8.5 mm in each group; Evans’ index was 26.7% in Group 1 and 27% in Group 2 (P = 0.7). Postoperatively, the mean thickness of the residual hematoma was 7.7 mm in Group 1 and 8.4 mm in Group 2 (P = 0.57); the mean midline shift was 3.3 mm in Group 1 and 1.9 mm in Group 2 (P = 0.08); Evan's index was 28.5% in Group 1 and 32.1% in Group 2 (P = 0.002).Conclusion:The adoption of Evans’ index, for assessing the variation of ventricular size after surgery, by neurosurgeons appears to be a good and simple method for evaluation and following the success of surgical removal of CSDH, despite the observation of some residual collection in early CT scan control.

Midline Shift is Unrelated to Subjective Pupillary Reactivity Assessment on Admission in Moderate and Severe Traumatic Brain Injury

BackgroundThis study aims to determine the relationship between pupillary reactivity, midline shift and basal cistern effacement on brain computed tomography (CT) in moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). All are important diagnostic and prognostic measures, but their relationship is unclear.MethodsA total of 204 patients with moderate-to-severe TBI, documented pupillary reactivity, and archived neuroimaging were included. Extent of midline shift and basal cistern effacement were extracted from admission brain CT. Mean midline shift was calculated for each ordinal category of pupillary reactivity and basal cistern effacement. Sequential Chi-square analysis was used to calculate a threshold midline shift for pupillary abnormalities and basal cistern effacement. Univariable and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed.ResultsPupils were bilaterally reactive in 163 patients, unilaterally reactive in 24, and bilaterally unreactive in 17, with mean midline shift (mm) of 1.96, 3.75, and 2.56, respectively (p = 0.14). Basal cisterns were normal in 118 patients, compressed in 45, and absent in 41, with mean midline shift (mm) of 0.64, 2.97, and 5.93, respectively (p < 0.001). Sequential Chi-square analysis identified a threshold for abnormal pupils at a midline shift of 7–7.25 mm (p = 0.032), compressed basal cisterns at 2 mm (p < 0.001), and completely effaced basal cisterns at 7.5 mm (p < 0.001). Logistic regression revealed no association between midline shift and pupillary reactivity. With effaced basal cisterns, the odds ratio for normal pupils was 0.22 (95% CI 0.08–0.56; p = 0.0016) and for at least one unreactive pupil was 0.061 (95% CI 0.012–0.24; p < 0.001). Basal cistern effacement strongly predicted midline shift (OR 1.27; 95% CI 1.17–1.40; p < 0.001).ConclusionsBasal cistern effacement alone is associated with pupillary reactivity and is closely associated with midline shift. It may represent a uniquely useful neuroimaging marker to guide intervention in traumatic brain injury.

Factors Associated with Mortality in Acute Subdural Hematoma: Is Decompressive Craniectomy Effective?

Despite rapid diagnosis and aggressive neurosurgical intervention, acute subdural hematoma (ASDH) is a severe type of head injury that can result in high morbidity and mortality. Although surgical procedures, such as craniotomy and decompressive craniectomy (DC), can be effective, the preferred approach for treating an ASDH remains controversial. The aim of this report was to evaluate factors associated with mortality in patients with ASDH and determinants of outcome in those with ASDH who underwent DC. The demographic details and clinical and radiological characteristics of a total of 93 patients with ASDH who underwent DC during a 60-month period from 2012 to 2017 were evaluated to determine the effect on mortality and any association with the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score recorded on arrival. Sixty-five male and 28 female subjects with a mean age of 59.82+-19.49 years (range: 16-88 years) were included in the study. Sixteen patients (17.2%) died following the surgery. Older age (p=0.007) and lower GCS scores (p=0.022) were statistically significantly associated with the mortality rate. The mean hematoma thickness was 15.46+-5.73 mm, and the mean midline shift was 9.90+-4.84 mm. The mortality rate was positively correlated with an excessive midline shift (p=0.011; r=0.262) and age (p=0.022; r=0.237) in patients with ADSH. A midline shift of ≥10 mm and a hematoma thickness of ≥15 mm was significantly associated with mortality (p=0.014; p=0.039). The etiology of the trauma; comorbidities of subarachnoid, epidural, or intracranial hemorrhage; compression fractures; or contusions were not significantly correlated. The results indicated that there was a higher mortality rate among older patients and those with a GCS score of <6 on arrival. A midline shift of ≥10 mm and a hematoma thickness of ≥15 mm were significantly related to mortality. Our study supports the conclusion that DC may help prevent further midline shift and be associated with a lower mortality rate compared with a craniotomy.

Post-operative seizures after burr hole evacuation of chronic subdural hematomas: is prophylactic anti-epileptic medication needed?

There are limited data with regards to the associated risk of post-operative seizures in patients with surgically treated chronic subdural hematomas (CSDHs). The use of anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) is associated with significant side effects. A retrospective chart review was performed on patients operated via burr hole for CSDH in our institution from 2004 to 2013. Post-operative seizures at 1-year follow-up were identified. Demographic data, medical history, and imaging characteristics were recorded. A total of 220 patients were included in the study. Post-operative seizures occurred in 2.3%. The mean time of onset of seizures was 8.4days. No difference in age and gender between seizing and non-seizing groups was identified p>0.05. Mean midline shift was 4.6mm in seizing group vs. 4.2mm in non-seizing group, p>0.05. Mean thickness was 14.6mm in patients without post-operative seizures and 18.4mm in patients with post-operative seizures, p>0.05. There was no significant difference in post-operative seizure incidence related to the side or location of the CSDHs. The incidence of post-operative seizures in patients with CSDH evacuated via burr holes was low. Prophylactic AEDs should not be routinely administered if no other risk factor for seizure exists. Demographic and clinical factors did not appear to influence post-operative seizures.

Single Parietal Burr-hole Craniostomy with Irrigation and Drainage for Unilateral Chronic Subdural Hematoma in Young Adults

Background:Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is one of the most common neurosurgical conditions. It is mostly a disease of elderly population with very little data about the young patients. There is also the debate regarding treatment strategies. We decided to determine the overall efficacy of the single burr-hole craniostomy (SBHC) for unilateral CSDH in young adults <40 years.Subjects and Methods:We performed a retrospective study of young patients undergoing SBHC for unilateral CSDH between January 2013 and June 2016 at our institution. Medical records were assessed based on patient characteristics in the form of sex of the patient, etiology, presenting symptoms, comorbidities, and signs including Glasgow Coma Scale, computed tomography (CT) brain findings (site and thickness of SDH with midline shift), and intraoperative presence of chronic/subacute component.Results:Mean age of the patient was 33.69 years (range 18–40 years), mean thickness of SDH was 15.47 mm, and mean midline shift was 11.26 mm. 61.54% patients were male, trauma being the most common etiology (92.31%) with most common presenting complaint being headache (90.38% patients). 69.23% patients presented within 1 day of onset of symptoms. On CT scan, most of the patients were having SDH thickness between 11 and 20 mm (67.31%) with midline shift of 6–10 mm (53.85%). Right-sided SDH was present in 53.85%. Intraoperatively, 63.46% patients had subacute SDH whereas 34.61% had chronic component. There were total 2 recurrences (3.85%).Conclusions:Young adults who present with unilateral CSDH usually have a history of trauma. They have shorter duration of symptoms and present mainly with the features of raised intracranial pressure such as headache and vomiting. SBHC with irrigation and drainage has excellent result for unilateral CSDH in young adults compared to other methods of drainage and should be considered treatment of choice unless contraindicated.

Decompressive Hemicraniectomy in Hypertensive Basal Ganglia Hemorrhages

Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyze efficacy and safety of decompressive hemicraniectomy (DHC) in hypertensive basal ganglia hemorrhage (HBGH). Neurosurgical management of HBGH is still a controversial issue. Surgical techniques are diverse, from the open large craniotomy, to the minimally invasive techniques like stereotactic aspiration of the HBGH, endoscopic evacuation and stereotactic catheter drainage after instillation of thrombolytic agents. Decompressive hemicraniectomy lowers intracranial pressure and improves outcome in patients with HBGH.Methods: 8 patients with HBGH who underwent decompressive craniectomy in the last 2 years were analyzed. Parameters investigated included clinical presentations, radiologic profile, time interval from ictus to surgery, and modified Rankin Scale score at 6 months.Results: The patients mean age 55 years, the mean Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score was 7 (range 5–13), the mean ICH volume was 58 ml (range 40–70 ml), and the mean midline shift was 10.62 mm (range 6-16 mm). The outcome after 6 months was appreciated as good (modified Rankin Scale 0–4) or poor (modified Rankin Scale 5-6). Five patients had good and three had poor outcomes (including two deaths).Conclusion: We conclude, based on this small cohort, that DC can reduce mortality in some cases. Larger prospective studies are needed to assess safety and efficacy of this method.Pulse Vol.8 January-December 2015 p.38-42