Unilateral Chronic Subdural Hematoma Research Articles

Efficacy of superficial cervical plexus block in the management of neck pain due to surgical positioning in patients undergoing burr-hole craniotomy for unilateral chronic subdural hematoma under scalp block: A prospective randomized control trial

: Alternatives to general anesthesia technique, pain management of surgical sites have been discussed at length in various studies for burr-hole evacuation in geriatric patients. This is the first study addressing the management of pain that occurs due to extreme contra-lateral side neck rotation to access the surgical site. : This trial was conducted (from January 2021 to January 2022) on 60 patients of age ≥ 18 years with ASA grade I/I/III undergoing unilateral burr hole craniotomy for evacuation of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) under scalp block. Group D (n=30) received 5 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine by ultrasound-guided superficial cervical plexus block (SCPB), and group P (n=30) received SCPB with placebo (normal saline). The primary outcome was the numerical rating pain score (NRS) pain score during neck movement in the postoperative period. Secondary objectives were muscle spasm assessed by the modified Ashworth scale (MAS), consumption dosage of rescue analgesia, modified Ramsay sedation score (MRSS), and hemodynamic parameters.: NRS scores were significantly lower at 8 hours in the SCPB with drug (D) group compared to the SCPB with placebo group (p-value = 0.019). MAS were higher in group P compared to group D until 12 (<0.001). Consumption of rescue analgesia was higher in group P than group D (<0.001). MRSS was significantly higher in group D compared to group P throughout the intra-operative period (<0.001).: Preoperative superficial cervical plexus block decreases postoperative neck pain and facilitates neck rotation.

Comparative analysis of surgical techniques in the management of chronic subdural hematomas and risk factors for poor outcomes.

Chronic subdural hematomas (CSDH) are increasingly prevalent, especially among the elderly. Surgical intervention is essential in most cases. However, the choice of surgical technique, either craniotomy or burr-hole opening, remains a subject of debate. Additionally, the risk factors for poor long-term outcomes following surgical treatment remain poorly described. This article presents a 10-year retrospective cohort study conducted at a single center that aimed to compare the outcomes of two common surgical techniques for CSDH evacuation: burr hole opening and minicraniotomy. The study also identified risk factors associated with poor long-term outcome, which was defined as an mRS score ≥ 3 at 6 months. This study included 582 adult patients who were surgically treated for unilateral CSDH. Burr-hole opening was performed in 43% of the patients, while minicraniotomy was performed in 57%. Recurrence was observed in 10% of the cases and postoperative complications in 13%. The rates of recurrence, postoperative complications, death and poor long-term outcome did not differ significantly between the two surgical approaches. Multivariate analysis identified postoperative general complications, recurrence, and preoperative mRS score ≥ 3 as independent risk factors for poor outcomes at 6 months. Recurrence contribute to a poorer prognosis in CSDH. Nevertheless, use burr hole or minicraniotomy for the management of CSDH showed a similar recurrence rate and no significant differences in post-operative outcomes. This underlines the need for a thorough assessment of patients with CSHD and the importance of avoiding their occurrence, by promoting early mobilization of patients. Future research is necessary to mitigate the risk of recurrence, regardless of the surgical technique employed.

Relative Cortical Atrophy Index as a Strong Predictor of Recurrence After Surgery for Chronic Subdural Hematoma.

Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) presents significant management challenges in neurosurgical practice, with recurrence being a notable postoperative consideration. This study aimed to evaluate the Relative Cortical Atrophy (RCA) Index as a predictor of recurrence after CSDH surgery. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 98 patients who underwent surgical evacuation for unilateral CSDH. The RCA Index was calculated using pre- and postoperative cranial imaging, correlating it with patient demographics, hematoma characteristics, and recurrence. Inter-rater reliability among measurements by 4 independent physicians was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Correlation and regression analyses were performed to identify the correlation of the RCA Index with other factors and their potential predicting power of CSDH recurrence, respectively. The study population had a mean age of 74.1 (11.9) years, with a 23.5% (23 patients) recurrence rate of CSDH. The ICC analysis showed excellent inter-rater reliability for RCA Index measurements (ICC: 0.998, 95% CI: 0.997-0.998, P < .001). A higher preoperative RCA Index was significantly associated with recurrence (0.215 [0.031] in the recurrent group vs 0.125 [0.034] in the nonrecurrent group, P < .001). The preoperative RCA Index highly correlated with the postoperative RCA Index (Pearson's correlation: 0.918, P < .001), and there was only a small (average: 0.005) but significant increase in the RCA Index of the unaffected hemisphere after surgery (P = .01).The preoperative RCA Index positively correlated with age, preoperative SDH thickness and volume, and recurrence. A RCA Index cutoff value of 0.165 predicted CSDH recurrence with high sensitivity (95.6%) and specificity (93.3%) (area under the curve = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.93-1). The RCA Index is a simple yet robust predictor of CSDH recurrence. Incorporating this measure into the preoperative assessment may enhance surgical planning and postoperative management, potentially reducing recurrence rates.

Acute-to-chronic subdural hematoma: radiographic and clinical progression from acute subdural hematoma

Introduction: The pathogenesis of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) has not been completely understood. However, different mechanisms can result in space-occupying subdural fluid collections, one pathway can be the transformation of an original trauma-induced acute subdural hematoma (ASDH) into a CSDH. Materials and Methods: All patients with unilateral CSDH, requiring burr hole trephination between 2018 and 2023 were included. The population was distributed into an acute-to-chronic group (group A, n = 41) and into a conventional group (group B, n = 282). Clinical and radiographic parameters were analyzed. In analysis A, changes of parameters after trauma within group A are compared. In analysis B, parameters between the two groups before surgery were correlated. Results: In group A, volume and midline shift increased significantly during the progression from acute-to-chronic (p < 0.001, resp.). Clinical performance (modified Rankin scale, Glasgow Coma Scale) dropped significantly (p = 0.035, p < 0.001, resp.). Median time between trauma with ASDH and surgery for CSDH was 12 days. Patients treated up to the 12th day presented with larger volume of ASDH (p = 0.012). Before burr hole trephination, patients in group A presented with disturbance of consciousness (DOC) more often (p = 0.002), however less commonly with a new motor deficit (p = 0.014). Despite similar midline shift between the groups (p = 0.8), the maximal hematoma width was greater in group B (p < 0.001). Conclusion: If ASDH transforms to CSDH, treatment may become mandatory early due to increase in volume and midline shift. Close monitoring of these patients is crucial since DOC and rapid deterioration is common in this type of SDH.

Topical dexamethason effectiveness combined with surgical intervention in patients suffering from chronic subdural hematoma

BackgroundA chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is one of the most common neurosurgery operations. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of topical corticosteroids combined with surgery in patients with CSDH. Materials and MethodsThe present study is a clinical trial study on patients referred to hospitals associated with Ahvaz University of Medical Sciences with chronic subdural hematoma in 2019. Patients requiring surgical drainage of chronic subdural hematoma who met the inclusion criteria underwent open craniotomy surgery on the side of the hematoma. A drain was placed in the open craniotomy site. On the third day after the operation, before removing the drain, 40 mg of methylprednisolone sodium succinate was injected through the drain into the subdural space, after which the drain was pulled entirely. Patients were evaluated with the Markwalder Grading Scale (MGS) on the third day, third month, and sixth month after surgery for improved or worsened neurological symptoms. Also, in the third and sixth months after surgery, the patients underwent Computerized Tomography Scan imaging and were checked for recurrence. Results32 patients with CSDH entered the study, including 28 men and four women, with a mean age of 71.62 ± 9.85 years. Moreover, 87.5 % had a unilateral chronic subdural hematoma (uCSDH), and 12.5 % had a bilateral chronic subdural hematoma (bCSDH). Left and right uCSDHs had the same frequency (43. 8 %). After surgery, 26 patients had no postoperative complications, and six patients experienced pneumocephalus. ConclusionTopical dexamethasone injection through the potential CSDH cavity can result in desirable outcomes.

Middle meningeal artery embolization for the treatment of unilateral large chronic subdural hematoma patients with significant midline shift: A single-center experience.

The amount of midline shift (MLS) considered safe for middle meningeal artery embolization (MMAE) in patients with chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) has not been established. Whether MMAE could be used as upfront treatment for unilateral large CSDH patients with significant MLS (>1 cm) has not been reported. To investigate the efficacy and safety of MMAE in unilateral large CSDH patients with MLS > 1 cm. Eleven carefully selected CSDH patients with mild or moderate symptoms and significant MLS > 1 cm from 1 May 2021 to 31 August 2022 were included in the study. All patients were treated with MMAE using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) particles. Outcomes were assessed clinically and with interval imaging studies at follow-up. All 19 MMAs (unilateral embolization in three patients and bilateral embolization in eight patients) were successfully embolized. All 11 patients were followed for subsequent months, and there was no recurrence and enlargement of CSDH. Procedural adverse events, mortality, or complications were not observed. The average time to achieve a 50% reduction in MLS was approximately four weeks, while it took approximately eight weeks to achieve a 50% reduction in maximal volume. All 11 patients showed improvement in their neurological symptoms at three days post-operation, including four hemiplegic patients. MMAE may demonstrate safety in carefully selected CSDH patients with significant midline shift (MLS > 1 cm), particularly in those who are not suitable for surgery, thus providing a potential alternative approach.

The effect of patient age on the degree of midline shift caused by chronic subdural hematomas: a volumetric analysis.

Chronic subdural hematomas (CSDHs) are the among the most common conditions treated by neurosurgeons. Midline shift (MLS) is used as a radiological marker of CSDH severity and the potential need for urgent surgical evacuation. However, a patient's age may affect the degree of MLS for a given hematoma volume. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between the patient's age and the MLS caused by CSDH. The database of patients treated for CSDH was reviewed in a single institution. Patients with unilateral CSDH were included. To measure CSDH volume, the preprocedural head CT scans underwent 3D volumetric reconstruction using the TeraRecon software. The effect of age on MLS after adjusting for CSDH volume was investigated using linear regression analysis. Sixty-nine hematomas in 69 patients were included. The age of patients ranged from 25 to 94 years (mean 71.6 years). Hematoma volume and MLS ranged from 27.8 to 215 mL (mean 99.3 mL) and 0-17 mm (mean 6.5 mm), respectively. On multivariate regression analysis, MLS showed a significant independent negative correlation with age after adjusting for CSDH volume (OR -0.11, 95% CI -0.16 to -0.06; p < 0.001), meaning that for a fixed CSDH volume, with each 10-year increase in age the MLS will reduce by 1.1 mm. Moreover, MLS-to-volume ratio showed a significant negative linear correlation with age (r2 = 0.32; p < 0.001). Ten-milliliter increments in CSDH volume resulted in a 1.09-mm increase in MLS in patients younger than 60 years, which is 2.4-fold higher compared to the 0.46-mm increase in those older than 75 years (p < 0.001). For a fixed CSDH volume, older age correlates with significantly lower MLS. This could be explained by higher parenchymal compliance in older individuals due to increased brain atrophy, and a larger subdural space. Clinical use of MLS to estimate severity of CSDH and gauge treatment decisions should take the patient's age into account.

Predicting the progression of chronic subdural hematoma based on skull density

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to investigate potential correlations between skull density and the progression of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH).MethodsPatients with unilateral CSDH were retrospectively enrolled between January 2018 and December 2022. Demographic and clinical characteristics, as well as hematoma and skull density (Hounsfield unit, Hu), were collected and analyzed.ResultsThe study enrolled 830 patients with unilateral CSDH until the resolution of the CDSH or progressed with surgical treatment. Of the total, 488 patients (58.80%) necessitated surgical treatment. The study identified a significant correlation between the progression of CSDH and three variables: minimum skull density (MiSD), maximum skull density (MaSD), and skull density difference (SDD) (p &amp;lt; 0.001). Additionally, in the multivariable regression analysis, MiSD, MaSD, and SDD were independent predictors of CSDH progression. The MiSD + SDD model exhibited an accuracy of 0.88, as determined by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, with a sensitivity of 0.77 and specificity of 0.88. The model’s accuracy was validated through additional analysis.ConclusionThe findings suggest a significant correlation between skull density and the CSDH progression.

Relationship between Bilateral Chronic Subdural Hematomas and Postoperative Recurrence

Objective: The association between bilateral chronic subdural hematomas and postoperative recurrence remains controversial as conflicting evidence regarding this association exists in the literature. We carried out the present study to assess whether bilateral chronic subdural hematomas are associated with increased postoperative recurrence compared to unilateral chronic subdural hematomas after burrhole drainage. Materials &amp; Methods: We retrospectively studied the data of all the patients operated on in our department for chronic subdural hematoma evacuation through burrhole drainage and then included the data of sixty-three patients in our study. For the sake of uniformity, only patients without postoperative drainage were included in the study. The patients operated on for unilateral and bilateral chronic subdural hematomas were then compared with each other for their association with postoperative recurrence. Results: Forty-five patients in our study had been operated on for a unilateral chronic subdural hematoma. Eighteen patients had been operated for bilateral chronic subdural hematomas. Of the forty-five patients who operated for unilateral chronic subdural hematomas, eight (17.8%) had a recurrence. Twelve (66.7%) of the eighteen patients operated for bilateral chronic subdural hematoma had a recurrence. This difference in recurrence between the unilateral and bilateral chronic subdural hematomas was found to be very significant (p = 0.0002). Conclusion: We conclude that a bilateral chronic subdural hematoma is associated with significantly increased postoperative recurrence compared to a unilateral chronic subdural hematoma following burrhole drainage. Keywords: Bilateral chronic subdural hematoma, unilateral chronic subdural hematoma, burrhole drainage, recurrence.

Outcome of Chronic Subdural Haematoma Patients Following Burr Hole Craniostomy and Irrigation without Post-Operative Drain

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of burr whole craniostomy and irrigation without any post-operative drainage in the treatment of patients of Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH). Methods: This was a prospective study. A total of 50 patients of CSDH were included in the study. The clinical history of patients was noted. At the time of admission, level of consciousness as well as Galsgow Coma Score (GCS), conditions of the pupil as well as long tract signs in any of the limbs were recorded. All patients undergone for computed tomography (CT) at pre and 48 hours after operation. The findings of CT were recorded. Results: The mean age of patients was 61.00±12.33 ranging from 20-90 years. Majority were males (78%). Headache (92%) and hemi paresis (76%) were the most common clinical presentation. Previous history of trauma was present among half of patients (50%). Incontinence was present in 26% of patients. Right side subdural haematoma was involved in 48% of patients. Bilateral was in 32% patients. After 48 hours post-operative, CT showed that 52% patients of unilateral CSDH did not had Residual collection not causing midline shift. Of the bilateral CSDH, 60% patients had no collection. Clinically, there was improvement among 92% patients. Conclusion: Burr whole craniostomy with intraoperative irrigation and without post-operative drainage is an effective treatment option for CSDH. The results of surgical intervention with one burr hole are as good as using 2 burr holes for drainage of hemispheric chronic subdural haematoma.

Development and validation of a recurrent prediction model for patients with unilateral chronic subdural hematoma without hematoma volumetric analysis

Approximately 10% of patients with chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) undergo reoperation after initial surgery. This study aimed to develop a predictive model for the recurrence of unilateral CSDH at initial surgery without hematoma volumetric analysis. This single-center retrospective cohort study evaluated pre- and postoperative computed tomography (CT) images of patients with unilateral CSDH. The pre- and postoperative midline shift (MLS), residual hematoma thickness, and subdural cavity thickness (SCT) were measured. CT images were classified based on the internal architecture of the hematoma (homogenous, laminar, trabecular, separated, and gradation subtypes). Total 231 patients with unilateral CSDH underwent burr hole craniostomy. After receiver operating characteristic analysis, preoperative MLS and postoperative SCT showed better areas under the curve (AUCs) (0.684 and 0.756, respectively). According to the CT classification of preoperative hematomas, the recurrence rate was significantly higher in the separated/gradation group (18/97, 18.6%) than in the homogenous/laminar/trabecular group (10/134, 7.5%). Four-point score was derived from the multivariate model using the preoperative MLS, postoperative SCT, and CT classification. The AUC of this model was 0.796, and the recurrence rates at 0-4 points were 1.7%, 3.2%, 13.3%, 25.0%, and 35.7%, respectively. Pre- and postoperative CT findings without hematoma volumetric analysis may predict CSDH recurrence.

Outcomes of SUBGALEAL Drain Placement after two Burr-Holes Craniectomy for Chronic Subdural Hematoma.

To evaluate the efficacy and complications of subgaleal drain placement after two burr-holes evacuation of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH). Descriptive study. The Neurosurgical unit of the Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, from April to November 2021. Sixty-four consecutive patients diagnosed with surgically significant unilateral chronic subdural hematoma were prospectively included after obtaining informed consent. All the patients underwent two burr-holes craniectomies and evacuation, followed by subgaleal drain placement. Patient demographics, pre- and postoperative clinical information including hematoma resolution and complications were collected. This study included 44 (69%) males and 20 (31%) females with a mean age of 70.1 ± 8 years. The most common presenting symptoms were headaches (70%) and confusion (68%). Eighteen patients (28%) were taking warfarin or other anticoagulants, whereas, 23 patients (36%) were taking antiplatelet medications at the time of presentation. Thirty-six (56.3%) patients had a history of head trauma. Warfarin use was statistically significant in the patients with no history of head injury. Fifty-five patients (85%) showed no significant recurrence on the 2 week postoperative computed tomography (CT) scan. None of the patients had intraparenchymal hematoma or contusion of iatrogenic origin on postoperative CT scans. Subgaleal drain placement after two burr-holes craniectomy led to high-resolution rates. However, no parenchymal injuries were attributed to the procedure. Chronic subdural hematoma, Subdural drain, Subperiosteal drain, Burr-hole craniostomy.

Reducing morbidity associated with subdural drain placement after burr-hole drainage of unilateral chronic subdural hematomas: a retrospective series comparing conventional and modified Nelaton catheter techniques.

Placement of a subdural drain after burr-hole drainage of chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) significantly reduces risk of its recurrence and lowers mortality at 6 months. Nonetheless, measures to reduce morbidity related to drain placement are rarely addressed in the literature. Toward reducing drain-related morbidity, we compare outcomes achieved by conventional insertion and our proposed modification. In this retrospective series from two institutions, 362 patients underwent burr-hole drainage of unilateral cSDH with subsequent subdural drain insertion by conventional technique or modified Nelaton catheter (NC) technique. Primary endpoints were iatrogenic brain contusion or new neurological deficit. Secondary endpoints were drain misplacement, indication for computed tomography (CT) scan, re-operation for hematoma recurrence, and favorable Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) score (≥ 4) at final follow-up. The 362 patients (63.8% male) in our final analysis included drains inserted in 56 patients by NC and 306 patients by conventional technique. Brain contusions or new neurological deficits occurred significantly less often in the NC (1.8%) than conventional group (10.5%) (P = .041). Compared with the conventional group, the NC group had no drain misplacement (3.6% versus 0%; P = .23) and significantly fewer non-routine CT imaging related to symptoms (36.5% versus 5.4%; P < .001). Re-operation rates and favorable GOS scores were comparable between groups. We propose the NC technique as an easy-to-use measure for accurate drain positioning within the subdural space that may yield meaningful benefits for patients undergoing treatment for cSDH and vulnerable to complication risks.

Cortical atrophy in chronic subdural hematoma from ultra-structures to physical properties

Several theories have tried to elucidate the mechanisms behind the pathophysiology of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH). However, this process is complex and remains mostly unknown. In this study we performed a retrospective randomised analysis comparing the cortical atrophy of 190 patients with unilateral CSDH, with 190 healthy controls. To evaluate the extent of cortical atrophy, CT scan images were utilised to develop an index that is the ratio of the maximum diameter sum of 3 cisterns divided by the maximum diameter of the skull at the temporal lobe level. Also, we reported, for the first time, the ultrastructural analyses of the CSDH using a combination of immunohistochemistry methods and transmission electron microscopy techniques. Internal validation was performed to confirm the assessment of the different degrees of cortical atrophy. Relative Cortical Atrophy Index (RCA index) refers to the sum of the maximum diameter of three cisterns (insular cistern, longitudinal cerebral fissure and cerebral sulci greatest) with the temporal bones' greatest internal distance. This index, strongly related to age in healthy controls, is positively correlated to the preoperative and post-operative maximum diameter of hematoma and the midline shift in CSDH patients. On the contrary, it negatively correlates to the Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS). The Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristics (AUROC) showed that RCA index effectively differentiated cases from controls. Immunohistochemistry analysis showed that the newly formed CD-31 positive microvessels are higher in number than the CD34-positive microvessels in the CSDH inner membrane than in the outer membrane. Ultrastructural observations highlight the presence of a chronic inflammatory state mainly in the CSDH inner membrane. Integrating these results, we have obtained an etiopathogenetic model of CSDH. Cortical atrophy appears to be the triggering factor activating the cascade of transendothelial cellular filtration, inflammation, membrane formation and neovascularisation leading to the CSDH formation.

Outcome of Endoscopic Management of Chronic Subdural Haematoma: A Retrospective Study

Introduction: Chronic Subdural Haematoma (CSDH) is a condition with a collection of liquefied blood in the subdural space, which usually develops at least three weeks after an injury. Endoscopic evacuation of CSDH is a minimally invasive technique that has been shown to be effective in reducing the need for surgical dissection. Aim: To evaluate the outcome of endoscopic evacuation for CSDH. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at the Department of Neurosurgery, Gajra Raja Medical College, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India and its affiliated hospitals from January 2021 to December 2022. All patients with CSDH on non contrast CT were included, except those with incomplete records, organised CSDH, secondary CSDH within six months of neurosurgery or meningitis, and those with an injury-to-procedure interval of less than 15 days. At admission, socio-demographic data (age, gender), clinical variables (headache, forgetfulness, hemiparesis, giddiness, speech difficulties), and co-morbidities were recorded. Pre and post-assessment were done by Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS). Descriptive statistics was used and results were expressed in terms of frequency and percentages. Results: A total of 20 patients with unilateral CSDH (predominantly on the left-side) were included, among which 16 were males and 4 females with a mean age of 64.45 years. The most common presenting complaints were headaches, forgetfulness, and unilateral weakness. Most patients had a GCS score of 14-15, and four had co-morbidities such as diabetes and hypertension. No brain tissue injury was observed during the endoscopic evacuation, and all patients achieved complete recovery (GCS score: 15) without any recurrence, infection, fresh bleeding, or brain or membrane injury. Rapid brain expansion occurred in 16 patients; Subdural Drains (SDD) was kept for five days in four patients. Conclusion: Endoscopic evacuation of CSDH is a safe and effective technique for improving clot removal and reducing the recurrence rate.

The Value of Suction Drainage for a Chronic Subdural Hematoma in Elderly Patients: A Retrospective Cohort study

Background: The use of suction in the subgaleal drainage system after the burr-hole evacuation of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is still debatable. This study aimed to investigate the value of adding suction to the drainage system of CSDH in elderly patients. Methods: This cohort study retrospectively reviewed the data of the CSDH patients operated on at our university hospital in the last eight years. The inclusion criteria were elderly patients who underwent evacuation of a unilateral CSDH through two burr holes followed by placing a subgaleal drainage tube. Two hundred seventy-three consecutive patients met the inclusion criteria. Seventy-six patients (27.8%) received suction drainage. The comparison between groups with qualitative data was done using the chi-square test. The comparison between groups with quantitative data was done using the t-test. The statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS software version 21 (IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, USA). Results: There were no statistically significant differences between the suction and the non-suction drainage groups regarding the hospitalization period, the postoperative seizures, or the recurrence rate. However, the postoperative pneumocephalus volume in the suction drainage group was significantly lower than in the non-suction drainage group. None of the patients developed acute subdural or intracerebral hemorrhage. Conclusions: Suction drainage did not add statistically significant value to the closed drainage system regarding the hospitalization period, postoperative seizures, or recurrence rate of the CSDH. A prospective controlled study is needed to increase the evidence for this finding.

Brain re-expansion predict the recurrence of unilateral CSDH: A clinical grading system.

ObjectiveAssessing the risk of postoperative recurrence of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is a clinical focus. To screen the main factors associated with the perioperative hematoma recurrence. The brain re-expansion is the core factor of recurrence. A clinical prognostic scoring system was also proposed.MethodsWe included 295 patients with unilateral CSDH as the training group for modeling. Factors predicting postoperative recurrence requiring reoperation (RrR) were determined using univariate and multivariate regression analyses, and bivariate Pearson correlation coefficient analysis was used to exclude related factors. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis evaluates the ability of main factors to predict RrR and determines the cut-off value of brain re-expansion rate. We developed a prognostic scoring system and conducted preliminary verification. A verification group including 119 patients with unilateral CSDH was used to verify the grading systems.ResultsThe key factors for predicting unilateral CSDH recurrence were cerebral re-expansion rate (≤ 40%) at postoperative days 7–9 (OR 25.91, p < 0.001) and the preoperative CT density classification (isodense or hyperdense, or separated or laminar types) (OR 8.19, p = 0.007). Cerebral atrophy played a key role in brain re-expansion (OR 2.36, p = 0.002). The CSDH prognostic grading system ranged from 0 to 3. An increased score was associated with a more accurate progressive increase in the RrR rate (AUC = 0.856).ConclusionsOur prognostic grading system could screen clinically high-risk RrR patients with unilateral CSDH. However, increased attention should be paid to brain re-expansion rate after surgery in patients with CSDH.

Gender-Specific Differences in Chronic Subdural Hematoma.

Few studies concerning aspects of gender-specific differences in chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH). This study aimed to determine whether gender-specific differences exist in CSDH regarding clinical, radiological characteristics, and prognosis. A total of 585 patients with CSDH were retrospectively identified. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on gender. Clinical, radiological characteristics, and prognosis were compared using Fisher's exact test or Student t test when applicable. The logistic regression model was used to identify independent risk factors associated with death in CSDH patients. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to detect the sensitivity and specificity of independent risk factors. The average age of women was 71.50±0.92 years, significantly older than 67.30±0.60 years in men. Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and uremia were significantly more common in women than in men. Alcohol intake was more in males than in females. CSDH patients in males manifested homogeneous iso-dense and homogeneous hyper-dense was obviously more than that in the females. Although homogeneous hypo-dense and mixed density were significantly more common in the females. The average preoperative hematoma volume of the unilateral CSDH in males was 160.85±3.06cm3, significantly more than 139.60±5.70cm3 in females. The mortality of females was 7.4%, higher than 1.7% in males (P=0.004). Female, age, uremia, and recurrence were independent risk factors for death in CSDH patients. Gender-specific differences do exist in CSDH. Female, age, uremia, and recurrence were independent risk factors for death in CSDH patients.

A Validation Study of Kwon's Prognostic Scoring System for Chronic Subdural Hematoma

Surgery for chronic subdural hematoma is one of the most frequent operations in neurosurgical practice. Chronic subdural hematoma mostly afflicts the elderly population. In 2018, Kwon and co-workers, published the Kwon scoring system (KSS), whereby 6 clinical and radiological factors are used to facilitate, and promote quality in, surgical decision-making and counseling of relatives. The aim of this study is to validate the KSS. Patients operated on for unilateral chronic subdural hematoma at Örebro University Hospital, Sweden, between 2013 and 2019 constituted the study population. General data and the 6 outcome predictors according to the KSS were extracted from the electronic patient records. The preoperative modified Rankin Scale score and the postoperative 6-month modified Rankin Scale score were assessed. We identified 133 patients (69.2% male) with a median age of 80.2years (interquartile range 72.6-85.9). The median Glasgow Coma Scale score at admission was 15; 57.1% had motor deficits and 36.81% were disoriented. For 39.1% of the patients, the prognosis was a favorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale 0-1) at 6months. The median KSS score was 9; 63.9% of the patients scored ≥9, and 36 (42.4%) of these patients actually achieved a favorable outcome. This corresponds to a prediction model sensitivity of 0.667 and specificity of 0.424. A receiver operator characteristic curve analysis of the model yielded an area under the receiver operator characteristic curve of 0.62441. In our material, the KSS did not predict outcome precisely enough to base treatment decisions or counseling of relatives on the scores obtained.

Practical concepts in the identification of bilateral chronic subdural hematoma

Bilateral chronic subdural hematoma is a neurosurgical pathology whose incidence in older adults has been increasing, as a consequence of the ageing of the population, added to the factors that are linked to it. Neurosurgical diseases with chronic evolution generate a high burden of disease due to morbidity, disability, mortality and health costs associated with reinterventions and rehabilitation. For this reason, the interest in this disease has been increasing, also justified by the little information there is about it, unlike unilateral chronic subdural hematomas, although it has been described that both may have pathophysiological similarities that help to understand them.