Outcomes of decompressive craniectomy for malignant middle cerebral artery stroke in an academic hospital in Brazil / Desfechos da craniectomia descompressiva para infarto maligno da artéria cerebral média em um hospital acadêmico no Brasil

Abstract Background Ischemic stroke is an important cause of death in the world. The malignant middle cerebral artery infarction (MMCAI) has mortality as high as 80% when clinically treated. In this setting, decompressive craniectomy is a life-saving measure, in spite of high morbidity among survivors. Objective To evaluate the outcomes of patients with MMCAI treated with decompressive craniectomy in a Brazilian academic tertiary stroke center. Methods A prospective stroke database was retrospectively evaluated, and all patients treated with decompressive craniectomy for MMCAI between January 2014 and December 2017 were included. The demographics and clinical characteristics were evaluated. The functional outcome, measured by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS), was assessed at hospital discharge, after 3-months and 1-year of follow-up. Results We included 53 patients on the final analysis. The mean age was 54.6 ± 11.6 years and 64.2% were males. The median time from symptoms to admission was 4.8 (3-9.7) hours and the mean time from symptoms to surgery was 36 ± 17 hours. The left hemisphere was the affected in 39.6%. The median NIHSS at admission was 20 (16-24). The in-hospital mortality was 30.2%. After a median of 337 [157-393] days, 47.1% of patients had achieved favorable outcome (mRS ≤ 4) and 39.6% had died. Conclusion Decompressive craniectomy is a life-saving measure in the setting of MMCAI, and its effects remains important in the scenario of a middle-income country in real-world situations.

Resumo Antecedentes O acidente vascular cerebral (AVC) isquêmico é uma causa importante da morte em todo o mundo. O infarto maligno da artéria cerebral média (IMACM) tem mortalidade de até 80% quando tratado clinicamente. Nesse contexto, a craniectomia descompressiva é uma medida salvadora de vidas, apesar da alta morbidade entre os sobreviventes. Objetivo Avaliar os desfechos dos pacientes com IMACM tratados com craniectomia descompressiva em um centro acadêmico terciário de AVC no Brasil. Métodos Um banco de dados prospectivo de AVC foi avaliado retrospectivamente e todos os pacientes tratados com craniectomia descompressiva para IMACM entre janeiro de 2014 e dezembro de 2017 foram incluídos. As características clínicas e demográficas foram avaliadas. Os desfechos funcionais, medidos pela escala modificada da Rankin (mRS), foram avaliados na alta hospitalar, após 3 meses e após 1 ano de seguimento. Resultados Foram incluídos 53 pacientes na análise final. A idade média foi 54,6 ± 11,6 anos e 64,2% eram homens. A mediana do tempo dos sintomas à admissão foi 4,8 (3-9,7) horas e o tempo médio dos sintomas à cirurgia foi 36 ± 17 horas. O hemisfério esquerdo foi o afetado em 39,6%. A pontuação na escala de AVC do National Institute of Health (NIHSS) à admissão foi 20 (16-24). A mortalidade hospitalar foi 30,2%. Após uma mediana de 337 (157-393) dias, 47,1% dos pacientes tinham atingido um desfecho favorável (mRS ≤ 4) e 39,6% tinham morrido. Conclusão Craniectomia descompressiva é uma medida salvadora de vidas no contexto do IMACM e seus efeitos permanecem importantes no cenário de um país em desenvolvimento em situação de vida real.

Time course of hemispheric cerebral volume after decompressive craniectomy in malignant middle cerebral artery stroke / Evolução temporal do volume hemisférico cerebral após craniectomia descompressiva em infarto maligno de artéria cerebral média

Abstract Background Brain edema is the leading cause of death in patients with malignant middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarction. Midline shift (MLS) has been used as a monohemispheric brain edema marker in several studies; however, it does not precisely measure brain edema. It is now possible to directly measure hemisphere brain volume. Knowledge about the time course of brain edema after malignant middle cerebral artery infarction may contribute to the condition's management. Objective Therefore, our goal was to evaluate the course of brain edema in patients with malignant MCA infarction treated with decompressive craniectomy (DC) using hemispheric volumetric measurements. Methods Patients were selected consecutively from a single tertiary hospital between 2013 and 2019. All patients were diagnosed with malignant middle cerebral artery infarction and underwent a decompressive craniectomy (DC) to treat the ischemic event. All computed tomography (CT) exams performed during the clinical care of these patients were analyzed, and the whole ischemic hemisphere volume was calculated for each CT scan. Results We analyzed 43 patients (197 CT exams). Patients' mean age at DC was 51.72 [range: 42-68] years. The mean time between the ischemic ictus and DC was 41.88 (range: 6-77) hours. The mean time between the ischemic event and the peak of hemisphere volume was 168.84 (95% confidence interval [142.08, 195.59]) hours. Conclusion In conclusion, the peak of cerebral edema in malignant MCA infarction after DC occurred on the 7th day (168.84 h) after stroke symptoms onset. Further studies evaluating therapies for brain edema even after DC should be investigated.

Resumo Antecedentes O edema cerebral é a principal causa de morte em pacientes com infarto maligno de artéria cerebral média. O desvio da linha média tem sido utilizado como marcador de edema cerebral mono-hemisférico em alguns estudos; porém, ele não mede de forma precisa o edema cerebral. Atualmente é possível mensurar diretamente o volume do hemisfério cerebral. O conhecimento sobre a evolução temporal do edema cerebral após infartos malignos da artéria cerebral média pode contribuir para o cuidado clínico desta condição. Objetivo Nosso objetivo é avaliar o edema hemisférico ao longo do tempo, em pacientes com infarto maligno da artéria cerebral média, tratados com craniectomia descompressiva. Métodos Os pacientes foram selecionados de forma consecutiva, em um hospital terciário, entre 2013 e 2019. Todos os pacientes apresentavam diagnóstico de infarto maligno de artéria cerebral média e foram submetidos a craniectomia descompressiva. Todas as tomografias computadorizadas de crânio destes pacientes foram analizadas, e o volume do hemisfério cerebral infartado foi mensurado. Resultados Analisamos 43 pacientes (197 tomografias de crânio). A idade média dos pacientes na craniectomia descompressiva foi 51,72 (42-68) anos. O tempo médio entre o ictus e a craniectomia descompressiva foi 41,88 (6-77) horas. O tempo médio entre o ictus e o pico do volume hemisférico foi 168,84 (142,08-195,59) horas. Conclusão O pico do volume cerebral em pacientes com infarto maligno de artéria cerebral média submetidos a craniectomia descompressiva ocorreu no 7o dia (168,84 horas) após o infarto. Mais estudos avaliando terapêuticas direcionadas ao edema cerebral seriam úteis neste contexto.

Clinical evolution of dysphagic patients after malignant infarction and decompressive craniectomy: a case series / Evolução clínica de pacientes disfágicos pós-AVCi maligno e craniectomia descompressiva: série de casos

ABSTRACT This study aimed to characterize clinical-neurological factors and the functional swallowing capacity of patients with malignant infarction submitted to decompressive craniectomy during the hospital stay. This retrospective, descriptive, observational study was conducted between January 2020 and December 2021. The following data regarding up to eight stages were extracted for descriptive analysis: age, location of the lesion, level of awareness according to the Glasgow Coma Scale, neurological impairment according to the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, and the functional swallowing capacity according to the Functional Oral Intake Scale. Data on five patients were collected, with a mean of 0.2 days for the first neurological assessment. Decompressive craniectomy was performed in a mean of 2 days after admission. The speech-language-hearing assessment occurred in a mean of 8.2 days, and the speech-language-hearing discharge took a mean of 35.4 days. The neurological impairment score remained the same as in the first neurological assessment after decompressive craniectomy, with a mean score of 16.6. The functional swallowing capacity was the same in the first assessment after decompressive craniectomy, on FOIS level 1, improving considerably by the discharge, with a mean level of 4.8. It is concluded that clinical-neurological factors can interfere with the functional swallowing capacity, although they did not hinder either speech-language-hearing treatment or their evolution to a full oral diet during the hospital stay.

RESUMO O objetivo do presente trabalho é caracterizar fatores clínicos-neurológicos e capacidade funcional de deglutição de pacientes com Acidente Vascular Cerebral Isquêmico Maligno submetidos a craniectomia descompressiva durante internação hospitalar. Trata-se de um estudo observacional, descritivo e retrospectivo, realizado de janeiro de 2020 a dezembro de 2021. Os dados foram extraídos em até oito momentos, incluindo idade, local da lesão, nível de consciência de acordo com Glasgow, comprometimento neurológico pelo National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale e capacidade funcional de deglutição pela Escala Funcional de Ingestão por Via Oral. Realizou-se análise descritiva. Foram coletados dados de 5 pacientes sendo a média de tempo para primeira avaliação neurológica de 0,2 dias. A realização da craniectomia descompressiva levou em média 2 dias após admissão. Avaliação fonoaudiológica ocorreu, em média, 8,2 dias e alta fonoaudiológica levou, em média, 35,4 dias. O comprometimento neurológico manteve-se na pontuação da primeira avaliação neurológica pós-craniectomia descompressiva, média de 16,6. A capacidade funcional de deglutição foi a mesma na primeira avaliação pós-craniectomia descompressiva, com nível 1 na FOIS, melhorando consideravelmente, com média de nível 4,8, na alta. Concluiu-se que fatores clínicos-neurológicos podem interferir na capacidade funcional de deglutição, contudo não limitaram a atuação fonoaudiológica e evolução com dieta oral exclusiva na internação hospitalar.

Predictors of decompressive craniectomy after endovascular therapy in patients with acute anterior circulation ischemic stroke / 国际脑血管病杂志

Objective:To investigate risk factors for decompressive craniectomy (DC) after endovascular therapy (EVT) in patients with acute anterior circulation ischemic stroke.Methods:Patients underwent EVT due to acute anterior circulation large vessel occlusion in Liaocheng Brain Hospital from January 2018 to January 2020 were retrospectively included. They were divided into DC group and non-DC group. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to determine risk factors for DC after EVT. Results:A total of 207 patients were enrolled, 126 were male (60.87%), and their age was 66.22±11.24 years old. The baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score was 19.84±9.20, and the Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) was 7.98±0.66. The immediate postoperative modified Treatment In Cerebral Ischemia (mTICI) blood flow grade in seven patients (5.80%) was ≤2a, 30 (14.49%) experienced hemorrhagic transformation (HT) after procedure, and 28 (13.5%) received DC. There were statistically significant differences between the DC group and the non-DC group in terms of past stroke history, preoperative NIHSS score and ASPECTS, vascular occlusion site, EVT time, immediate postoperative mTICI ≤2a, and HT (all P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that atrial fibrillation (odds ratio [ OR] 3.202, 95% confidence interval [ CI] 1.335-9.796; P=0.011), previous stroke history ( OR 2.655, 95% CI 1.016-6.938; P=0.046), high preoperative NIHSS score ( OR 1.074, 95% CI 1.026-1.124; P=0.002), internal carotid artery occlusion ( OR 4.268, 95% CI 1.399-13.024; P=0.011), longer EVT time ( OR 1.010, 95% CI 1.003-1.016; P=0.003), mTICI grade ≤2a ( OR 5.342, 95% CI 1.565-18.227; P=0.007) and postoperative HT ( OR 3.036, 95% CI 1.024-9.004; P=0.045) were independent risk factors for DC. Conclusions:It is not uncommon for patients with acute anterior circulation ischemic stroke to need DC after EVT. Previous stroke history, atrial fibrillation, high baseline NIHSS score, internal carotid artery occlusion, prolonged blood EVT time, mTICI grade ≤2a and postoperative HT are independent predictors of needing DC after EVT.

Role of the optic nerve sheath diameter in the assessment of the effectiveness of decompressive surgery after malignant middle cerebral artery infarction / Papel do diâmetro da bainha do nervo óptico na avaliação da eficácia da cirurgia descompressiva após infarto maligno da artéria cerebral média

Abstract Background After a case of stroke, intracranial pressure (ICP) must be measured and monitored, and the gold standard method for that is through an invasive technique using an intraventricular or intraparenchymal device. However, The ICP can also be assessed through a non-invasive method, comprised of the measurement of the optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) through ultrasound (US). Objective To evaluate the ICP of patients who underwent wide decompressive craniectomy after middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarction via preoperative and postoperative ONSD measurements. Methods A total of 17 patients, aged between 34 and 70 years, diagnosed with malignant MCA infarction with radiological edema and mid-line shift, who underwent decompressive surgery, were eligible. From the records, we collected data on age, sex, preoperative and postoperative Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, the degree of disability in the preoperative period and three months postoperatively through the scores on the Modified Rankin Scale (MRS), and the preoperative and postoperative midline shift measured by computed tomography (CT) scans of the brain. Results Preoperatively, the mean GCS score was of 8 (range: 7.7-9.2), whereas it was found to be of 12 (range 10-14) on the first postoperative day (p = 0.001). The mean preoperative NIHSS score was of 21.36 ± 2.70 and, on the first postoperative day, it was of 5.30 ± 0.75 (p < 0.001). As for the midline shift, the mean preoperative value was of 1.33 ± 0.75 cm, and, on the first postoperative day, 0.36 ± 0.40 cm (p < 0.001). And, regarding the ONSD, the mean preoperative measurement was of 5.5 ± 0.1 mm, and, on the first postoperative day, it was of 5 ± 0.9 mm (p < 0.001). Conclusion The ocular US measurement of the ONSD for the preoperative and postoperative monitoring of the ICP seems to be a practical and useful method.

Resumo Antecedentes Após um acidente vascular cerebral (AVC), a pressão intracraniana (PIC) deve ser medida e monitorada, e o método padrão-ouro para isso é um procedimento invasivo por meio de um dispositivo intraventricular ou intraparenquimal. No entanto, a PIC também pode ser avaliada por um método não invasivo, composto da medida do diâmetro da bainha do nervo óptico (DBNO) por ultrassom (US). Objetivo Avaliar a PIC de pacientes submetidos a craniectomia descompressiva ampla após infarto da artéria cerebral média (ACM) por meio das medidas do DBNO nos períodos pré e pós-operatório. Métodos Um total de 17 pacientes, com idades entre 34 e 70 anos, diagnosticados com infarto maligno da ACM com edema radiológico e deslocamento da linha média, e que foram submetidos a cirurgia descompressiva, eram elegíveis. A partir dos prontuários, coletamos informações relativas à idade, gênero, pontuações pré e pósoperatória na Escala de Coma de Glasgow (ECG), pontuação na escala de AVC dos National Institutes of Health (NIH), o grau de incapacidade no pré-operatório e após três meses da operação pelas pontuações na Escala de Rankin Modificada (ERM), e o desvio da linha média no pré e pós-operatório medido por tomografia computadorizada (TC) cerebral. Resultados No pré-operatório, a pontuação média na ECG foi de 8 (variação: 7,7-9,2), e, no primeiro dia do pós-operatório, 12 variação 10-14) (p = 0,001). A pontuação média na escala dos NIH foi de 21,36 ± 2,70 no pré-operatório, e de 5,30 ± 0,75 no primeiro dia de pós-operatório (p < 0,00 1). Quanto ao desvio da linha média, no préoperatório ele teve uma média de 1,33 ± 0,75 cm, e de 0,36 ± 0,40 cm no primeiro dia de pós-operatório (p < 0,001). E o DBNO apresentou uma média pré-operatória de 5,5 ± 0,1 mm, e de 5 ± 0,9 mm no primeiro dia de pós-operatório (p < 0,001). Conclusão A mensuração ocular do DBNO por US para o monitoramento da PIC no pré e no pós-operatório parece ser um método prático e útil.

Cerebral venous thrombosis / Trombose venosa cerebral

ABSTRACT Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVT) consists of partial or complete occlusion of a sinus or a cerebral vein. CVT represents 0.5-1% of all strokes and is more frequent in young women. This review discusses particular aspects of CVT diagnosis and management: decompressive craniectomy (DC), anticoagulation with direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), CVT after coronavirus-disease 19 (COVID-19) and Vaccine-Induced Immune Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia (VITT).

RESUMO A trombose venosa cerebral (TVC) consiste na oclusão parcial ou completa de um seio ou de uma veia cerebral. A TVC representa 0,5-1% das doenças cerebrovasculares e é mais frequente em mulheres jovens. Esta revisão discute aspectos específicos do diagnóstico e do manejo da TVC: craniectomia descompressiva (DC), anticoagulação com anticoagulantes orais diretos (DOACs), TVC após infecção por coronavírus (COVID-19) e Trombocitopenia Trombótica Imune Induzida por Vacina (VITT).

Decompressive craniectomy for malignant middle cerebral artery infarction at an emergency hospital in Peru / Craniectomía descompresiva en infarto maligno de la arteria cerebral media en un hospital de emergencias en Perú

SUMMARY Objective : To describe clinical, surgical and post-operative characteristics of patients with the diagnosis of malignant infarction of the middle cerebral artery who underwent decompressive craniectomy. Methods : Descriptive, retrospective case series study, performed between March 2017 and March 2020. Data from consecutive patients with the diagnosis of malignant middle cerebral artery infarction were collected. Results : Ten cases were reviewed. Eighty percent of the patients were men, the mean age was 64 years and 60% of the patients were older than 60 years. At admission, the mean Glasgow was 11 points and the mean mRS was 4. The mean time from diagnosis to surgery was 89.7 hours. The anterior cerebral artery was comprised in two cases. Hemorrhagic transformation occurred in three cases. The mean anterior-posterior diameter of the skull flap was 116 mm. The mean ICU and hospital length of stay were 14.1 and 27.5 days, respectively. Three patients died. Conclusions : Decompressive craniectomy is a life-saving procedure in an emergency hospital-setting with an acceptable in-hospital mortality rate within one-month follow-up.

RESUMEN Objetivo : Describir las características clínicas, quirúrgicas y postoperatorias en pacientes con diagnóstico de infarto maligno de la arteria cerebral media sometidos a craniectomía descompresiva. Material y métodos : Estudio observacional, descriptivo, retrospectivo, tipo serie de casos, realizado entre marzo 2017 y marzo 2020. Se recolectaron los datos de pacientes consecutivos con diagnóstico de infarto maligno de arteria cerebral. Resultados : Diez casos fueron revisados. Ochenta por ciento fueron hombres, la edad promedio fue 64 años y 60% de los pacientes fueron mayores de 60 años. En la admisión, el Glasgow promedio fue de 11 puntos y el mRS fue de 4. El tiempo promedio desde el diagnostico hasta la cirugía fue de 89,7 horas. La arteria cerebral anterior estuvo comprometida en dos casos. La transformación hemorrágica ocurrió en tres casos. El diámetro anteroposterior promedio de la plaqueta ósea fue de 116 mm. El tiempo promedio de estancia en UCI y estancia hospitalaria fueron de 14,1 días y 27,5 días, respectivamente. Tres pacientes murieron. Conclusiones : La craniectomía descompresiva es un procedimiento que salva vidas en un ambiente hospitalario de emergencia con una aceptable mortalidad intrahospitalaria dentro del primer mes de seguimiento.

Actualización en el tratamiento del síndrome de hipertensión intracraneana / Update on the management of intracranial hypertension syndrome

Elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) is a devastating complication, with great impact on neurological status and high morbidity and mortality. Intracranial hypertension (ICH) has multiple etiologies. The natural history of this condition can lead to brain death. The successful management of patients with elevated ICP (> 20-25 mmHg) requires fast and timely recognition, judicious use of invasive monitoring and therapies aimed to reversing its underlying cause. Therefore, it must be managed as a neurological emergency. The objective of this review is to present in a friendly way the diagnostic approach and the management of ICH, focused on general practitioners.

Nomogram for predicting post-traumatic hydrocephalus after decompressive craniectomy for traumatic brain injury

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to develop and validate a practical nomogram to predict the occurrence of post-traumatic hydrocephalus in patients who have undergone decompressive craniectomy for traumatic brain injury. METHODS: A total of 516 cases were enrolled and divided into the training (n=364) and validation (n=152) cohorts. Optimal predictors were selected through least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression analysis of the training cohort then used to develop a nomogram. Receiver operating characteristic, calibration plot, and decision curve analysis, respectively, were used to evaluate the discrimination, fitting performance, and clinical utility of the resulting nomogram in the validation cohort. RESULTS: Preoperative subarachnoid hemorrhage Fisher grade, type of decompressive craniectomy, transcalvarial herniation volume, subdural hygroma, and functional outcome were all identified as predictors and included in the predicting model. The nomogram exhibited good discrimination in the validation cohort and had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.80 (95%CI 0.72-0.88). The calibration plot demonstrated goodness-of-fit between the nomogram's prediction and actual observation in the validation cohort. Finally, decision curve analysis indicated significant clinical adaptability. CONCLUSION: The present study developed and validated a model to predict post-traumatic hydrocephalus. The nomogram that had good discrimination, calibration, and clinical practicality can be useful for screening patients at a high risk of post-traumatic hydrocephalus. The nomogram can also be used in clinical practice to develop better therapeutic strategies.

Continuous monitoring of intracranial pressure and partial oxygen pressure of brain tissue in patients with severe traumatic brain injury after standard decompressive craniectomy and microscopic hematoma removal / 中国综合临床

Objective:To investigate the effect of continuous intracranial pressure (ICP) and brain oxygen partial pressure (PbtO 2) monitoring and guiding treatment after the application of standard large bone flap decompression and microhematoma removal in patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Methods:A retrospective analysis was done of 41 patients with TBI in Department of Neurosurgery in the Inner Mongolia People's Hospital from January 2018 to May 2020. Patients with Glasgow coma scale (GCS)<8 points were treatesd with microscopical removal of hematoma and contusion brain tissue and standard large bone flap decompression. Intraoperative intracranial pressure and brain tissue oxygen partial pressure monitoring probes were placed. Postoperatively, continuous intracranial pressure monitoring and partial oxygen pressure monitoring of brain tissue were performed, and target-based treatment under ICP and PbtO 2 monitoring was performed. According to the Glasgow Outcome (GOS) score after six months, patients were divided into a good outcome group (4-5 scores) and a poor outcome group (1-3 scores). There were 26 cases in good prognosis group and 15 cases in poor prognosis group. Linear regression analysis was used to further evaluate the relationship between PbtO 2, ICP and GOS score. The measurement data of normal distribution were compared by independent sample t-test. The counting data were expressed in cases (%), and the comparison between groups was adopted χ 2 inspection. The general linear bivariate Pearson correlation test was used. Results:The mean value of PbtO 2 (17.42±5.34) mmHg in the poor prognosis group was lower than that in the good prognosis group (24.65±5.61) mmHg, with statistical significance ( t=4.04, P<0.001). The mean value of ICP (22.32±3.45) mmHg in the poor prognosis group was higher than that (17.32±3.23) mmHg in the good prognosis group, with statistical significance ( t=4.15, P<0.001). Using PbtO 2 and ICP as independent variables and GOS score after 6 months as dependent variable, a regression equation was established ( Y=4.040 X+7.497; Y=-2.549 X+28.63). The mean value of PbtO 2 was positively correlated with GOS scores after 6 months in patients with severe head injury ( r=0.75, P<0.001). The mean value of ICP was negatively correlated with the prognosis of patients with severe head injury ( r=-0.87, P<0.001). Conclusion:The treatment guided by ICP combined with PbtO 2 monitoring is valuable in improving the prognosis of patients with severe traumatic brain injury after standard decompressive craniectomy, and may improve the prognosis 6 months after the injury.

The application of two flap dissection methods in the standard large decompressive craniectomy / 中国医师杂志

Objective:To compare the application effect of electrotome flap separation and neuro dissector in standard large decompressive craniectomy (SLDC).Methods:From January 2020 to December 2020, 40 patients with severe craniocerebral injury who met the standard and planned to undergo SLDC were randomly divided into two groups: 20 patients in the electrotome separation group and 20 patients in the nerve dissector group. The time of flap seperation, the degree of edema and atrophy of temporal muscle on the operation side were compared between the two groups.Results:There was no significant difference in the time of flap separation between the two groups [(20.91±12.33)min vs (29.92±12.69)min, t=1.799, P>0.05]. The patients in the two groups had different degrees of temporal muscle edema 48 hours after operation. The degree of temporal muscle edema in the electrotome separation group was more serious than that in the nerve dissector group [(18.82±5.23)cm 3 vs (10.71±3.69)cm 3,t=7.314, P<0.05]. The degree of temporal muscle atrophy in the electrotome separation group was higher than that in the nerve dissector group [(8.26±2.38)cm 3 vs (6.72±2.13)cm 3,t=2.314, P<0.05]. Conclusions:In SLDC surgery, there was no significant difference in flap separation time between electrotome separation flap method and neuro dissector flap separation method, but the latter had less damage to temporal muscle and less atrophy of temporal muscle after operation.

Clinical efficacy of gradual decompression in the treatment of severe traumatic brain injury and its effects on the improvement of intracranial pressure / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of gradual decompression in the treatment of severe traumatic brain injury and its effects on the improvement of intracranial pressure.Methods:The clinical data of 120 patients with severe traumatic brain injury who received treatment in the General Hospital of Taiyuan Iron and Steel (Group) Co., Ltd. from January 2015 to January 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The included patients were divided into decompressive craniectomy group (control group, n = 64) and gradual decompression group ( n = 56). Intracranial pressure was compared between the two groups at different time points (before surgery, during the surgery, immediately after surgery, 3 and 6 months after surgery). The patient's self-care ability, coma degree, and neurological deficits pre-surgery and 6 months after surgery were evaluated in each group. The incidence of complications throughout the surgery and within 6 months after surgery was calculated to evaluate the quality of life. Results:There was no significant difference in intracranial pressure pre-surgery between the two groups ( P > 0.05). Intracranial pressure in the gradual decompression group was (30.74 ± 2.51) mmHg, (25.11 ± 2.06) mmHg, (21.34 ± 2.01) mmHg, and (16.74 ± 1.54) mmHg respectively during the surgery, immediately after surgery, and 3 and 6 months after surgery, which was significantly lower than that in the control group [(34.31 ± 3.06) mmHg, (30.64 ± 2.57) mmHg, (26.33 ± 2.35) mmHg, (22.64 ± 1.95) mmHg, t = 12.88, 19.03, 12.40, 18.20, all P < 0.001]. There were no significant differences in scores of the Modified Barthel Index (MBI), the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) pre-surgery between the two groups (all P > 0.05). At 6 months after surgery, the MBI and GCS scores increased and the NIHSS score decreased in each group. There were significant differences in the NIHSS, MBI, and GCS scores between the two groups ( t = 7.61, 6.26, 13.07, all P < 0.001). During the surgery and 6 months after surgery, the incidences of cerebral infarction, delayed cerebral hematoma, and acute encephalocele were significantly lower in the gradual decompression group than in the control group ( χ2 = 4.23, 4.35, 4.83, all P < 0.05). The Generic Quality of Life Inventory-74 Questionnaire scores in environment, psychological health, social relationship, and psychological health domains were significantly higher in the gradual decompression group than in the control group ( t = 8.16, 9.80, 8.68, 7.76, all P < 0.001) Conclusion:This study is the first to analyze the feasibility of gradual decompression for the treatment of severe traumatic brain injury in terms of intracranial pressure, quality of life, and short- and medium-term complications. Findings from this study confirm that gradual decompression can effectively lower intracranial pressure of patients with severe traumatic brain injury, improve neurological function, reduce complications, and improve patients' self-care ability and quality of life.

Research progress in retroauricular incision decompressive hemicraniectomy for the treatment of severe traumatic brain injury / 中华创伤杂志

Severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI) as the most common emergency severe syndrome in neurosurgery has a high mortality and poor prognosis. Decompressive craniectomy is the first treatment choice for sTBI. The reverse question mark incision was usually adopted in decompressive craniectomy, but some scholars also suggest using the n-type incision and Kempe incision. Although the curative effect is remarkable when using the above incisions, the incidence of postoperative complications is high, such as cerebrospinal fluid leakage, poor wound healing and flap ischemic necrosis. Moreover, the advantages and disadvantages of different incisions are not clear. Therefore, some scholars proposed retroauricular incision decompressive craniectomy for sTBI patients because this incision that retains blood supply through a new flap can provide better decompression effect and reduce incision-related complications. The authors review the research progress in retroauricular incision in aspects of the methods, indications and its advantages and disadvantages in constrast with other incisions, so as to provide a theoretical basis for the selection of incision for decompressive craniectomy in sTBI patients.

Desenlace de craniectomía descompresiva primaria y secundaria en pacientes con trauma craneoencefálico severo en la Clínica Universidad de La Sabana / Outcomes of Primary and Secondary Decompressive Craniectomy in Patients with Severe Traumatic Brain Injury at Clínica de la Universidad de La Sabana

RESUMEN Objetivos: El propósito de este estudio fue determinar el desenlace en el egreso y en el seguimiento a un año de los pacientes con trauma craneoencefálico severo sometidos a craniectomía descompresiva primaria y secundaria en la Clínica de la Universidad de La Sabana, en un periodo de cinco años. Pacientes y métodos: Se llevó a cabo una serie de casos retrospectiva de pacientes con trauma craneoencefálico severo sometidos a craniectomía descompresiva entre 2008 y 2013. Los desenlaces primarios fueron la sobrevida y el estado funcional medido por la escala de desenlace de Glasgow al momento del egreso hospitalario y al año de seguimiento. Como desenlaces secundarios se incluyeron el tiempo de latencia para la realización de la craniectomía, las complicaciones intra- y postoperatorias, días de hospitalización y estancia en la unidad de cuidados intensivos, tiempo de ventilación, resultados de la craneoplastia y causa de muerte. Resultados: Treinta y cinco pacientes con trauma craneoencefálico severo fueron sometidos a craniectomía descompresiva en el periodo de estudio, 29 primarias y 6 secundarias, con una latencia mediana de 5 horas y 57 horas, respectivamente. Se observó una sobrevida del 51,4 % de los pacientes, de los cuales 39 % presentó recuperación funcional satisfactoria en la escala de desenlace de Glasgow en el momento del egreso y al año. Conclusiones: En este grupo de pacientes sometidos a craniectomía descompresiva primaria o secundaria, junto con un manejo interdisciplinario y rehabilitación precoz, se presentaron desenlaces funcionales favorables en el seguimiento a largo plazo.

ABSTRACT Aim: The purpose of this study was to determine the outcome, at discharge and at one-year follow-up, of patients with severe traumatic brain injury undergoing primary and secondary decompressive craniectomy at Clinica Universidad de La Sabana, over a period of five years. Patients and methods: We conducted a retrospective case series of patients with severe traumatic brain injury undergoing decompressive craniectomy between 2008 and 2013. Te primary outcomes were survival and functional status, measured by the Glasgow Outcome Scale, both at discharge, and at the one year follow-up. Secondary outcomes included latency time for craniectomy, intra and postoperative complications, days of hospitalization and intensive care unit stay, ventilation time, cranioplasty results, and cause of death. Results: Thirty-five patients with severe traumatic brain injury underwent decompressive craniectomy in the study period, 29 of which were primary and 6, secondary, with a median latency of 5 hours and 57 hours, respectively. A survival of 51.4% of the patients was observed, of which 39% presented satisfactory functional recovery on the Glasgow outcome scale at the time of discharge and one year later. Conclusions: In this group of patients who underwent primary or secondary decompressive craniectomy, together with interdisciplinary management and early rehabilitation, favorable functional outcomes were found in the long-term follow-up.

Craniectomía descompresiva como tratamiento primario de la hipertensión intracraneal por traumatismo encefalocraneano: Experiencia observacional en 24 pacientes

Introducción: el traumatismo encéfalo craneano es una de las principales causas de muerte en nuestro medio, El tratamiento médico y quirúrgico en la etapa inicial de un TEC severo se enfoca en evitar la elevación de la Presión Intracraneana. Objetivo : describir características asociados y sus principales complicaciones en aquellos pacientes sometidos a Craniectomía Descompresiva. Métodos : Estudio retrospectivo observacional descriptivo, realizado entre febrero de 2018 a julio de 2020 de pacientes operados de Craniectomía Descompresiva unilateral, admitidos por traumatismo encefalocraneano. Resultados : 66.7% fueron personas menores de 40 años; 87,5% fueron de sexo masculino; 16,7% de la población ingresaron con una ECG de 13-15, 37,5% de la población con una ECG de 9-12; 42.9% presentaron asimetría pupilar; 33,3% ingresaron por accidente de tránsito; 21,7% fueron Marshall II, 65,2% Marshall III y en 13,0% se halló un Marshall IV. Conclusiones : Los resultados sugieren que las características asociadas a la Craniectomía Descompresiva por TEC contribuyen en el manejo de esta patología.

Introduction: Head trauma is one of the main causes of death in Peru. Medical and surgical therapy during the initial stages of severe head trauma focus in preventing the elevation of intracranial pressure. Objective: To describe the associated characteristics and main complications in patients undergoing decompressive craniectomy. Methods: This is a retrospective observational study performed between February 2018 and July 2020 in patients who had been admitted because of head trauma and who had undergone unilateral decompressive craniectomy. Results: Two-thirds (66.7%) of patients were persons less than 40 years of age; 87.5% were males; 16.7% were admitted with Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) scores between 13 and 15; 37.5% were admitted with GCS between 9 and 12; 42.9% had asymmetric pupils; 33.3% were admitted because of traffic accidents; 21.7% were Marshall II, 65.2% were Marshall III, and 13.0% were Marshall IV. Conclusions: Our results suggest that characteristics associated to decompressive craniectomy because of head trauma contribute for its proper management.

Controlled decompression alleviates early brain injury in rabbit intracranial hypertension model by regulating apoptosis/necroptosis

ABSTRACT Purpose To evaluate the effects of controlled decompression and rapid decompression, explore the potential mechanism, provide the theoretical basis for the clinical application, and explore the new cell death method in intracranial hypertension. Methods Acute intracranial hypertension was triggered in rabbits by epidural balloon compression. New Zealand white rabbits were randomly put into the sham group, the controlled decompression group, and the rapid decompression group. Brain water content, etc., was used to evaluate early brain injury. Western blotting and double immunofluorescence staining were used to detect necroptosis and apoptosis. Results Brain edema, neurological dysfunction, and brain injury appeared after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Compared with rapid decompression, brain water content was significantly decreased, neurological scores were improved by controlled decompression treatment. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining and Nissl staining showed neuron death decreased in the controlled decompression group. Compared with rapid decompression, it was also found that apoptosis-related protein caspase-3/ tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-a was reduced markedly in the brain cortex and serum, and the expression levels of necroptosis-related protein, receptor-interacting protein 1 (RIP1)/receptor-interacting protein 1 (RIP3) reduced significantly in the controlled decompression group. Conclusions Controlled decompression can effectively reduce neuronal damage and cerebral edema after craniocerebral injury and, thus, protect the brain tissue by alleviating necroptosis and apoptosis.

Clinical efficacy of short-term deep sedation after decompressive craniectomy with hematoma removal in patients with hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the efficacy and safety of short-term deep sedation after conventional decompressive craniotomy with hematoma removal in patients with hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage.Methods:Sixty patients with hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage who underwent conventional decompressive craniotomy with hematoma removal in the People′s Hospital of Yueqing, China between March 2018 and May 2019 were included in this study. They were randomly divided into deep sedation and light sedation groups ( n = 30/group). The deep sedation group was administered propofol (0.6-1.2 mg/kg/h) combined with sedate fentanyl to achieve the level of sedation to Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS) -3 to -4 points and to the level of pain to Critical Care Pain Observation Tool (CPOT) 0-1 point. The duration of sedation and analgesia was for 48 hours. The light sedation group was administered propofol (0.2-0.5 mg/kg/h) combined with sedate fentanyl to achieve the level of sedation to RASS -1 to -2 points and to the level of pain to CPOT 0-1 point. The duration of sedation and analgesia was rehemorrhage for 48 hours. Patients in the two groups were intravenously administered Urapidil to control blood pressure to be 120-160/60-90 mmHg. In addition, all patients were subjected to mechanical ventilation, dehydration, reduction of intracranial pressure, anti-infection and symptomatic treatment. At 0, 6, 12, 24 and 48 hours after surgery, heart rate, mean arterial pressure, intracranial pressure, recurrence of hemorrhage, ventilator-associated pneumonia, lower extremity deep venous thrombosis, and gastrointestinal bleeding were monitored. Results:At 6, 12, 24 and 48 hours after surgery, the heart rate, mean arterial pressure, and intracranial pressure in the deep sedation group were significantly lower than those in the light sedation group ( P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). The recurrence of rehemorrhage and the incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding in the deep sedation group were 3.33% (1/30) and 6.67% (2/30), respectively, which were significantly lower than those in the light sedation group [10.00% (3/30), 20.00% (6/30), χ2 = 1.071, 2.307, both P < 0.05). There were no significant incidences in ventilator-associated pneumonia [30.00% (9/30) vs. 23.30% (7/30), χ2 = 0.340, P > 0.05] and lower extremity deep venous thrombosis [10.00% (3/30) vs. 6.67% (2/30), χ2 = 0.340, P > 0.05]. Conclusion:Short-term deep sedation after conventional decompressive craniotomy with hematoma removal can lower the heart beat, mean arterial pressure, intracranial pressure, the postoperative recurrence of hemorrhage, and the incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage.

The effect of hematoma puncture drainage before decompressive craniectomy on the prognosis of hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage with cerebral hernia at a high altitude / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

PURPOSE@#Rapid decompressive craniectomy (DC) was the most effective method for the treatment of hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage (HICH) with cerebral hernia, but the mortality and disability rate is still high. We suspected that hematoma puncture drainage (PD) + DC may improve the therapeutic effect and thus compared the combined surgery with DC alone.@*METHODS@#From December 2013 to July 2019, patients with HICH from Linzhi, Tibet and Honghe, Yunnan Province were retrospectively analyzed. The selection criteria were as follows: (1) altitude ≥1500 m; (2) HICH patients with cerebral hernia; (3) Glascow coma scale score of 4-8 and time from onset to admission ≤3 h; (4) good liver and kidney function; and (5) complete case data. The included patients were divided into DC group and PD + DC group. The patients were followed up for 6 months. The outcome was assessed by Glasgow outcome scale (GOS) score, Kaplan-Meier survival curve and correlation between time from admission to operation and prognosis. A good outcome was defined as independent (GOS score, 4-5) and poor outcome defined as dependent (GOS score, 3-1). All data analyses were performed using SPSS 19, and comparison between two groups was conducted using separate t-tests or Chi-square tests.@*RESULTS@#A total of 65 patients was included. The age ranged 34-90 years (mean, 63.00 ± 14.04 years). Among them, 31 patients had the operation of PD + DC, whereas 34 patients underwent DC. The two groups had no significant difference in the basic characteristics. After 6 months of follow-up, in the PD + DC group there were 8 death, 4 vegetative state, 4 severe disability (GOS score 1-3, poor outcome 51.6 %); 8 moderate disability, and 7 good recovery (GOS score 4-5, good outcome 48.4 %); while in the DC group the result was 15 death, 6 vegetative state, 5 severe disability (poor outcome 76.5 %), 4 moderate disability and 4 good recovery (good outcome 23.5 %). The GOS score and good outcome were significantly less in DC group than in PD + DC group (Z = -1.993, p = 0.046; χ@*CONCLUSION@#PD + DC treatment can improve the good outcomes better than DC treatment for HICH with cerebral hernia at a high altitude.

Microsurgical Cisternostomy for Treating Critical Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury - An alternative Therapeutic Approach

Introduction Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of mortality around the world. Few advances regarding surgical approaches have been made in the past few years to improve its outcomes. Microsurgical cisternostomy is a well-established technique used in vascular and skull base surgery and recently emerges as a suitable procedure with lesser costs and morbidity when compared with decompressive craniectomy in patients with diffuse TBI. This study aims to describe the technique, indications, and limitations of cisternostomy and to compare it with decompressive craniectomy (DC). Methods A prospective study is being conducted after obtaining approval of the local human ethics research committee. Once the inclusion and exclusion criteria are applied, the patients are submitted to microsurgical cisternostomy, pre and postoperative neurological status and brain computed tomography (CT) evaluation. A detailed review was also performed, which discusses diffuse TBI, DC, and cisternostomy for the treatment of TBI. Results Two patients were submitted to cisternostomy after TBI and the presence of acute subdural hematoma and hugemidline shift at admission computed tomography. The surgery was authorized by the family (the informed consent form was signed). Both patients evolved with a good recovery after the procedure, and had a satisfactory control brain CT. No further surgeries were required after the initial cisternostomy. Conclusions Cisternostomy is an adequate technique for the treatment of selected patients affected by diffuse TBI, and it is a proper alternative to DC with lesser costs and morbidity, since a single neurosurgical procedure is performed. A prospective study is being conducted for a better evaluation and these were the initial cases of this new protocol.

Decompressive craniectomy for malignant middle cerebral artery territory infarct: an institutional experience

Background: Decompressive craniectomy is the surgical procedure to reduce intracranial pressure, refractory to medical measures. We have described our experience associated with the clinical profile, radiological profile, postoperative status and long term outcome in patients with malignant middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory infarct.Methods: Data were collected from patients who underwent hemispheric decompressive craniectomy for malignant MCA territory infarct in our hospital from May 2014 to June 2019. Clinical, radiological, surgical profile and long term outcome were studied.Results: There were a total of 51 patients aged between 28 years to 76 years. Hypertension (70%) was the most common comorbidity associated. All the patients had at least one focal neurological deficit at the time of presentation. Mean time from the first symptoms to surgery was 2.4 days (about 58 hours). 7 patients died within one month of the surgery. Two third improved objectively within 1 month of surgery. Out of 44 patients, who survived beyond one month, none of the patients were functionally independent after one year of surgery (modified Rankin scale (mRS) of 0 or 1). The patients had a mean mRS of 3.8 at one year.Conclusions: Over several decades decompressive craniectomy has been found to be the most effective measure to reduce mortality and morbidity associated with malignant MCA territory infarct. Early surgery (<48 hours) in patients with good Glasgow Coma scale score reduces the mortality. Larger multicentric trials are required to look at the long term effect on morbidity and mortality.