Research progress in the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment for posttraumatic acute diffuse brain swelling / 中华创伤杂志

Posttraumatic acute diffuse brain swelling (PADBS) is a relatively common severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Since it can lead to acute intracranial hypertension in a short time, the illness can be acute and critical, with a high disability and fatality rate. The pathogenesis of PADBS is still unclear, with the current theory consisting of acute cerebral vasodilation, cerebral edema and intracranial venous circulation disorder. For PADBS, there is still a lack of unified diagnostic criteria, and the indications and timing of decompression craniectomy remain controversial. The authors review the research progress in the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of PADBS, hoping to provide some new ideas for its treatment.

Study on the effect of cerebrospinal fluid release combined with controlled decompression under intracranial pressure monitoring on prevention of intraoperative intracranial swelling in patients with acute severe craniocerebral injury / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective To explore the effect of cerebrospinal fluid release combined with controlled decompression under intracranial pressure monitoring on prevention of intraoperative intracranial swelling in patients with acute severe craniocerebral injury. Methods According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 90 patients with acute severe craniocerebral injury were randomly divided into study group (48 cases) and control group (42 cases). Patients in the study group underwent ventricular intracranial pressure probe placement, and then the standard decompressive craniectomy. During the operation, cerebrospinal fluid release combined with controlled decompression under intracranial pressure monitoring was applied to prevent brain swelling. Patients in the control group underwent standard decompressive craniectomy combined with controlled decompression to prevent brain swelling. The incidence of intraoperative brain swelling and cerebral infarction within 3 d after surgery, and the mortality within 1 month after surgery were evaluated. Prognosis was evaluated by GOS score after 3 months of follow-up. Results The brain swelling rate, cerebral infarction rate, mortality within 1 month, and Glasgow Coma Scale (GOS) score at 3 months after operation in the study group were better than those in the control group with statistical significance:10.4％(5/48) vs. 28.6％(12/42), 29.2％(14/48) vs. 64.3％(27/42), 18.8％(9/48) vs. 35.7％(15/42)], (2.83 ± 1.08) scores vs.(1.83 ± 0.76) scores, P<0.05. Conclusions Cerebrospinal fluid release combined with controlled decompression under intracranial pressure monitoring can reduce the incidence of intraoperative brain swelling and improve the prognosis of patients with acute severe craniocerebral injury.

Cardiac arrest due to intracranial hypotension following pseudohypoxic brain swelling induced by negative suction drainage in a cranioplasty patient: a case report / 대한마취과학회지

Pseudohypoxic brain swelling (PHBS) is known to be an uncommon event that may occur during and following an uneventful brain surgery, when negative suction drainage is used. The cerebrospinal fluid loss related to suction drainage can evoke intracranial hypotension that progress to PHBS. The main presentations of PHBS are sudden unexpected circulatory collapses, such as severe bradycardia, hypotension, cardiac arrest, consciousness deterioration and diffuse brain swelling as seen with brain computerized tomography (CT). We present a stuporous 22-year-old patient who underwent cranioplasty under general anesthesia. The entire course of the general anesthesia and operation progressed favorably. However, the time of scalp suture completion, sudden bradycardia and hypotension occurred, followed by cardiac arrest immediately after initiation of subgaleal and epidural suction drainage. After successful resuscitation, the comatose patient was transferred to the neurosurgical intensive care unit and PHBS was confirmed using brain CT.

Clinical treatment analysis of 60 cases with no midline shift-severe craniocerebral trauma accompanied with post-traumatic acute diffuse brain swelling / 中国基层医药

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy and treatment method for no midline shift-severe craniocerebral trauma accompanied with post-traumatic acute diffuse brain swelling (PADBS).Methods 60 PADBS patients were randomly divided into conservative treatment group and operation group,30 patients in each group.The operation group was treated with intracranial pressure monitoring by implantation of the probe and decompressive craniectomy,while the conservative treatment group received conservative treatment.The postoperative recovery was observed.Results The GCS scores of operation group postoperative 7d and 15d were (11.21 ± 2.24) and (12.88 ±2.31),which were obviously higher than (7.47 ± 1.51) and (8.19 ± 1.28) of the conservative treatment group (t =2.215,2.321,all P ＜ 0.05).Postoperative long-term follow-up results indicated that,according to GOS score,63.3％ patients in the operation group recovered well,which was significantly higher than 26.7％ in the conservative treatment group.While the percent of patients with coma or dead was 6.7％ and 10.0％ in the operation group,which were significantly lower than the conservative treatment group (x2 =15.721,4.172,3.84,all P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion In general,PADBS could not be cured easliy,the operation methods of using intracranial pressure monitoring and decompressive craniectomy based on conservative treatment could help to evaluate the trauma objectivly,detect the changes of disease earlier,treat in time and assess the prognosis accurately,all which would reduce the mortality.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome following post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis.

Abstract: Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) comprises a unique pattern of brain vasogenic edema that is seen in the setting of a neurotoxic status. Besides many etiologies have been already associated with PRES development, such as chronic renal disease, use of chemotherapy agents and inflammatory conditions, the imaging features are very suggestive and helpful for an appropriate diagnosis. We report here a case of PRES secondary to post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (PSGN), which evolved successfully after clinical management. An 11-year-old boy was admitted with a typical history and findings of PSGN, associated with sensory alterations, headache and recent tonic-clonic seizure. Computed tomography (CT) scan of the head has revealed bilateral and symmetric hypodense areas, remarkably located at posterior cerebral regions, indicating PRES. Patient received support therapy with diuretics, and antibiotics prescription after discharge. At ambulatory follow-ups, the patient remains asymptomatic, with complete clinical and radiological improvement.

Continuous ventricular cerebrospinal fluid drainage with intracranial pressure monitoring for management of posttraumatic diffuse brain swelling / Drenagem contínua de líquido cefalorraquidiano com monitoração intermitente de pressão intracraniana em pacientes com tumefação cerebral difusa pós-traumática

BACKGROUND: Ventricular drainage has played an important role in the management of traumatic brain-injured patients. The aim of the present study was describe outcomes in a series of 57 patients with diffuse brain swelling underwent to intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring. METHOD: Fifty-eight patients with diffuse posttraumatic brain swelling, were evaluated prospectively. The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores of patients varied from 4 to 12. Patients groups divided according to GCS and age. Patient neurological assessment was classified as favorable, unfavorable, and death. RESULTS: Mechanisms of injury were vehicle accidents in 72.4 percent and falls in 15.6 percent. 54 percent of patients had GCS scores between 6 and 8. There were no statistical differences, regarding outcome, between groups separated by age. In the adults group (n=47), 44.7 percent evolved favorably. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate a poor prognosis in patients with brain swelling. We believe that continuous ventricular CSF drainage with ICP monitoring is a simple method as an adjunct in the management of these patients.

INTRODUÇÃO: Monitoração da pressão intracraniana (PIC) tem desempenhado um papel importante nos pacientes com lesão cerebral difusa traumática. O objetivo do presente estudo foi descrever os resultados de uma série de 57 pacientes com tumefação cerebral difusa submetidos à monitoração da PIC. MÉTODO: Cinquenta e oito pacientes com lesão axonal difusa foram avaliados prospectivamente. Na Escala de Coma de Glasgow (GCS) os escores variaram de 4 a 12. Os grupos de pacientes, foram divididos de acordo com a GCS e a idade. Avaliação neurológica tardia foi classificada como favorável, desfavorável, e da morte. RESULTADOS: Mecanismos de lesão predominantes foram os acidentes de veículos em 72,4 por cento e quedas em 15,6 por cento; 54 por cento dos pacientes tiveram escores GCS entre 6 e 8. Não houve diferença estatística entre os grupos separados por idade. No grupo de adultos (n=47), 44,7 por cento evoluíram favoravelmente. CONCLUSÃO: As lesões difusas tipo III apresentam resultados funcionais desfavoráveis. Acreditamos que a monitoração intermitente de PIC com drenagem de líquido cefalorraquidiano seja um método simples e aplicável no apoio ao tratamento destes pacientes.

Treatment strategy of bilateral frontal lobe contusion and laceration with central herniation / 中国基层医药

ObjectiveTo study the clinical features of the bilateral frontal brain contusion with cerebral hernia center and its treatment strategies. MethodsThe clinical data of 76 patients with cerebral central hernia were restropectively analyzed. ResultsIn 76 patients,there were 53 cases survive,23 cases died.The life and survival quality of these patients were evaluated according to the Karnofsky scale systerm :46 patients underwent surgery,including 35 cases with good recovery,8 cases with long-term coma or unable to look after themselves,3 cases with death;10 cases underwent a expectant treatment,of which,6 cases with good recovery,4 cases with long-term coma or unable to look after themselves.The other 20 cases died of central brain stem failure,with a central hernia when admissioned. ConclusionPatients with bilateral frontal brain contusion were extremely complicated with central hernia,and had a suddenly deteriored condition.Close observation of changes were critical importance.The surgery should be carried out before "diencephalon period",for most recovery well after surgery.Patients with diffuse brain swelling should go under the depressioning surgery as earlier as possible.

Diagnosis and treatment of contrecoup contusion and laceration in frontal lobe / 中国基层医药

Objective To discuss the clinical characteristics and therapeutic strategy of contrecoup contusion and laceration in frontal lobe. Methods 48 cases with contrecoup contusion and laceration in frontal lobe were analysed retrospectively with their imaging feature. Results In accordance with the GOS,36 cases survived well, 8 suffered from moderate disability. One keept in persistent vegetative state and one was dead. Conclusion Contrecoup contusion and laceration in frontal lobe merged with occipital extradural hematoma and diffuse brain swelling. Early diagnosis and treatment for the delayed occipital extradural hematoma, and standard large trauma craniotomy in treatment of heavy contrecoup contusion and laceration with diffuse brain swelling in frontal lobe were the key measures to improve the rate of success rescue.

Clinical Characteristics of Acute Brain Swelling in Patients Successfully Resuscitated from Non-traumatic Out-of-hospital Cardiac Arrest / 대한구급학회지

BACKGROUND: The number of cardiac arrest patients who are resuscitated has increased with the development of emergency medical services. Brain swelling is often found in these patients, following return of spontaneous circulation. This study identifies risk factors for brain swelling, describes it's frequency, analyzes the effect of brain swelling on neurological outcome, and compares the results with other studies. METHODS: A retrospective analysis had been conducted on cardiac arrest patients who visited the emergency room at a university hospital during a 24 month period since 2007. Thirty-seven successfully resuscitated patients were divided into 2 groups based on computed tomography findings; these groups consisted of 14 patients with brain swelling and 23 patients without brain swelling. Comparative studies were conducted on post-lab findings and several additional factors. RESULTS: The 14 patients with brain swelling were significantly younger and showed a higher clinical performance category score than patients without brain swelling. Initial serum lactic acid levels showed good correlation with brain swelling. CONCLUSIONS: An urgent CT should be conducted and aggressive treatment pursued when brain swelling is suspected, after consideration of various prognostic factors.

Standard decompressive craniectomy with large bone flap resection and removal of necrotic brain tissues for malignant brain swelling after brain injury / 中国综合临床

Objective To observe the curative effects of malignant brain swelling after brain injury by using the operations of standard large Craniotomy decompression and removal of necrotic brain tissues. Methods 80 cases of malignant brain swelling after severe brain injury were observed. The standard decompression surgery of large era-niotomy routine were used in 40 cases,while the operations of standard large craniotomy decompression and removal of necrotic brain tissues were used in the other 40 cases. The curative effects of the results after 15 days and six mon-ths were analyzed. Results The incidence of intracranial hypertension (37.5%, 15/40 ) and brain tissue incisional hernia (32.5% ,13/40)of the group using standard large craniotomy decompression and removal of nee-rotic brain tissues treatment was significantly lower than that of simple standard large craniotomy decompression treat-ment group [15.0% (6/40) vs 10.0% (4/40)] after 15 days (P<0.05 ). The prognosis excellent rate ( good + re-sidual) of the group using standard large Craniotomy decompression and removal of necrotic brain tissues treatment was significantly higher (60.0%) than that of simple standard large craniotomy decompression treatment group (40.0%) after six months (P<0.05 ). Conclusion The operations of standard large craniotomy decompression and removal of necrotic brain tissues can effectively reduce the intracranial hypertension of malignant brain swelling after trauma injury,and reduce mortality and morbidity of severe brain injury.

Acute encephalocele during surgery in patients with severe brain injury / 中国基层医药

Objective To explore the measures to prevent acute encephalocele during the decompressive craniotomy in the patients with severe brain injury.Methods The clinical data of 28 patients with severe brain injury,who were treated by extended fronto-temporo-prietal craniotomy were analyzed retrospectively.The sequential dural ineision(SDI)was performed during the operation in all the patients.Results The catastrophic encephalocele did not occur in all the cases even if very hish intracranial pressure wag caused by fulminant brain swelling in some cases.The total removal of hematomas was achieved in 19 cases,but there still was extensive hemorrhage in the operative fieId in 4 eases and secondary intracranial hematomas in the other regions in 5 cases observed on postoperative CT scan.The disappeared basal cistern and the third ventricle could be observed again in 12 eases.According to GOS,9 patienm obrained good recovery,5 was moderately disabled,4 were severely disabled,2 vegetatively survived,and 8 died.Condusion The encephalocele,which is easily produced by rapid decompression,is prevented by eontrollable decompression as early as possible and SDI in the patients with especially severe brain injury.

Comparative study of standard large trauma craniectomy and routine temporoparietal craniectomy in treating acute posttraumatic brain swelling / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective To investigate the clinical effects of standard large trauma craniectomy in patients with acute posttraumatic brain swelling. Methods A cohort study was performed in 74 patients of acute posttraumatic brain swelling with midline shifting more than 5 mm, who were divided randomly into two groups: standard large trauma craniectomy group (n =37) and routine temporoparietal craniectomy group as control group (n =37). The vital sign, the intracranial pressure (ICP) and complications were observed during the treatment. The Glasgow outcome scale (GOS) and mortality rate as well as the complications were evaluated after treatment. Results The mean ICP in the large trauma craniectomy group at 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours was much lower than those of the control group ( P

Intracranial Pressure and Cerebral Blood Flow Monitoring after Bilateral Decompressive Craniectomy in Patients with Acute Massive Brain Swelling

OBJECTIVES: The management of massive brain swelling remains an unsolved problem in neurosurgical field. Despite newly developed medical and pharmacological therapy, the mortality and morbidity due to massive brain swelling remains high. According to many recent reports, surgical decompression with dura expansion is superior to medical management in patients with massive brain swelling. We performed surgical treatment on the first line of treatment, and followed medical management in case with refractory increased intracranial pressure(ICP). To show the quantitative effect of decompressive surgery on the intracranial pressure, we performed ventricular puncture and checked the ventricular ICP continuously during the decompressive surgery and postoperative period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-one patients with massive brain swelling, undergoing bilateral decompressive craniectomy with dura expansion, were studied in this study. In all patients, ventricular puncture was performed at Kocher's point on the opposite side of massive brain swelling. The ventricular pressure was monitored continuously, during the bilateral decompression procedures and postoperative period. RESULTS: The initial ventricular ICP were varied from 13mmHg to 112mmHg. Immediately after the bilateral craniectomy, mean ventricular ICP decreased to 53.1+/-15.8% of the initial ICP(ranges from 5mmHg to 87mmHg). Dura opening decreased mean ICP by additional 36.7% and made the ventricular pressure 16.4+/-10.5% of the initial pressure(ranges from 0mmHg to 28mmHg). Postoperatively, ventricular pressure was lowered to 20.2+/-22.6%(ranged from 0mmHg to 62.3mmHg) of the initial ICP. The ventricular ICP value during the first 24 hours after decompressive surgery was found to be an important prognostic factor. If ICP was over 35mmHg, the mortality was 100% instead of additional medical(barbiturate coma therapy and hypothermia) treatments. CONCLUSION: Bilateral decompression with dura expansion is considered an effective therapeutic modality in ICP control. To obtain favorable clinical outcome in patients with massive brain swelling, early decision making on surgical management and proper patient selection are mandatory.

Therapy of patients with tentorial herniation due to post-traumatic acute diffuse brain swelling around operations / 中国医师杂志

Objective To summarize and discuss the therapy of patients with tentorial herniation due to post-traumatic acute diffuse brain swelling around operations to improve the therapeutic efficacy.Methods A retrospective study was accomplished on 70 patients with tentorial herniation due to post-traumatic acute diffuse brain swellin around operations.Results According to Glasgow outcome scale,44 of 70 cases got favorable outcome,including 37 cases good recovery and 7 cases moderate deficit.The 26 of 70 cases got unfavorable outcome,including 6 cases severe deficit,5 cases persistent vegetable status and 15 cases dead.Conclusions This comprehensive therapy improves the efficacy of patients with tentorial herniation due to post-traumatic acute diffuse brain swelling around operations,which is worth spreading and applying.

Stereotactic Surgical Management of Traumatic Intracerebral Hematoma

Nineteen patients suffering from post-traumatic intracerebral hematoma, being managed by stereotactic aspiration of hematoma were evaluated. The outcome in this series is quite satisfactory, with 58% of patients having a functional survival. Eight patients died, of which three patients died of brain swelling and 5 died of systemic causes such as respiratory failure, gastrointestinal(GI) bleeding, and renal failure. It is our belief that stereotactic aspiration is helpful in managing patients with traumatic intracerebral hematoma without herniation and wevere brain swelling.

Outcome form Diffuse Brain Injury Related to Patient's Age

The present study compares the outcome of adult and pediatric patients with severe diffuse brain injury, and analyzes factors affecting the prognosis related to age difference. Of 912 patients admitted with head injury during the past three years, 223(1.7%) patients were identified as severe diffuse brain injury. Among the 223 patients. 100 patients were 15 years of age or less as the pediatric group. The mortality rate for pediatric and adult group was 39.0% and 48.8%, respectively. The common factors affecting poor prognosis for both groups were Glasgow Coma Scale(GCS) of 5 or less, papillary abnormality, hypoxia(PaO2<60 mmHg), the presence of skull fracture(basilar skull fracture in children, and basilar or vault skull fracture in adult group), diffuse brain swelling, subarachnoid hemorrhage, intraventricular hemorrhage, and thin subdural hematoma. The factors affecting prognostic difference between the adult and pediatric group with diffuse brain injury were the presence of vault skull fracture(p<0.01) and diffuse brain swelling(p<0.05). In patients associated with vault skull fracture or diffuse brain swelling, adult group had a significantly poorer outcome than child group.

Diffuse Brain Swelling in Severely Head Injured Patients

Diffuse brain swelling(bilateral swelling without shift or other lesions ; DBS) after severe head injuy in children is very common event and that DBS in children is thought to be associated with a low mortality, generally compared with adult. In this study, DBS ws compared in 9 Children and 18 adults, selected among 222 cases of severe head injured patients admitted to the Department of Neurosurgery for 4 years from January 1986 toDecember 1989. The results were summarized as follows ; 1) The incidence of DBS in children(39.1%) was about 4 time as high as for adult(9.0%). 2) There was no significant difference of mortality rate in pediatric and adult group showing DBS but there was a significant low mortality rate in pediatric group without showing DBS, in contrast to other studies.

Decompressive Craniectomy for Acute Cerebral Infarction

We present a series of 10 Patients(Seven men and three women with an average age of 53 years) who underwent decompressive craniectomy for treatment to massive brain swelling following acute cerebral infarction. Clinical signs of cerebral herniation(anisocoria or fixed and dilated pupil, and/or hemiplegia with decerebrate righidity) were present in all patients. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed the mass effect by cerebral edema through midline shift. All patients were treated with an extensive craniectomy and duroplasty. Among them, one recovered without neurological deficit, three were moderately disabled but functionally dependent, three remained in a persistent vegetative state and three died within 9 days after surgery(good recovery=1, moderate disability=3, persistent vegetative state=3, death=3). The results suggest that decompressive craniectomy can be an useful lifesaving procedure for massive cerebral edema following widespread hemispheric infarction.

Intraoperative Development of Contralateral Subdural Hematoma during Evacuation of Acute Subdural Hematoma: Case Report

A case of traumatic acute bilateral subdural hematoma with different times is expierenced. The contralateral shbural hematoma was developed during the evacuation of an acute subdural hematoma. The reduction of intracranial pressure after removal of subdural hematoma was postulated to be contributing factor to formation of the contralateral subdural hematoma.

Outcome of Severe Head Injury in Children

The management of patients with severe head injury continues to present neurosurgeons with a major challenge. Despite of early diagnosis and aggressive treatment, it has showed still high mortality and morbidity. We analyzed the results of treatment of 50 cases with severly head injured-children who were treated during past 2 years for detection of predicting factors of outcome. Our conclusions are as follows ; 1) The Glasgow coma scale(GCS) on admission was an important predicting factor for outcome of severe head injury. In patients with 3, 4 of GCS, outcome was poor. In cases above 5 of GCS, outcome was better than the former. 2) The clinical features on admission(i. e., light reflex of pupils, oculocephalic responses and abnormal motor responses) were also important predicting factor of outcome. 3) There was no significant relation between outcome of severe head injury and age distribution in children. 4) The mass lesion occupied relatively small proportion in the types of lesion which was proved by CT scan(26%). 5) Overall outcome showed 28% of good recovery, 26% of moderately disabled, 12% of severly disabled, 12% of vegetative state and 22% of dead.