Decompressive craniectomy for medically refractory intracranial hypertension due to meningoencephalitis: report of three patients

Surgical Management in Herpes Simplex Encephalitis: Illustrative Case Report and Systematic Review of the Literature

BACKGROUND

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a common cause of viral encephalitis and can result in refractory seizures. Although HSV encephalitis (HSVE) is treated primarily with acyclovir, surgery can play a role in medically intractable cases.

OBJECTIVE

To systematically review cases describing surgery for the treatment of severe HSVE. We also present an illustrative case of anterior temporal lobectomy (ATL) for refractory status epilepticus in a patient with unilateral HSVE. This case demonstrates one clinical context in which surgery can be a useful adjunct.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review using PubMed and Google Scholar, including case reports and series describing surgical interventions for HSVE. Clinical data were extracted from 54 publications that incorporated 67 patient cases.

RESULTS

Surgical decompression occurred at a wide range of times after the onset of illness, although most patients were operated on 4 or more days after HSVE symptoms began. Numerous reports indicated that decompressive craniectomy, temporal lobectomy, and hematoma removal could treat intractably elevated intracranial pressure because of HSVE with favorable long-term outcomes. We describe an additional case in which a 52-year-old woman with HSVE developed refractory right temporal lobe seizures. After ATL, the seizures resolved with significant clinical improvement.

CONCLUSION

Surgical treatment can be a useful adjunct for treatment of HSVE. There is substantial variability in the timing of surgical decompression in patients with HSVE, which can be necessary up to approximately 3 weeks after illness onset. ATL should be considered for refractory status epilepticus in HSVE with a unilateral seizure focus.

First Report of a Multicenter Prospective Registry of Cranioplasty in the United Kingdom and Ireland

BACKGROUND

There are many questions that remain unanswered regarding outcomes following cranioplasty including the timing of cranioplasty following craniectomy as well as the material used.

OBJECTIVE

To establish and evaluate 30-d outcomes for all cranial reconstruction procedures in the United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland through a prospective multicenter cohort study.

METHODS

Patients undergoing cranioplasty insertion or revision between June 1, 2019 and November 30, 2019 in 25 neurosurgical units were included. Data collected include demographics, craniectomy date and indication, cranioplasty material and date, and 30-d outcome.

RESULTS

In total, 313 operations were included, consisting of 255 new cranioplasty insertions and 58 revisions. Of the new insertions, the most common indications for craniectomy were traumatic brain injury (n = 110, 43%), cerebral infarct (n = 38, 15%), and aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (n = 30, 12%). The most common material was titanium (n = 163, 64%). Median time to cranioplasty was 244 d (interquartile range 144-385), with 37 new insertions (15%) within or equal to 90 d. In 30-d follow-up, there were no mortalities. There were 14 readmissions, with 10 patients sustaining a wound infection within 30 d (4%). Of the 58 revisions, the most common reason was due to infection (n = 33, 59%) and skin breakdown (n = 13, 23%). In 41 (71%) cases, the plate was removed during the revision surgery.

CONCLUSION

This study is the largest prospective study of cranioplasty representing the first results from the UK Cranial Reconstruction Registry, a first national registry focused on cranioplasty with the potential to address outstanding research questions for this procedure.

Piezoelectric-Assisted Removal of a Mandibular Cementoossifying Fibroma: An Innovative Technique

Diagnosis of cementoossifying fibroma is oriented by the clinical and radiological aspects of the lesion. Histology confirms the diagnosis. Treatment is surgical with enucleation-resection depending on the lesion size or wider resection with bone reconstruction in cases of large fibromas. The use of piezoelectric bone surgery is associated with low surgical trauma, exceptional precision, and fast healing response. It also allows easy performance of complex osteotomy and reduces the necessary dimensions of mucoperiosteal dissection. The purpose of the present article was to present the advantages of piezoelectric-assisted surgical removal of a cementoosseous fibroma of the mandible and to provide a precise description of the procedure using atraumatic surgery.

Community-acquired bacterial meningitis in adults: emergency department management protocol

Acute bacterial meningitis (ABM) is a rare but disabling infectious condition that requires a performant multidisciplinary management approach. Between 70 and 90 adult patients are diagnosed with community-acquired ABM in Belgium annually, and reported case fatality rates range from 17 to 40%. The currently available guidelines provide evidence-based guidance on how to manage this disease. However, these guidelines do not translate the evidence to the daily practice at the emergency department in a Belgian healthcare context. We created a taskforce in University Hospitals Leuven consisting of experts with complementary expertise in managing this disease: neurology, neurosurgery, intensive care medicine, microbiology and infectious diseases. The taskforce agreed upon a flowchart containing seven management steps encompassing all relevant phases in emergency ABM management. In addition to the focus on timely and adequate initiation of antimicrobial treatment, the flowchart and protocol also provide guidance on practical hurdles such as how to assess the safety of performing a lumbar puncture and when to refer patients to the intensive care department. This protocol was implemented in University Hospitals Leuven and fosters inter-disciplinary coordination of ABM care.

Subcutaneous bone flap storage after emergency craniectomy: cost-effectiveness and rate of resorption

OBJECTIVEDecompressive craniectomy is used for uncontrolled intracranial pressure in traumatic brain injury and malignant hemispheric stroke. Subcutaneous preservation of the autologous bone flap in the abdomen is a simple, portable technique but has largely been abandoned due to perceived concerns of resorption. The authors sought to characterize their experience with subcutaneous preservation of the bone flap and cranioplasty.METHODSThe authors performed a retrospective single-institution review of subcutaneous preservation of the autologous bone flap after decompressive craniectomy from 2005 to 2015. The primary outcome was clinically significant bone resorption, defined as requiring a complete mesh implant at the time of cranioplasty, or delayed revision. The outcome also combined cases with any minor bone resorption to determine predictors of this outcome. Logistic regression modeling was used to determine the risk factors for predicting resorption. A cost comparison analysis was also used via the 2-sided t-test to compare the cost of cranioplasty using an autologous bone flap with standard custom implant costs.RESULTSA total of 193 patients with craniectomy were identified, 108 of whom received a cranioplasty. The mean time to cranioplasty was 104.31 days. Severe resorption occurred in 10 cases (9.26%): 4 were clinically significant (2 early and 2 late) and 6 demonstrated type II (severe) necrosis on CT, but did not require revision. Early resorption of any kind (mild or severe) occurred in 28 (25.93%) of 108 cases. Of the 108 patients, 26 (24.07%) required supplemental cranioplasty material. Late resorption of any kind (mild or severe) occurred in 6 (5.88%) of 102 cases. Of these, a clinically noticeable but nonoperative deformity was noted in 4 (3.92%) and minor (type I) necrosis on CT in 37 (37%) of 100. Bivariate analysis identified fragmentation of bone (OR 3.90, 95% CI 1.03-14.8), shunt-dependent hydrocephalus (OR 7.97, 95% CI 1.57-40.46), and presence of post-cranioplasty drain (OR 9.39, 95% CI 1.14-1000) to be significant risk factors for bone resorption. A binary logistic regression optimized using Fisher's scoring determined the optimal multivariable combination of factors. Fragmentation of bone (OR 5.84, 95% CI 1.38-28.78), diabetes (OR 7.61, 95% CI 1.37-44.56), and shunt-dependent hydrocephalus (OR 9.35, 95% CI 1.64-56.21) were found to be most predictive of resorption, with a C value of 0.78. Infections occurred in the subcutaneous pocket in 5 (2.60%) of the 193 cases and after cranioplasty in 10 (9.26%) of the 108 who underwent cranioplasty. The average cost of cranioplasty with autologous bone was $2156.28 ± $1144.60 (n = 15), and of a custom implant was $35,118.60 ± $2067.51 (3 different sizes; p < 0.0001).CONCLUSIONSCraniectomy with autologous bone cranioplasty using subcutaneous pocket storage is safe and compares favorably to cryopreservation in terms of resorption and favorably to a custom synthetic implant in terms of cost. While randomized data are required to definitively prove the superiority of one method, subcutaneous preservation has enough practical advantages with low risk to warrant routine use for most patients.

The role of ICP monitoring in meningitis

Intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring has been widely accepted in the management of traumatic brain injury. However, its use in other pathologies that affect ICP has not been advocated as strongly, especially in CNS infections. Despite the most aggressive and novel antimicrobial therapies for meningitis, the mortality rate associated with this disease is far from satisfactory. Although intracranial hypertension and subsequent death have long been known to complicate meningitis, no specific guidelines targeting ICP monitoring are available. A review of the literature was performed to understand the pathophysiology of elevated ICP in meningitis, diagnostic challenges, and clinical outcomes in the use of ICP monitoring.

Multimodal management of severe herpes simplex virus encephalitis: A case report and literature review

BACKGROUND

Herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) is the most frequent sporadic encephalitis in the world. In severe cases of HSE, the pathology usually progresses with an increase in intracranial pressure secondary to cerebral edema and/or hemorrhagic necrosis. Currently no high-power studies exist regarding the management of severe HSE and most of the papers reported in the literature are case reports. Decompressive craniectomy, effective in some cases of pharmaco-resistant intracranial hypertension (ICH) resulting from other causes, may be suggested in severe HSE, with several good results reported in the literature.

CASE DESCRIPTION

The case of a 26-year-old man with severe HSE and a subsequent ICH is reported. In dealing with an ICH rebellious to conservative treatment, it was decided to perform a right decompressive hemicraniectomy, associated with a right temporal polectomy. The postoperative evolution was satisfactory, with normal neuropsychological tests and a Glasgow Outcome Scale of 1.

CONCLUSION

Although herpes simplex encephalitis is sometimes devastatingly complicated by intracranial hypertension, its management lacks consensus and reliable data in the literature remains scarce. Surgical as well as conservative treatment, used together in a multimodal approach, may hold the key to a greater control of intracranial pressure, thus resulting in a better outcome. In this multimodal management, the window of opportunity where surgery may be considered is small, and must be discussed further and more precisely in future articles.

The Organisms and Factors Affecting Outcomes of External Ventricular Drainage Catheter-Related Ventriculitis: A Penang Experience

Introduction:

Ventriculostomy-related infection (VRI) from external ventricular drain (EVD) insertion is a common complication and carries a high mortality rate. Choice of empiric antibiotics depends on the institutions common causative organisms and their susceptibility. We determined risk factors for mortality in patients with VRI, the common organisms causing VRI, and the rate of EVD-related VRI at our institution.

Methods:

Medical records and operative data of patients with cerebrospinal fluid positive cultures with an EVD inserted from 2012 to 2015 were traced. Forty-five patients with EVD-related VRI were included in the study.

Results:

The overall rate of VRI was 6.3%, and the overall mortality rate due to VRI was 48.9%. Acinetobacter baumannii was the most common organism causing VRI (14 patients, 29.2%) with a mortality rate of 64.3%. Only 14.3% of A. baumannii are sensitive to meropenem and imipenem. We found that patients that had a decompressive craniectomy (DC) had a lower mortality rate (P = 0.042) and patients with a longer duration of the EVD being in place before the diagnosis of VRI had poor outcome (P = 0.040). Multivariate logistic regression was performed and we found that the use of steroid (P = 0.014), Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection (P = 0.010), multiple organism infection (P = 0.017), lower Glasgow Coma Scale (P = 0.043), and a longer duration the EVD was in place before the diagnosis of VRI (P = 0.008) were related with higher mortality.

Conclusion:

VRI mortality rate is high with an alarming resistance pattern seen in Acinetobacter VRI. EVDs should be removed as soon as feasible, and DC may be offered to patients with severe ventriculitis or meningitis.

Anterior Temporal Lobectomy for Refractory Status Epilepticus in Herpes Simplex Encephalitis

BACKGROUND

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a common cause of viral encephalitis that can lead to refractory seizures. The primary treatment of HSV encephalitis is with acyclovir; however, surgery sometimes plays a role in obtaining tissue diagnosis or decompression in cases with severe mass effect. We report a unique case in which anterior temporal lobectomy was successfully used to treat refractory status epilepticus in HSV encephalitis.

METHODS

Case report and review of the literature.

RESULTS

We report a case of a 60-year-old man with HSV encephalitis, who presented with seizures originating from the right temporal lobe refractory to maximal medical management. Right anterior temporal lobectomy was performed for the purpose of treatment of refractory status epilepticus and obtaining tissue diagnosis, with ultimate resolution of seizures and excellent functional outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

We suggest that anterior temporal lobectomy should be considered in cases of HSV encephalitis with refractory status epilepticus with clear unilateral origin.

A randomized controlled trial comparing autologous cranioplasty with custom-made titanium cranioplasty

OBJECTIVE Autologous bone is usually used to reconstruct skull defects following decompressive surgery. However, it is associated with a high failure rate due to infection and resorption. The aim of this study was to see whether it would be cost-effective to use titanium as a primary reconstructive material. METHODS Sixty-four patients were enrolled and randomized to receive either their own bone or a primary titanium cranioplasty. All surgical procedures were performed by the senior surgeon. Primary and secondary outcome measures were assessed at 1 year after cranioplasty. RESULTS There were no primary infections in either arm of the trial. There was one secondary infection of a titanium cranioplasty that had replaced a resorbed autologous cranioplasty. In the titanium group, no patient was considered to have partial or complete cranioplasty failure at 12 months of follow-up (p = 0.002) and none needed revision (p = 0.053). There were 2 deaths unrelated to the cranioplasty, one in each arm of the trial. Among the 31 patients who had an autologous cranioplasty, 7 patients (22%) had complete resorption of the autologous bone such that it was deemed a complete failure. Partial or complete autologous bone resorption appeared to be more common among young patients than older patients (32 vs 45 years old, p = 0.013). The total cumulative cost between the 2 groups was not significantly different (mean difference A$3281, 95% CI $-9869 to $3308; p = 0.327). CONCLUSIONS Primary titanium cranioplasty should be seriously considered for young patients who require reconstruction of the skull vault following decompressive craniectomy. Clinical trial registration no.: ACTRN12612000353897 ( anzctr.org.au ).

Long-term outcome of severe herpes simplex encephalitis: a population-based observational study

Introduction

Herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) is a rare disease with a poor prognosis. No recent evaluation of hospital incidence, acute mortality and morbidity is available. In particular, decompressive craniectomy has rarely been proposed in cases of life-threatening HSE with temporal herniation, in the absence of evidence. This study aimed to assess the hospital incidence and mortality of HSE, and to evaluate the characteristics, management, the potential value of decompressive craniectomy and the outcome of patients with HSE admitted to intensive care units (ICUs).

Methods

Epidemiological study: we used the hospital medical and administrative discharge database to identify hospital stays, deaths and ICU admissions relating to HSE in 39 hospitals, from 2010 to 2013. Retrospective monocentric cohort: all patients with HSE admitted to the ICU of the university hospital during the study were included. The use of decompressive craniectomy and long-term outcome were analyzed. The initial brain images were analyzed blind to outcome.

Results

The hospital incidence of HSE was 1.2/100,000 inhabitants per year, 32 % of the patients were admitted to ICUs and 17 % were mechanically ventilated. Hospital mortality was 5.5 % overall, but was as high as 11.9 % in ICUs. In the monocentric cohort, 87 % of the patients were still alive after one year but half of them had moderate to severe disability. Three patients had a high intracranial pressure (ICP) with brain herniation and eventually underwent decompressive hemicraniectomy. The one-year outcome of these patients did not seem to be different from that of the other patients. It was not possible to predict brain herniation reliably from the initial brain images.

Conclusions

HSE appears to be more frequent than historically reported. The high incidence we observed probably reflects improvements in diagnostic performance (routine use of PCR). Mortality during the acute phase and long-term disability appear to be stable. High ICP and brain herniation are rare, but must be monitored carefully, as initial brain imaging is not useful for identifying high-risk patients. Decompressive craniectomy may be a useful salvage procedure in cases of intractable high ICP.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13054-015-1046-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Decompressive craniectomy and early cranioplasty in a 15-year-old boy with N. meningitidis meningitis

Background:

Intracranial hypertension is a well-known life-threatening complication of bacterial meningitis. Investigations on decompressive craniectomy after failure of conservative management are scarce, but this surgical treatment should be considered and performed expeditiously, as it lowers the intracranial pressure and improves brain tissue oxygenation. Early cranioplasty can further aid the rehabilitation.

Case Description:

A 15-year-old boy was admitted to our emergency department because of sudden onset of neurologic decline and consecutive loss of consciousness. Clinical examination and imaging showed elevated intracranial pressure, leading to the suspected diagnosis of meningitis. Intracranial pressure monitoring was installed, but the initiated conservative management failed. Finally, the patient underwent bilateral decompressive craniectomy. The microbiological test showed growth of Neisseria meningitidis. After full neurologic recovery, cranioplasty with two CAD/CAM titanium implants was conducted successfully.

Conclusions:

This unique report shows that decompressive craniotomy with duroplasty may be a crucial therapeutic approach in bacterial meningitis with refractory increased intracranial pressure and brainstem compression. Early cranioplasty with a patient-specific implant allowed the early and full reintegration of the patient.

Calvarial fracture patterns on CT imaging predict risk of a delayed epidural hematoma following decompressive craniectomy for traumatic brain injury

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The development of a delayed epidural hematoma as a result of decompressive craniectomy represents an urgent and potentially lethal complication in traumatic brain injury. The goal of this study was to determine the incidence of delayed epidural hematoma and whether patterns of skull fractures on the preoperative CT scan could predict risk of a delayed epidural hematoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated medical records and imaging studies for patients with acute traumatic brain injury who underwent a decompressive craniectomy during a 9-year period. We compared patterns of skull fractures contralateral to the side of the craniectomy with the occurrence of a postoperative delayed epidural hematoma.

RESULTS

In a series of 203 patients undergoing decompressive craniectomy for acute traumatic brain injury, the incidence of a delayed epidural hematoma complication was 6% (12 of 203). All 12 patients who developed a delayed epidural hematoma had a contralateral calvarial fracture on preoperative CT at the site where the delayed epidural hematoma subsequently formed. A contralateral calvarial fracture has perfect sensitivity (100%) for subsequent development of delayed epidural hematoma in our study population. Moreover, a contralateral calvarial fracture involving 2 or more bone plates had an especially high diagnostic odds ratio of 41 for delayed epidural hematoma.

CONCLUSIONS

Recognition of skull fracture patterns associated with delayed epidural hematoma following decompressive craniectomy may reduce morbidity and mortality by prompting early postoperative intervention in high-risk situations.

Neurological susceptibility to a skull defect

BACKGROUND

There continues to be considerable interest in the use of decompressive craniectomy in the management of neurological emergencies. The procedure is technically straightforward; however, it is becoming increasingly apparent that it is associated with significant complications. One complication that has received relatively little attention is the neurological dysfunction that can occur due to the absence of the bone flap and the subsequent distortion of the brain under the scalp as cerebral swelling subsides. The aim of this narrative review was to examine the literature available regarding the clinical features described, outline the proposed pathophysiology for these clinical manifestations and highlight the implications that this may have for rehabilitation of patients with a large skull defect.

METHODS

A literature search was performed in the MEDLINE database (1966 to June 2012). The following keywords were used: Hemicraniectomy, decompressive craniectomy, complications, syndrome of the trephined, syndrome of the sinking scalp flap, motor trephined syndrome. The bibliographies of retrieved reports were searched for additional references.

RESULTS

Various terms have been used to describe the different neurological signs and symptoms with which patients with a skull defect can present. These include; syndrome of the trephined, posttraumatic syndrome, syndrome of the sinking scalp flap, and motor trephined syndrome. There is, however, considerable overlap between the conditions described and a patient's individual clinical presentation.

CONCLUSION

It is becoming increasingly apparent that certain patients are particularly susceptible to the presence of a large skull defect. The term "Neurological Susceptibility to a Skull Defect" (NSSD) is therefore suggested as a blanket term to describe any neurological change attributable to the absence of cranial coverage.

Decompressive craniectomy for severe traumatic brain injury: is life worth living?

OBJECT

The object of this study was to assess the long-term outcome and quality of life of patients who have survived with severe disability following decompressive craniectomy for severe traumatic brain injury (TBI).

METHODS

The authors assessed outcome beyond 3 years among a cohort of 39 patients who had been adjudged either severely disabled or in vegetative state 18 months after decompressive craniectomy for TBI. Assessments performed included the Extended Glasgow Outcome Scale, modified Barthel Index (mBI), Zarit Burden Interview, and 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). The issue of retrospective consent for surgery was also assessed.

RESULTS

Of the 39 eligible patients, 7 died, 12 were lost to follow-up, and 20 patients or their next of kin consented to participate in the study. Among those 20 patients, 5 in a vegetative state at 18 months remained so beyond 3 years, and the other 15 patients remained severely disabled after a median follow-up of 5 years. The patients' average daily activity per the mBI (Pearson correlation coefficient [r] = -0.661, p = 0.01) and SF-36 physical score (r = -0.543, p = 0.037) were inversely correlated with the severity of TBI. However, the SF-36 mental scores of the patients were reasonably high (median 46, interquartile range 37-52). The majority of patients and their next of kin believed that they would have provided consent for surgical decompression even if they had known the eventual outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Substantial physical recovery beyond 18 months after decompressive craniectomy for severe TBI was not observed; however, many patients appeared to have recalibrated their expectations regarding what they believed to be an acceptable quality of life.

Autologous vascularized dural wrapping for temporalis muscle preservation and reconstruction after decompressive craniectomy: report of twenty-five cases

Temporalis muscle reconstruction is a necessary step during frontotemporal cranioplasty ensuing decompressive craniectomy (DC). During this procedure, scarring between the temporalis muscle and the dural layer may lead to complicated muscle dissection, which carries an increased risk of dura and muscle damage. At time of DC, temporalis muscle wrapping by an autologous vascularized dural flap can later on facilitate dissection and rebuilding during the subsequent cranioplasty. In a span of 2 years, we performed 57 DCs for different etiologies. In 30 cases, the temporalis muscle was isolated by wrapping its inner surface using the autologous dura. At cranioplasty, the muscle could easily be dissected from the duraplasty. The inner surface was easily freed from the autologous dural envelope, and reconstruction achieved in an almost physiological position. Follow-up examinations were held at regular intervals to disclose signs of temporalis muscle depletion. Twenty-five patients survived to undergo cranioplasty. Muscle dissection could always be performed with no injury to the dural layer. No complications related to temporalis muscle wrapping were recorded. Face asymmetry developed in four cases but it was always with bone resorption. None of the patients with a good neurological recovery reported functional or aesthetic complaints. In our experience, temporalis muscle wrapping by vascularized autologous dura proved to be effective in preserving its bulk and reducing its adhesion to duraplasty, thereby improving muscle dissection and reconstruction during cranioplasty. Functional and aesthetic results were satisfying, except in cases of bone resorption.

Shape modifications of porous hydroxyapatite prostheses to improve rigid implant fixation: Experience in 12 cases

BACKGROUND

Various methods of fixation have been described for custom made hydroxyapatite cranial implants. Their poor malleability limits most of the common used fixation techniques because of the high risk of cranioplasty's fracturing or higher exposure to infections. We present our experience with a new fixation technique, based on an appositely premodified hydroxyapatite implants.

METHODS

In a 2-year time period, 12 patients underwent cranioplasty by a modified custom made porous hydroxyapatite implant. Once the three-dimensional computer model of the prostheses was performed, three semicircular extensions placed at strategic positions were drawn and the final prosthesis was realized. At surgery, holes fitting the extensions were drilled into the skull borders and the implant was easily embedded inside the defect. Small titanium meshes overlying the extensions were fixed by screws to the surrounding bone.

RESULTS

A minimal increase of operative times was recorded, with drilling and fixation requiring additional 30 and 15 minutes, respectively. Optimal contact between cranioplasty and skull borders was always observed at control computed tomography (CT) scans. Permanent rigid fixation was obtained in all cases, with good functional and aesthetic results at follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Modifications of hydroxyapatite implants are obtained without additional costs. The minimal increase of operative times is largely counterbalanced by optimal fixation results. Finally, the bone drilling and the immediate proximity of bone to prosthesis might enhance the potential for osteogenesis and osteointegration.

Eastern equine encephalitis in children, Massachusetts and New Hampshire,USA, 1970-2010

We describe the clinical, laboratory, and radiographic characteristics of 15 cases of eastern equine encephalitis in children during 1970-2010. The most common clinical and laboratory features were fever, headache, seizures, peripheral leukocytosis, and cerebrospinal fluid neutrophilic pleocytosis. Radiographic lesions were found in the basal ganglia, thalami, and cerebral cortex. Clinical outcomes included severe neurologic deficits in 5 (33%) patients, death of 4 (27%), full recovery of 4 (27%), and mild neurologic deficits in 2 (13%). We identify an association between a short prodrome and an increased risk for death or for severe disease.

Piezosurgery for osteotomies in orbital surgery: Our experience and review of the literature

INTRODUCTION

Piezoelectric bone surgery, simply known as Piezosurgery(®), is a new promising technique for bone cutting based on ultrasonic microvibrations that allows to perform precise and thin osteotomies with soft tissue sparing.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

A 45-years-old woman presenting with progressive left ocular pain, diplopia on the lateral left gaze, and visible exophthalmos was admitted to our department. CT scan and MRI images documented a left supero-lateral orbital lesion. A left lateral orbitotomy using the piezoelectric scalpel was performed. The tumour (lacrimal gland lymphoma) was completely removed with no injuries to the orbital structures and with a perfect realignment of the bone stumps.

DISCUSSION

High powered pneumatic osteotome are commonly used to perform craniotomies. Large bone cutting groove and high temperatures developing at the contact site could produce an uneasy bone healing. The use of a piezoelectric scalpel allows to realize precise and thin osteotomies, facilitating craniotomy's borders ossification and avoiding injuries to non-osseous structures.

CONCLUSION

Widely used in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Piezosurgery(®) can also be useful in neurosurgical approaches in order to obtain a faster bone flap re-ossification, a better aesthetic result, and a lower risks of dural layer and soft tissue damage.

Decompressive craniectomy for encephalitis with brain herniation: case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Decompressive craniectomy (DC) has been sporadically used in cases of infectious encephalitis with brain herniation. Like for other indications of DC, evidence is lacking regarding the beneficial or detrimental effects for this pathology.

METHODS

We reviewed all the cases of viral and bacterial encephalitis treated with decompressive craniectomy reported in the literature. We also present one case from our institution. These data were analyzed to determine the relation between clinical and epidemiological variables and outcome in surgically treated patients.

RESULTS

Of 48 patients, 39 (81.25 %) had a favorable functional recovery and 9 (18.75 %) had a negative course. Only two patients (4 %) died after surgical treatment. A statistically significant association was found between diagnosis (viral and bacterial encephalitis) and outcome (GOS) in surgically treated patients. Viral encephalitis, usually caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV), has a more favorable outcome (92.3 % with GOS 4 or 5) than bacterial encephalitis (56.2 % with GOS 4 or 5).

CONCLUSIONS

Based on this literature review, we consider that, due to the specific characteristics of infectious encephalitis, especially in case of viral infection, decompressive craniectomy is probably an effective treatment when brain stem compression threatens the course of the disease. In patients with viral encephalitis, better prognosis can be expected when surgical decompression is used than when only medical treatment is provided.

Decompressive craniectomies, facts and fiction: a retrospective analysis of 526 cases

BACKGROUND

The aim of this article was to review the clinical practice of "bone flap decompression" in Regional Neurosurgical Units with no particular protocol in use.

METHODS

From January 2005 to December 2008, a retrospective and multicentre study was conducted on patients who were treated with decompressive craniectomy (DC) in seven departments of neurosurgery in Italy. This study included patients with traumatic brain injury, stroke, aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage and cerebral arteriovenous malformations. Data were retrieved from individual medical records.

RESULTS

We identified 526 patients with DC. Age was the most significant predictor factor of survival, together with pupil reactivity, time of decompression and size of the bone flap. The effect of age in predicting survival was so important that in patients over 65 years old we did not find any other significant factor related to survival. In younger patients, the survival rate was much better with a large bone flap (p = 0.01). Unfortunately, 57% of patients were decompressed with a bone flap of less than 12 cm in diameter. This was probably due to the association in 80% of cases between haematoma evacuation and decompression.

CONCLUSIONS

The current practice in many centres is different from published papers. Decompression is common over the age of 65 years, is associated with haematoma evacuation and often the bone flaps are inadequate in terms of size.

Life-saving decompressive craniectomy for diffuse cerebral edema during an episode of new-onset diabetic ketoacidosis: case report and review of the literature

PURPOSE

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a well-known complication of diabetes mellitus, is associated with severe diffuse cerebral edema leading to brain herniation and death. Survival from an episode of symptomatic cerebral edema has been associated with debilitating neurological sequelae, including motor deficits, visual impairment, memory loss, seizures, and persistent vegetative states. A review of the literature reveals scant information regarding the potential surgical options for these cases. The authors present their case in which they used a craniectomy to treat this life-threatening condition.

METHODS

After reportedly suffering nausea and vomiting, a 12-year-old male presented to the emergency room with lethargy and was diagnosed with acute DKA. After appropriate treatment, the patient became comatose. A CT scan revealed diffuse cerebral edema. To decrease intracranial pressure and prevent further progression of brain herniation, a bifrontal decompressive craniectomy with duraplasty was performed.

RESULTS

The patient's neurological function gradually improved, and he returned to school and his regular activities with only minimal cognitive deficits.

CONCLUSION

Given the high mortality and morbidity associated with DKA-related edema, we believe decompressive craniectomy should be considered for malignant cerebral edema and herniation syndrome.

The Almirall European Headache Awards 2009

The Almirall European Headache Awards (AEHA) were organized in conjunction with the European Headache Federation. The awards were held in 2009, aiming to share clinical experience and best practice in headache-related disease management. 56 unusual and challenging cases of headache from 5 European countries (Belgium, France, Italy, Portugal and Spain) were judged by a Scientific Committee including expert representatives from participating countries, acting as reviewers. Three cases were selected from each country. The 15 resulting cases were presented to the Scientific Committee in Madrid, Spain in November 2009 and awards were given to the top 5 presentations. This article presents details of these cases, including the award winning entries. They have been categorized into four main groups: (a) headaches in rare syndromes; (b) secondary headaches to infectious/autoimmune causes or post-trauma/mass occupation; (c) headache in unresolved cases; and (d) other relevant cases. First prize was awarded to a case involving a 55-year-old male with familial thrombocytopenia and a unilateral neuralgiform headache secondary to trigeminal vascular contact, and which was successfully treated with carbamazepine. Conclusions from the meeting include: rare syndromes do occur and require appropriate treatment to improve outcomes; concomitant diseases may impair adequate diagnosis and should be investigated; physicians should be cautious and treat possible serious underlying disease, whilst accurately clarifying the correct diagnosis; neurological examination and complementary tests may be required; consideration should be given to possible rare medication events; and some cases may remain without a clear cause or diagnosis and symptoms should be treated whilst investigations continue.

Effects of unilateral decompressive craniectomy on patients with unilateral acute post-traumatic brain swelling after severe traumatic brain injury

Introduction

Acute post-traumatic brain swelling (BS) is one of the pathological forms that need emergent treatment following traumatic brain injury. There is controversy about the effects of craniotomy on acute post-traumatic BS. The aim of the present clinical study was to assess the efficacy of unilateral decompressive craniectomy (DC) or unilateral routine temporoparietal craniectomy on patients with unilateral acute post-traumatic BS.

Methods

Seventy-four patients of unilateral acute post-traumatic BS with midline shifting more than 5 mm were divided randomly into two groups: unilateral DC group (n = 37) and unilateral routine temporoparietal craniectomy group (control group, n = 37). The vital signs, the intracranial pressure (ICP), the Glasgow outcome scale (GOS), the mortality rate and the complications were prospectively analysed.

Results

The mean ICP values of patients in the unilateral DC group at hour 24, hour 48, hour 72 and hour 96 after injury were much lower than those of the control group (15.19 +/- 2.18 mmHg, 16.53 +/- 1.53 mmHg, 15.98 +/- 2.24 mmHg and 13.518 +/- 2.33 mmHg versus 19.95 +/- 2.24 mmHg, 18.32 +/- 1.77 mmHg, 21.05 +/- 2.23 mmHg and 17.68 +/- 1.40 mmHg, respectively). The mortality rates at 1 month after treatment were 27% in the unilateral DC group and 57% in the control group (p = 0.010). Good neurological outcome (GOS Score of 4 to 5) rates 1 year after injury for the groups were 56.8% and 32.4%, respectively (p = 0.035). The incidences of delayed intracranial hematoma and subdural effusion were 21.6% and 10.8% versus 5.4% and 0, respectively (p = 0.041 and 0.040).

Conclusions

Our data suggest that unilateral DC has superiority in lowering ICP, reducing the mortality rate and improving neurological outcomes over unilateral routine temporoparietal craniectomy. However, it increases the incidence of delayed intracranial hematomas and subdural effusion, some of which need secondary surgical intervention. These results provide information important for further large and multicenter clinical trials on the effects of DC in patients with acute post-traumatic BS.

Trial registration

ISRCTN14110527