Computed Tomographic Characteristics of Chronic Subdural Hematomas

Change in Hematoma Size after Dexamethasone Therapy in Chronic Subdural Hematoma Subtypes: A Prospective Study in Symptomatic Patients

The main treatment strategy for chronic subdural hematoma is surgical intervention. When a conservative pharmacological approach is considered in symptomatic patients, mainly dexamethasone therapy is applied. Recent trials revealed dexamethasone therapy to be an ineffective treatment in symptomatic patients with chronic subdural hematoma. Whether the efficacy of dexamethasone therapy differs in radiological hematoma subtypes is unknown. The aim of this substudy was to identify which hematoma subtype might be favorable for dexamethasone therapy. As part of a randomized controlled trial, symptomatic chronic subdural hematoma patients received 19-days dexamethasone therapy. The primary outcome measure was the change in hematoma size as measured on follow-up computed tomography (CT) after 2 weeks of dexamethasone in six hematoma (architectural and density) subtypes: homogeneous total, laminar, separated and trabecular architecture types, and hematoma without hyperdense components (homogeneous hypodense, isodense) and with hyperdense components (homogeneous hyperdense, mixed density). We analyzed hematoma thickness, midline shift, and volume using multi-variable linear regression adjusting for age, sex and baseline value of the specific radiological parameter. From September 2016 until February 2021, 85 patients were included with a total of 114 chronic subdural hematoma. The mean age was 76 years and 25% were women. Larger decrease in hematoma thickness and midline shift was revealed in hematoma without hyperdense components compared with hematoma with hyperdense components (adjusted [adj.] b -2.2 mm, 95% confidence interval [CI] -4.1 to -0.3 and adj. b -1.3 mm, 95% CI -2.7 to 0.0 respectively). Additional surgery was performed in 57% of patients with the highest observed rate (81%) in separated hematoma. Largest hematoma reduction and better clinical improvement was observed in chronic subdural hematoma without hyperdense components after dexamethasone therapy. Evaluation of these parameters can be part of an individualized treatment strategy.

Surgical Management of Chronic Subdural Hematoma in Older Adults: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) is a form of intracranial hemorrhage common in older adults. Optimal treatment remains controversial. We conducted a systematic review to identify surgical thresholds, characterize outcomes, and delineate critical considerations in the surgical management of older adults in order to summarize the evidence supporting the best contemporary management of cSDH.

METHODS

A systematic review exploring surgical management of cSDH among individuals aged 65 years and older was conducting by searching the PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases for articles in English. Abstracts from articles were read and selected for full-text review according to a priori criteria. Relevant full-text articles were analyzed for bibliographic data, aim, study design, population, interventions, and outcomes.

RESULTS

Of 1473 resultant articles, 21 were included. Surgery rationale was case-by-case for symptomatic patients with cSDH. Surgery was superior to conservative management and promoted equivalent neurologic outcomes and rates of complications. Recurrence and reoperation rates in older adults were similar to younger individuals. Some studies reported higher mortality rates for older adults, while others reported no difference. Anticoagulation or antiplatelet agent use did not seem to be associated with poorer outcomes in older adults.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgery for cSDH in older adults leads to favorable neurologic outcomes without increased risk of overall complications, recurrence, or reoperation compared to younger patients. However, older adults may be at increased risk for mortality after surgery. It is important to determine use of anticoagulant or antiplatelet agents in older adults to optimally manage patients with cSDH.

Headache in patients with chronic subdural hematoma: analysis in 1080 patients

Headache is a major symptom in chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) patients. However, some CSDH patients do not complain headache although the hematoma is thick with definite midline shift. This clinical study was performed to identify the mechanism of headache in CSDH patients. We compiled clinical data of 1080 surgically treated CSDH patients (711 males and 369 females), and in 54 cases, the pressure of hematoma was measured during burr hole surgery using a glass-stick manometer. Headache was recognized in 22.6% of patients, while nausea or vomit suggesting increased intracranial pressure was detected in only 3.0%. Ophthalmological examination was performed in 238 patients, and papilledema was identified in only one patient (0.4%). The mean age of patients with headache (59.8 ± 16.9 years) was significantly younger than that of those without (75.7 ± 11.2 years) (P < 0.01). In 54 cases, the mean hematoma pressure was not significantly different between patients with (17.1 ± 6.2 mmH₂O) and without (18.4 ± 7.2 mmH₂O) headache (P > 0.10). Hematoma thickness was significantly greater in patients without headache (P < 0.01), but the ratio of midline shift to hematoma thickness was significantly greater in patients with headache (P < 0.01). In our results, the status of increased intracranial pressure was rare in CSDH patients, and high hematoma pressure was not a cause of headache. Midline shift was the most influenced factor for headache in our study, and based on the results, the authors consider that the potential cause of headache in CSDH might be stretching or twisting of the pain-sensitive meninges and meningeal arteries or veins.

Preoperative predictive factors for surgical and functional outcomes in chronic subdural hematoma

BACKGROUND

Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is a frequently encountered neurosurgical condition, especially in the elderly. We investigated predictive factors for surgical and functional outcomes after burr-hole drainage (BHD) surgery.

METHODS

All patients with CSDH treated by BHD between January 2012 and December 2014 were included in this study. All patients were classified by symptom, clinical grade, time, location, hematoma density, midline shift, and other characteristics. Pre- and postoperative CT evaluation was performed at 0, 3, and 6 months. Clinical grades were classified as described in Markwalder et al. Surgical and clinical outcomes were evaluated with the brain expansion rate and modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Brain expansion rate was calculated as the ratio between post- and pre-operative hematoma thickness. Recurrence was defined as the occurrence of symptoms and hematoma on CT within 6 months.

RESULTS

This study included 130 patients over 2 years. Among the variable parameters, young age (<75), iso-density of hematoma on CT, and short duration from symptom to surgery were correlated with good brain expansion. Patients with good brain expansion had fewer recurrences. In terms of mRS, young age, iso-density, and good clinical grade were correlated with good functional outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinicians should be more aware of general conditions and medical problems, especially in elderly patients. Membranectomy should be considered in patients with a long duration of symptoms or hypo-dense hematomas to promote good brain expansion and good mRS scores.

Risk Factor Analysis for the Recurrence of Chronic Subdural Hematoma: A Review of 368 Consecutive Surgical Cases

OBJECTIVE

Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is a common form of extra axial hemorrhage in the elderly. A surgical procedures such as a burr hole trephination are used for the CSDH treatment. The recurrence rate of CSDH is reported to range from 2.3 to 33%. In the current study, we focused on the determination of risk factors associated with the recurrence of CSDH.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 368 consecutive patients with CSDH treated by burr hole trephination. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to describe the relationships between clinical and radiological factors as well as the recurrence of CSDH.

RESULTS

Totally 31 (8.4%) patients experienced a recurrence of CSDH in our study. The male group (10.2%) had a higher recurrence rate than the female group (3.1%). Also patients with malignant neoplasm history showed a high recurrence rate (17.9%). The recurrence rate of single layer CSDH (13.1%) and isodensity CSDH (11.7%) was highly significant also.

CONCLUSION

Sex, history of malignant neoplasm and the hematoma type on computed tomography were factors related with the recurrence of CSDH in our study. These findings may be supportive in the identification of patients at risk for a recurrence of CSDH.

Role of neuroimaging in management of traumatic brain injury

Traumatic brain injury is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the UK with substantial associated economic costs to the healthcare system. This article explores the role of neuroimaging in both acute and long-term management of traumatic brain injury patients. We discuss the indications for urgent cross-section imaging as well as radiological features of both primary insults and secondary injuries. The role of neuroimaging in guiding surgical therapy and monitoring post-operative traumatic brain injury patients has also been described. Following initial injury, traumatic brain injury patients can suffer from a wide variety of physical, social and psychological difficulties. New techniques such as diffusion tensor imaging in combination with conventional magnetic resonance imaging sequences may provide useful information in predicting long-term prognosis and guiding rehabilitation.

Clinical Analysis of Risk Factors for Recurrence in Patients with Chronic Subdural Hematoma Undergoing Burr Hole Trephination

OBJECTIVE

Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is one of the most common types of intra-cranial hemorrhages usually associated with trauma. Surgical treatment is the treatment of choice and burr hole trephination (BHT) is widely performed. The recurrence rate in the patients with CSDH is 3.7-30%. This study investigated the risk factors associated with the recurrence of patients with CSDH who underwent BHT.

METHODS

One hundred twenty-five patients with CSDH underwent BHT. Eight of 125 patients (6.4%) underwent reoperation for recurrent CSDH. We retrospectively analyzed demographic, clinical and radiological findings, catheter tip location and drainage duration as the risk factors for the recurrence of CSDH.

RESULTS

Recurrence of CSDH in the high- or mixed-density groups was significantly higher than those in the low- or iso-density groups (p<0.001). Placement of catheter tip at the temporoparietal area was associated with a significantly higher recurrence rate of CSDH than placement at the frontal area (p=0.006) and the brain re-expansion rate (BRR) was much lower than placement at the frontal area (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

The operation may be delayed in high- and mixed-density groups, unless severe symptoms or signs are present. In addition, placing the catheter tip at the frontal area helps to reduce the incidence of postoperative recurrence of CSDH and to increase the BRR.

Vascular endothelial growth factor concentration in chronic subdural hematoma fluid is related to computed tomography appearance and exudation rate

Chronic subdural hematoma (CSH) is characterized by a net increase of volume over time. Major underlying mechanisms appear to be hemorrhagic episodes and a continuous exudation, which may be studied using labeled proteins to yield an exudation rate in a given patient. We tested the hypothesis that the concentration of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in hematoma fluid correlates with the rate of exudation. Concentration of VEGF was determined in 51 consecutive patients with CSH by the sandwich immune enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. Mean values were correlated with exudation rates taken from the literature according to the appearance of CSH on computed tomography (CT) images. The CT appearance of each CSH was classified as hypodense, isodense, hyperdense, or mixed density. Mean VEGF concentration was highest in mixed-density hematomas (22,403±4173 pg/mL; mean±standard error of the mean; n=27), followed by isodense (9715±1287 pg/mL; n=9) and hypodense (5955±610 pg/mL; n=18) hematomas. Only 1 patient with hyperdense hematoma fulfilled the inclusion criteria, and the concentration of VEGF found in this patient was 24,200 pg/mL. There was a statistically significant correlation between VEGF concentrations and exudation rates in the four classes of CT appearance (r=0.98). The current report is the first to suggest a pathophysiological link between the VEGF concentration and the exudation rate underlying the steady increase of hematoma volume and CT appearance.With this finding, the current report adds another piece of evidence in favor of the pathophysiological role of VEGF in the development of CSH, including mechanisms contributing to hematoma growth and CT appearance.

Multiple Densities of the Chronic Subdural Hematoma in CT Scans

Objective

Density of the chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) is variable. It often appears to be mixed density. Multiple densities of cSDH may result from multiple episodes of trauma. We investigated the frequency of mixed density and the causes of head injuries representing each density.

Methods

We could collect 242 cases of chronic SDH. The cSDHs were classified into four groups; hypodensity, homogeneous isodensity, layered type, and mixed type on the basis of CT scans.

Results

The density of cSDH was isodense in 115 patients, hypodense in 31 patients, mixed in 79 cases, and layered in 17 cases. The cSDH was on the left side in 115 patients, on the right side in 70 patients, and bilateral in 40 patients. The history of trauma was identifiable in 122 patients. The etiology could be identified in 67.7% of the hypodense hematomas, while it was obscure in 59.5% of the mixed hematomas.

Conclusion

Mixed density of cSDH results from multiple episodes of trauma, usually in the aged. It is hard to remember all the trivial traumas for the patients with the mixed density cSDHs. Although there were membranes within the mixed density hematomas, burr-holes were usually enough to drain the hematomas.

Early post-operative seizures after burr-hole drainage for chronic subdural hematoma: correlation with brain CT findings

The incidence of seizures in patients undergoing burr-hole crainiostomy with closed-system drainage for chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is low. The post-operative use of anticonvulsants is, thus, controversial. In this study, we tried to correlate pre-operative computed tomographic (CT) appearance of the CSDH with the need for post-operative seizure prophylaxis. From April 1998 to November 2001, 128 cases of CSDH surgically treated at our hospital were studied. All patients underwent burr-hole craniostomy with closed system drainage. All CSDHs were classified as low-density, isodense, and mixed-density lesions according to CT findings. The incidence of early post-operative seizures (within 3 weeks of surgery) among all patients was 5.4% (7/128). In the subgroups by lesion density, the incidences were 6.2% (1/16) in the low-density group, 2.4% (2/83) in the isodense group, and 13.7% (4/29) in the mixed-density group (all p < 0.05). The mean age among the seven patients (five males and two females) who had seizures was 71 years. The locations of the CSDHs among the 128 patients were the left side of the brain in 53 (41.4%) patients, right side in 45 (35.2%), and bilateral in 30 (23.4%) patients. Among the seven patients who suffered from post-operative seizures, five (71.4%) had left side CSDHs, one (14.2%) had a right side CSDH, and one (14.2%) had bilateral CSDHs. We concluded that the post-operative seizure rate appeared high in the group with mixed-density type lesions on CT, and in those with left unilateral CSDH. We suggest the use of prophylactic anticonvulsants for patients with mixed-density lesions on pre-operative CT.

Clinical analysis of risk factors related to recurrent chronic subdural hematoma

OBJECTIVE

Burr hole drainage has been widely used to treat chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH). However, the incidence of recurrent CSDH varies from 3.7 to 30% after surgery. The authors attempted to elucidate the risk factors associated with the recurrence of CSDH in one burr hole drainage technique.

METHODS

A total of 255 consecutive cases who underwent one burr hole drainage for CSDH were included in this study. Twenty-four patients (9.4%) underwent a repeated operation because of the recurrence of CSDH. We analyzed retrospectively the demographic, clinical and radiologic factors associated with the recurrence of CSDH.

RESULTS

In this study, two risk factors were found to be independently associated with the recurrence of CSDH. The incidence of CSDH recurrence in the high- and mixed-density groups was significantly higher than those in the low- and iso-density groups (p<0.001). Bleeding tendency such as in leukemia, liver disease and chronic renal failure was also significantly associated with recurrence of CSDH (p=0.037).

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that high- and mixed- density shown on computed tomographic scan was closely relates with a high incidence of recurrence. Therefore, the operation could be delayed in those cases unless severe symptoms or signs are present. Reoperation using the previous burr hole site is a preferred modality to treat the recurrent CSDH.

Geriatric neurologic emergencies

Geriatrics is an important subspecialty within the field of emergency medicine and represents a burgeoning area of practice. The special vulnerability of elderly patients to neurologic disease and injury and the comparative subtlety of clinical presentation mean that physicians should have a lower threshold for laboratory studies, radiologic imaging, consultation, and admission. Transferring appropriate patients to tertiary centers that offer specialized trauma and neurologic and neurosurgical care greatly enhances survival and functional outcomes.

Irrigation vs. closed drainage in the treatment of chronic subdural hematoma

A number of different techniques are used to treat chronic subdural hematomas surgically. In this study, 70 chronic subdural hematomas were surgically treated and analyzed prospectively. Patients were classified according to clinical features and computed tomography images. Results of the cases that underwent burr-hole craniostomy-irrigation (group A; n=35) were compared with those undergoing burr-hole craniostomy-closed system drainage (group B; n=35). The most common etiological factor was trauma in both groups. Complete resolution in the early period was higher in group B compared to group A (60% vs. 40%). However, no difference was noted at the first month-follow-up. Recurrence rates were 17% in group A and 14% in group B. No significant difference was noted in terms of hospitalization duration or postoperative complications. In conclusion, we believe that the burr-hole craniostomy-irrigation technique is a reliable and effective method compared to burr-hole craniostomy-closed system drainage in the treatment of chronic subdural hematoma.

Management of chronic subdural hematoma: a national survey and literature review

OBJECTIVE

To survey neurosurgical practices in the treatment of chronic and subacute subdural hematoma in the Canadian adult population.

METHODS

We developed and administered a questionnaire to Canadian Neurosurgeons with questions relating to the management of chronic and subacute subdural hematoma. Our sampling frame included all neurosurgery members of the Canadian Neurosurgical Society.

RESULTS

Of 158 questionnaires, 120 were returned (response rate = 76%). The respondents were neurosurgeons with primarily adult clinical practices (108/120). Surgeons preferred one and two burr-hole craniostomy to craniotomy or twist-drill craniostomy as the procedure of choice for initial treatment of subdural hematoma (35.5% vs 49.5% vs 4.7% vs 9.3%, respectively). Craniotomy and two burr-holes were preferred for recurrent subdural hematomas (43.3% and 35.1%, respectively). Surgeons preferred irrigation of the subdural cavity (79.6%), use of a subdural drain (80.6%), and no use of anti-convulsants or corticosteroids (82.1% and 86.6%, respectively). We identified a lack of consensus with keeping patients supine following surgery and post-operative antibiotic use.

CONCLUSION

Our survey has identified variations in practice patterns among Canadian Neurosurgeons with respect to treatment of subacute or chronic subdural hematoma (SDH). Our findings support the need for further prospective studies and clinical trials to resolve areas of discrepancies in clinical management and hence, standardize treatment regimens.

Neuroimaging in traumatic brain imaging

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a common and potentially devastating clinical problem. Because prompt proper management of TBI sequelae can significantly alter the clinical course especially within 48 h of the injury, neuroimaging techniques have become an important part of the diagnostic work up of such patients. In the acute setting, these imaging studies can determine the presence and extent of injury and guide surgical planning and minimally invasive interventions. Neuroimaging also can be important in the chronic therapy of TBI, identifying chronic sequelae, determining prognosis, and guiding rehabilitation.

Chronic subdural haematoma: surgical treatment and outcome in 1000 cases

Chronic subdural haematoma (CSDH) is one of the most common clinical entities in daily neurosurgical practice. To evaluate the clinical features, computed tomography findings, surgical results, and complications our series was statistically analysed to elucidate the factors affecting the post-operative outcome. A retrospective study (1980-2002) of the records of 1000 patients harbouring 1097 chronic subdural haematoma treated with burr-hole craniotomy with closed-system drainage was carried out. The series included 628 males and 372 females, age range 12-100 years, mean age 72.7+/-11.4 years. The mean interval from trauma to appearance of clinical symptoms was 49.1+/-7.4 days (15-751). The principal symptom was headache (29.7%) in the over 70s, and behavioural disturbance (33.8%) in the under 70s. The CSDH was right sided in 432 patients, left sided in 471, and bilateral in the remaining 97 cases. Post-operative complications occurred in 196 patients and 21 patients died in hospital. Poor prognosis was related to patient's age (>70) and clinical grade on admission (grades 0-2 versus grades 3-4).

Occult trauma in high-risk populations

Several groups of patients are at increased risk for traumatic injury that is "occult," or not apparent on initial presentation. Perhaps the most notorious are those who abuse alcohol, but other groups include the elderly, coagulopathic, those with neurological disease, and the mentally ill. Moreover, traumatic injury can coexist with (or be masked by) medical pathology, resulting in the disposition of injured patients to nonsurgical services where surveillance for traumatic injury diminishes. Because delays or failures in diagnosis might result in unnecessary pain, morbidity, and mortality, it is important for the emergency physician to identify occult presentations of trauma before disposition. This review highlights commonly missed traumatic injuries in adult patients.

Adult cranial dura I: intrinsic vessels

This is the first of two articles designed to provide user-friendly schematics of the adult dural vascular anatomy. It describes the intrinsic meningeal arteries and veins of the skull base/cranial vault and the dural partitions (the tentorium, falx cerebelli, and falx cerebri). The discussion of this anatomy is supplemented by illustrative pathologic insights. The second article focuses on the dural sinuses and their remaining tributaries from the brain, diploë, and emissary veins from the extracranial soft tissues. This information will assist in interpreting neuroimaging studies, communications with clinicians, and teaching of this difficult subject.

Reversible dementia in patients with chronic subdural hematomas

OBJECT

Neuropsychiatric changes following surgery for chronic subdural hematomas (CSDHs) were analyzed in 26 patients (21 men and five women) by using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Hasegawa Dementia Scale-Revised (HDS-R) to determine factors that potentially contribute to neuropsychiatric recovery.

METHODS

Burr hole irrigation was performed in every patient to treat the CSDH. The patients' profiles, including age and sex, neuroimaging findings (such as hematoma volume and thickness, as well as midline shift), and preoperative and postoperative scores on the MMSE, HDS-R, and activities of daily living (ADL) scale were recorded. According to preoperative MMSE scores, eight patients (30.8%) were classified as mentally healthy and 18 (69.2%) as suffering from dementia before surgery. Nine of the 18 patients with dementia recovered to a normal psychological state following surgery. Surgery improved not only the patients' independence in ADL (p = 0.0026), but also their neuropsychiatric functions such as orientation and calculation, as estimated by scores on the MMSE (p = 0.0002) and the HDS-R (p = 0.0008). Factors affecting neuropsychiatric status on admission were midline shift (p = 0.0398) and ADL score (p = 0.0124); factors that could be used to predict neuropsychiatric recovery after surgery were patient age (p = 0.0027) and ADL score (p = 0.0193). The results of a logistic regression analysis demonstrated that significant predictors of neuropsychiatric recovery after surgery include the following: patient age (p = 0.0049, odds ratio [OR] = 0.842) and preoperative ADL (p = 0.0056, OR = 0.471), MMSE (p < 0.0001, OR = 1.895), and HDS-R (p = 0.0073, OR = 1.303) scores. Results of subgroup analyses demonstrated that patients younger than 74 years of age and those who had preoperative scores lower than 5 on the converted ADL scale, higher than 10 on the MMSE, or higher than 9 on the HDS-R on admission were found to have a significantly better recovery of neuropsychiatric functions after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Dementia is reversible in many patients with CSDH, and surgery can improve not only independence in ADL, but also neuropsychiatric functions. Patients who are younger and/or those who have lower preoperative ADL scores and/or higher preoperative MMSE or HDS-R scores will achieve a good recovery with regard to neuropsychiatric functions after surgery. Estimations of neuropsychiatric function based on MMSE and HDS-R scores were found to be useful in predicting functional outcomes in patients with CSDH.

[Chronic subdural hematoma in patients over 80 years of age]

INTRODUCTION

Chronic subdural hematoma (CSH) represents one of the most frequent types of intracranial hemorrhage. Most occur in elderly patients causing a variety of therapeutic problems associated to systemic diseases.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective study of 90 patients older than 80 years of age with chronic subdural hematoma treated in the last 15 years was undertaken. For clinical evaluation on admission and at discharge we used the classification of Markwalder. Surgical treatment was performed in all patients and a burr hole craniostomy with closed drainage system was used.

RESULTS

On admission, 73 patients (80%) were in satisfactory condition (grades 0-2); 17 (20%) were grade 3 or 4. Seven (7.7%) patients died but none due to surgery. In 6 (6.6%) of the patients, surgical reintervention was required to remove a recurring CSH. In 76.6% of the patients, the results achieved were graded 0 or 1.

CONCLUSIONS

In our experience CSH in elderly patients should be treated with minimal surgery with a simple drainage of the subdural space. The good results suggest that the procedure could be considered as a first procedure in these patients and that age or concomitant diseases do not appear to be poor prognostic factors.