[Decompressive craniectomy in malignant infarction of the middle cerebral artery]

Outcome of decompressive craniectomy in comparison to nonsurgical treatment in patients with malignant MCA infarction

Background

Malignant cerebral infarction is a well-recognized disease, comprising 10-15% of all cases with cerebral infarction and causing herniation and death in 80% of cases. In this study, we compare the effects of decompressive craniectomy versus conventional medical treatment on mortality rate and functional and neurological outcome in patients with malignant MCA infarction.

Methods

We performed a prospective case–control study on 60 patients younger than 80years of age suffering malignant MCA cerebral infarction. The case group underwent decompressive craniectomy in addition to routine aggressive medical care; while the control group received routine medical treatment. Patient outcome was assessed using Glasgow outcome scale and modified Rankin scale within three months of follow-up. The data were analyzed by SPSS version 16.0 software using Chi Square, One-way ANOVA and Mann–Whitney tests.

Results

There were 27 male and 33 female patients with a mean age of 60.6 years (SD = 12.3). Glasgow outcome scale score averaged 2.93 in the surgical versus 1.53 in the medical group; this difference was significant (p = 0.001). Outcome in modified Rankin scale was also significantly lower in the surgical (3.27) versus medical (5.27) group (p < 0.001). Surgery could decrease the mortality rate about 47%.

Conclusion

In this study, decompressive craniectomy could decrease mortality rate, and improve neurological and functional outcome, and decrease long-term disability in patients with malignant MCA infarction.

Monitoring intracranial pressure in patients with malignant middle cerebral artery infarction: is it useful?

Object

Intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring is increasingly used in the treatment of patients with malignant middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarction. However, neurological deterioration may exist independent from intracranial hypertension. This study aimed to present the findings of continuous ICP monitoring in a cohort of patients with malignant MCA infarction and to correlate these findings with clinical and radiological features.

Methods

The authors studied a prospective cohort of 25 patients with malignant MCA infarction consecutively admitted to the neurotrauma intensive care unit of the Vall d'Hebron University Hospital between March 2002 and September 2006. The patients were treated using a combined protocol of initial moderate hypothermia and hemicraniectomy. The latter was performed when patients showed a midline shift (MLS) ≥ 5 mm or ICP > 20 mm Hg. Six patients had an MLS ≥ 5 mm on the first CT scan and underwent surgery without prior ICP monitoring. This study focuses on the subgroup of 19 patients who underwent intraparenchymatous ICP monitoring before surgery.

Results

Intracranial pressure readings were evaluated and correlated with pupillary abnormalities, MLS, and ischemic tissue volume. In 12 of the 19 patients, ICP values were always ≤ 20 mm Hg, despite a mean (± SD) MLS of 6.7 ± 2 mm and a mean ischemic tissue volume of 241.3 ± 83 cm3. In 2 patients with anisocoria, ICP values were also normal.

Conclusions

In patients with a malignant MCA infarction, pupillary abnormalities and severe brainstem compression may be present despite normal ICP values. Therefore, continuous ICP monitoring cannot substitute for close clinical and radiological follow-up in the management of these patients.

Craniectomia descompressiva para tratamento de hipertensão intracraniana secundária a infarto encefálico isquêmico extenso: análise de 34 casos

Infarto encefálico isquêmico extenso (IEIE) é a perda do suprimento sangüíneo de uma grande área cerebral, principalmente do território da artéria cerebral média. Pode evoluir com edema importante, hipertensão intracraniana e óbito em até 80% dos casos. OBJETIVO: Avaliar os resultados da craniectomia descompressiva no tratamento da hipertensão intracraniana secundária ao IEIE, comparando com os resultados de outros estudos publicados na literatura. MÉTODO: Foram analisados 34 pacientes com IEIE tratados clinicamente sem sucesso e que necessitaram de craniectomia descompressiva para controle da hipertensão intracraniana. RESULTADOS: 8 pacientes (23,52%) faleceram, 26 (76,47%) sobreviveram, sendo que 2 (7,70%) permaneceram em estado vegetativo. CONCLUSÃO: Os fatores idade acima de 50 anos e sexo masculino se associaram a maior risco de evolução para óbito. O nível de consciência à admissão e a área do retalho ósseo apresentaram valores próximos de significância estatística.

The role of decompressive craniectomy in the management of traumatic brain injury: a critical review

Brain swelling and intracranial hypertension following severe head injury are known to contribute to secondary brain damage, and have been shown to adversely affect patient outcome. The use of unilateral craniectomy following the evacuation of a mass lesion, such as acute subdural haematoma or traumatic intracerebral haematoma, is accepted practice. The following review focuses on a bi-fronto-temporal decompressive craniectomy, used as an isolated operation for the control of intracranial hypertension, secondary to diffuse brain swelling refractory to medical management. Though the operation is being increasingly used, current opinion is still divided regarding its overall effects on outcome. This review examines the experimental and clinical evidence for and against the use of decompressive craniectomy, highlights the lack of class I evidence relevant to this topic and emphasises the necessity for well-designed prospective randomised controlled trials.

Decompressive craniectomy as a therapeutic option in the treatment of hemispheric stroke

Even though severe hemispheric stroke represents a small subtype of ischemic stroke, the extreme morbidity and mortality necessitate aggressive management strategies to improve outcome. Decompressive craniectomy is an important therapeutic tool with demonstrated effects in significantly reducing intracranial hypertension and mortality from herniation related to cerebral edema and elevated intracranial pressure. Its effect on functional outcome and quality of life varies, but there is evidence to suggest beneficial effects in younger patients and in patients treated earlier. Although more prospective data are required to further identify specific indications for the procedure, it represents an important tool in treatment of nondominant hemispheric stroke.