Subdural Hygroma After Management of Ruptured Intracranial Aneurysms: Incidence, Associated Factors, Clinical Course, and Management Options.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the incidence, associated factors, clinical course, and management options of subdural hygroma in patients treated for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). METHODS: From January 2013 until June 2022, 336 consecutive patients with aSAH underwent treatment in our center. No one patient was excluded from the study cohort. Computed tomography (CT) examinations were performed at admission, immediately after surgery and on the first postoperative day, and subsequently in case of any neurologic deterioration or, at least, once per week until discharge from the hospital. Thereafter, CT examinations were at the discretion of specialists in the rehabilitation facility, referring physicians, or neurosurgeons at the outpatient clinic. RESULTS: The length of radiologic follow-up starting from CT at admission ranged from 1 to 3286 days (mean, 673 ± 895 days; median, 150 days). Subdural hygromas developed in 84 patients (25%). An average interval until this imaging finding from the initial CT examination was 25 ± 55 days (median, 8 days; range, 0-362 days). Evaluation in the multivariate model showed that patient age ≥72 years (P < 0.0001), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunting (P < 0.0001), and microsurgical clipping of ruptured intracranial aneurysm (RIA; P < 0.0001) are independently associated with the development of subdural hygroma. In 54 of 84 cases (64%), subdural hygromas required observation only. Increase of the lesion size with (5 cases) or without (10 cases) appearance of midline shift was associated with patient age <72 years (P = 0.0398), decompressive craniotomy (P = 0.0192), and CSF shunting (P = 0.0009), whereas evaluation of these factors in the multivariate model confirmed independent association of only CSF shunting (P = 0.0003). Active management of subdural hygromas included adjustment of the shunt programmable valve opening pressure, cranioplasty, external subdural drainage, or their combination. Overall, during follow-up (mean, 531 ± 824 days; median, 119 days; range, 2-3285 days) after the start of observation or applied treatment, subdural hygromas showed either decrease (50 cases) or stabilization (34 cases) of their sizes, and no one lesion showed progression again. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical course of subdural hygromas in patients treated for aSAH is generally favorable, but occasionally these lesions show progressive enlargement with or without the appearance of midline shift, which requires active management.

Traumatic subdural hygroma and chronic subdural hematoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Recently, a relationship between traumatic subdural hygroma (SDG) and chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) has been proposed. However, the role of traumatic SDG in development of CSDH has not been well characterized. This systematic review aimed to estimate the rate of evolution of traumatic SDG to CSDH, and to identify risk factors associated with traumatic SDG evolution to CSDH. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases from inception to May 26, 2021, using the combination of the terms "subdural hygroma" and "chronic subdural hematoma." Using a random-effects model, we calculated a pooled estimate of rate of evolution of traumatic SDG to CSDH. In addition, we conducted a systematic review of studies of risk factors for traumatic SDG evolution to CSDH. Nineteen studies with 1,335 patients met the inclusion criteria for meta-analysis. The pooled estimate of evolution rate was 25.0 % (95 % CI, 19.3 %-30.7 %; I2 = 85.6 %), with significant heterogeneity among studies (P < 0.01). Age ≥ 60 years was associated independently with traumatic SDG evolution to CSDH, after adjustment for study design using multivariate meta-regression. Risk factors associated with evolution of traumatic SDG to CSDH were radiological characteristics such as thicker SDG and higher SDG CT value. The rate of traumatic SDGs evolution to CSDH is approximately 25 %. Patients aged 60 or older with traumatic SDGs are at increased risk of CSDH development. Thicker SDG and higher SDG CT value, are commonly reported risk factors for traumatic SDG evolution to CSDH. However, higher quality studies are needed.

Preoperative risk and postoperative outcome from subdural fluid collections in African infants with postinfectious hydrocephalus.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the incidence of postoperative subdural collections in a cohort of African infants with postinfectious hydrocephalus. The authors sought to identify preoperative factors associated with increased risk of development of subdural collections and to characterize associations between subdural collections and postoperative outcomes. METHODS: The study was a post hoc analysis of a randomized controlled trial at a single center in Mbale, Uganda, involving infants (age < 180 days) with postinfectious hydrocephalus randomized to receive either an endoscopic third ventriculostomy plus choroid plexus cauterization or a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. Patients underwent assessment with the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition (Bayley-III; sometimes referred to as BSID-III) and CT scans preoperatively and then at 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. Volumes of brain, CSF, and subdural fluid were calculated, and z-scores from the median were determined from normative curves for CSF accumulation and brain growth. Linear and logistic regression models were used to characterize the association between preoperative CSF volume and the postoperative presence and size of subdural collection 6 and 12 months after surgery. Linear regression and smoothing spline ANOVA were used to describe the relationship between subdural fluid volume and cognitive scores. Causal mediation analysis distinguished between the direct and indirect effects of the presence of a subdural collection on cognitive scores. RESULTS: Subdural collections were more common in shunt-treated patients and those with larger preoperative CSF volumes. Subdural fluid volumes were linearly related to preoperative CSF volumes. In terms of outcomes, the Bayley-III cognitive score was linearly related to subdural fluid volume. The distribution of cognitive scores was significantly different for patients with and those without subdural collections from 11 to 24 months of age. The presence of a subdural collection was associated with lower cognitive scores and smaller brain volume 12 months after surgery. Causal mediation analysis demonstrated evidence supporting both a direct (76%) and indirect (24%) effect (through brain volume) of subdural collections on cognitive scores. CONCLUSIONS: Larger preoperative CSF volume and shunt surgery were found to be risk factors for postoperative subdural collection. The size and presence of a subdural collection were negatively associated with cognitive outcomes and brain volume 12 months after surgery. These results have suggested that preoperative CSF volumes could be used for risk stratification for treatment decision-making and that future clinical trials of alternative shunt technologies to reduce overdrainage should be considered.

Spinal subdural hygroma.

A spinal subdural hygroma is a rare entity. In this review, we try to contribute to the pooling of current knowledge about spinal subdural hygroma, from embryology and physiology until radiological detection and treatment. The relevant articles in the literature regarding spinal subdural hygroma were reviewed, using a sensitive search strategy on Internet databases. A spinal subdural hygroma is associated with trauma, iatrogenic causes, spontaneous intracranial hypotension headache, and probably meningitis. MR imaging is the golden standard for diagnosis. Treatment of the hygroma is almost always conservative and surgery is seldom necessary, however treating the underlying cause is important. The physiology, in spite of numerous suggestions and hypotheses in literature, remains unclear. The prevalence of spinal subdural hygroma is also still unknown. Only a few articles deal with spinal subdural hygroma, because it is an uncommon entity, without specific symptoms. Probably it is often not diagnosed because of the frequent association with other cranial or spinal pathologies and the need for high-resolution imaging. More research is required to examine the prevalence, importance, and pathophysiology of spinal subdural hygroma.

Risk factors for the development of posttraumatic hydrocephalus after unilateral decompressive craniectomy in patients with traumatic brain injury.

Decompressive craniectomy (DC) has been performed increasingly to control medically refractory intracranial hypertension in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Although DC is a potentially life-saving procedure and technically straightforward, it is associated with some significant complications that include subdural hygroma (SDG) and posttraumatic hydrocephalus (PTH). A retrospective analysis of 143 TBI patients who underwent unilateral DC was undertaken to investigate the incidence and risk factors of PTH and investigate the relationship between the types of SDG and PTH. Among these patients, the incidence of PTH was 30.1%. SDG was noted in 25 patients (58.1%) who developed PTH. SDG was noted in 27 patients (27%) without PTH. The patients with PTH had a significantly unfavorable outcome (p < 0.0001). After stepwise logistic regression analyses, only age (p = 0.004, odds ratio [OR] = 1.036, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.011-1.061) and contralateral SDG (p < 0.0001, OR = 5.613, 95% CI = 2.232-14.115) remained independently associated with PTH development, and PTH development rate increased by 3.6% with every 1-year increase in age. Close surveillance is indicated in older TBI patients with contralateral SDG after unilateral DC to prompt early detection and timely management of PTH.

Epidemiological Features of Patients with Subdural Hygroma in a Prospective Case Series

Purpose To compare the efficacy and safety of the percutaneous screw fixation (PSF) and the open pedicle screw fixation (OPSF) on thoracolumbar (TL) fracture. Methods Sixty-four adult patients with TL vertebral fractures who underwent open or percutaneous posterior short-segment transpedicular screw fixation between January of 2013 and September of 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. All patients underwent clinical, radiological and quality of life follow-up for at least 18 months. Results There was no significant difference in age, gender, time between injury and surgery, and preoperative percentage of anterior column height, preoperative sagittal regional Cobb angle, or kyphotic angle of fractured vertebra between these two groups (p > 0.05). There was significantly less intraoperative blood loss in the PSF (87.6 24.6 mL) than in the OPSF group (271.4 142.6 mL) (p < 0.05). The mean surgery time was 62 minutes (range 42­130 minutes) for open and 58 minutes (range 35 to 128 minutes) for percutaneous screw fixation. The surgery time was shorter in the PSF group, but with no statistical significance (p > 0.05). The mean Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores after 18-months were 23.12 8.2 for the PSF and 24.12 9.2 for the OPSF group, without any statistical significance (p > 0.05). Conclusion Both open and percutaneous screw fixations are safe and effective. The percutaneous techniques significantly reduced the intraoperative blood loss compared with the open techniques.

Objetivo Comparar a eficácia e segurança das técnicas de fixação convencional e percutânea para fraturas toracolombares. Métodos Sessenta e quatro pacientes adultos com fraturas da transição toracolombar que foram submetidos a fixação pedicular curta por técnicas aberta convencional e percutânea entre janeiro de 2013 e setembro de 2015 foram retrospectivamente avaliados. Todos foram submetidos a avaliação clínica, radiológica e de qualidade de vida com no mínimo 18 meses do seguimento. Resultados Não houve diferença significativa na idade, sexo, tempo entre o trauma e o tratamento, porcentagem da redução da altura do corpo vertebral pré-operatório, angulo de Cob sagital na região da fratura, ou ângulo de de cifose da vértebra fraturada entre os dois grupos (p > 0,05). Houve uma menor perda sanguínea no grupo percutâneo (87,6 24,6 mL) em comparação com a técnica convencional (271,4 142,6 mL) (p < 0,05). O tempo médio da cirurgia foi 62 minutos (42 - 130 minutos) para a técnica convencional e 58 minutos (35 - 128 minutos) para a percutânea. Apesar de mais curto na técnica percutânea, não houve diferença estatisticamente significante no tempo cirúrgico entre os dois grupos (p > 0,05). Em relação ao índice de incapacidade de Oswestry após 18 meses do tratamento cirúrgico, também não houve diferença significante do ponto de vista estatístico entre os dois grupos, sendo 23,12 8,2 para a técnica percutânea e 24,12 9,2 para o grupo da técnica convencional (p > 0,05). Conclusão Ambas as técnicas mostraram-se eficazes e seguras para o tratamento de fraturas da transição toracolombar. A técnica percutânea apresentou uma taxa de perda sanguínea significativamente menor em comparação à técnica aberta convencional.

Postoperative subdural hygroma and chronic subdural hematoma after unruptured aneurysm surgery: age, sex, and aneurysm location as independent risk factors.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the incidence and risk factors for the postoperative occurrence of subdural complications, such as a subdural hygroma and resultant chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH), following surgical clipping of an unruptured aneurysm. The critical age affecting such occurrences and follow-up results were also examined. METHODS: The case series included 364 consecutive patients who underwent aneurysm clipping via a pterional or superciliary keyhole approach for an unruptured saccular aneurysm in the anterior cerebral circulation between 2007 and 2013. The subdural hygromas were identified based on CT scans 6-9 weeks after surgery, and the volumes were measured using volumetry studies. Until their complete resolution, all the subdural hygromas were followed using CT scans every 1-2 months. Meanwhile, the CSDHs were classified as nonoperative or operative lesions that were treated by bur-hole drainage. The age and sex of the patients, aneurysm location, history of a subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), and surgical approach (pterional vs superciliary) were all analyzed regarding the postoperative occurrence of a subdural hygroma or CSDH. The follow-up results of the subdural complications were also investigated. RESULTS: Seventy patients (19.2%) developed a subdural hygroma or CSDH. The results of a multivariate analysis showed that advanced age (p = 0.003), male sex (p < 0.001), middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysm (p = 0.045), and multiple concomitant aneurysms at the MCA and anterior communicating artery (ACoA) (p < 0.001) were all significant risk factors of a subdural hygroma and CSDH. In addition, a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed a cut-off age of > 60 years, which achieved a 70% sensitivity and 69% specificity with regard to predicting such subdural complications. The female patients ≤ 60 years of age showed a negligible incidence of subdural complications for all aneurysm groups, whereas the male patients > 60 years of age showed the highest incidence of subdural complications at 50%-100%, according to the aneurysm location. The subdural hygromas detected 6-9 weeks postoperatively showed different follow-up results, according to the severity. The subdural hygromas that converted to a CSDH were larger in volume than the subdural hygromas that resolved spontaneously (28.4 ± 16.8 ml vs 59.6 ± 38.4 ml, p = 0.003). Conversion to a CSDH was observed in 31.3% (5 of 16), 64.3% (9 of 14), and 83.3% (5 of 6) of the patients with mild, moderate, and severe subdural hygromas, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Advanced age, male sex, and an aneurysm location requiring extensive arachnoid dissection (MCA aneurysms and multiple concomitant aneurysms at the MCA and ACoA) are all correlated with the occurrence of a subdural hygroma and CSDH after unruptured aneurysm surgery. The critical age affecting such an occurrence is 60 years.

A randomised trial of high and low pressure level settings on an adjustable ventriculoperitoneal shunt valve for idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus: results of the Dutch evaluation programme Strata shunt (DEPSS) trial.

BACKGROUND: In treating idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (INPH) with a shunt there is always a risk of underdrainage or overdrainage. The hypothesis is tested whether patients treated using an adjustable valve preset at the highest opening pressure leads to comparable good clinical results with less subdural effusions than in a control group with an opening pressure preset at a low pressure level. METHODS: A multicentre prospective randomised trial was performed on a total of 58 patients suspected of INPH. Thirty patients were assigned to (control) group 1 and received a Strata shunt (Medtronic, Goleta, USA) with the valve preset at a performance level (PL) of 1.0, while 28 patients were assigned to group 2 and received a Strata shunt with the valve preset at PL 2.5. In this group the PL was allowed to be lowered until improvement or radiological signs of overdrainage were met. RESULTS: Significantly more subdural effusions were observed in the improved patients of group 1. There was no statistically significant difference in improvement between both groups overall. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of this multicentre prospective randomised trial it is to be recommended to treat patients with INPH with a shunt with an adjustable valve, preset at the highest opening pressure and lowered until clinical improvement or radiological signs of overdrainage occur although slower improvement and more shunt adjustments might be the consequence.

Spontaneous and medically induced cerebrospinal fluid leakage in the setting of pituitary adenomas: review of the literature.

OBJECT: Spontaneous and medically induced CSF leaks are uncommonly associated with pituitary adenomas. The aim of this study was to further characterize the clinical scenarios most closely associated with this phenomenon. METHODS: A review of the literature was conducted to identify all cases of nonsurgical CSF leaks associated with pituitary adenomas. The authors aimed to identify associated risk factors and management strategies used to treat these tumors and repair the CSF leak site. RESULTS: Fifty-two patients with spontaneous or medically induced CSF leaks in the setting of a pituitary adenoma were identified from 29 articles published from 1980 through 2011. In 38 patients (73%), CSF rhinorrhea developed following initiation of medical therapy, whereas spontaneous CSF leakage developed as the presenting symptom in 14 patients (27%). The patients' mean age was 42.8 years (range 23-68 years). There were 35 males and 17 females. Forty-two patients (81%) had a prolactinoma, with the remaining patients having the following tumors: nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma (6 patients), growth hormone-secreting adenoma (2 patients), mammosomatotroph cell adenoma (1 patient), and ACTH-secreting adenoma (1 patient). Infrasellar tumor invasion into the paranasal sinuses was specifically reported in 56% of patients. The medical agents associated with CSF leakage were dopamine agonists (97%) and somatostatin analogs (3%). The average time from initialization of medical treatment to onset of rhinorrhea was 3.3 months (range 3 days-17 months). Nonsurgical management was successful in 4 patients, including 1 who had successful resolution with a temporary lumbar drain. Forty-six patients (88%) underwent surgical intervention to treat the CSF leak and/or resect the tumor. In 2 patients, surgery was not performed due to medical contraindications or patient preference. CONCLUSIONS: Nonsurgical development of CSF rhinorrhea may occur in the setting of pituitary adenomas, especially following favorable response of invasive prolactinomas to initiation of dopamine agonist therapy. Additional cases have been reported as the presenting symptom of a pituitary adenoma and are likely to be related to decreased tumor volume due to intrinsic infarction or hemorrhage, ongoing invasion, and/or increases in intracranial pressure. Surgical repair, preferentially via a transsphenoidal approach, is the recommended initial treatment for definitive repair of the CSF leak and achievement of maximal tumor resection.

The frequency and treatment of dural tears and cerebrospinal fluid leakage in 266 patients with thoracic myelopathy caused by ossification of the ligamentum flavum.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review. OBJECTIVE: To perform a single-institution analysis of incidence, treatment, and clinical outcome in patients with thoracic ossification of the ligamentum flavum (OLF) who experienced dural tears and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: There is a paucity of clinical reports focusing on dural tears and CSF leakage after thoracic OLF surgery. Because dural adhesion and dural ossification are common features of thoracic OLF, the incidence of CSF leakage in OLF patients is high and represents a significant clinical challenge. METHODS: A total of 266 patients with thoracic OLF were admitted to our hospital from 1995 to 2011. Each patient's medical records were reviewed to identify cases of dural tears and CSF leakage. Information on therapeutic strategy used to repair the dural tears and complications related to CSF leakage was extracted. RESULTS: The incidence of dural tears and CSF leakage in OLF patients was 32% (85/266). The incidence of dural ossification was 25.2%. The dural tears were repaired with a range of materials, including gelatin sponge, muscle/fascia, artificial dura, silk suture, and fibrin glue. The intraoperative repair procedure did not resolve CSF leakage in 65 cases, and 16 of those cases experienced complications related to the continued CSF leakage, including CSF pseudocyst, wound dehiscence, and meningitis. Fifty-eight patients with CSF leakage were eventually cured by a series of comprehensive treatments, which included prone position, continuous pressure by sandbag, ultrasound-guided puncture, and aspiration. Only 7 patients required reoperation. CONCLUSION: Dural ossification was the main reason for dural tears. In all, 78 of the 85 patients with CSF leakage or dural tear were successfully cured. The success rate was 91.8%, which indicated that a series of comprehensive treatments was an effective strategy to treat these patients.

When should I do dynamic CT myelography? Predicting fast spinal CSF leaks in patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Some patients with SIH have fast CSF leaks requiring dynamic CTM for localization; however, patients generally undergo conventional CTM before a dynamic study. Our aim was to determine whether findings on head MR imaging, spine MR imaging, or opening pressure measurements can predict fast spinal CSF leaks. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was performed on 151 consecutive patients referred for CTM to evaluate for spinal CSF leak. Head MR imaging was evaluated for diffuse dural enhancement and "brain sag," and spine MR imaging for presence of an extradural fluid collection. The opening pressure was recorded. The CTM was scored as no leak, slow leak localized on conventional CTM, or fast leak that required dynamic CTM. RESULTS: Fast CSF leaks were identified in 32 (21%), slow leaks in 36 (24%), and no leak in 83 (55%) of 151 patients on initial CTM. There was significant association between spinal extra-arachnoid fluid on MR imaging and the presence of a fast leak (sensitivity 85%, specificity 79%, P < .0001). There was not significant association between fast leak and findings on head MR imaging (P = .27) or opening pressure (P = .30). CONCLUSIONS: If all patients with spinal extra-arachnoid CSF on MR imaging had been sent directly to dynamic CTM, repeat myelography would have been avoided in most patients with fast leaks (23 of 27; 85%). However, a minority of patients with slow or no leaks would have been converted from conventional to dynamic CTM (16 of 77; 21%). Spinal MR imaging is helpful in premyelographic evaluation of SIH.

Anesthetic concerns and perioperative complications in repair of myelomeningocele: a retrospective review of 135 cases.

Myelomeningocele (MMC) a complex congenital spinal anomaly, results from neural tube defect during first 4 weeks of gestation. Medical records of 135 children who underwent excision and repair of MMC from January 2003 to December 2006 were analyzed, retrospectively. Data on associated illnesses, anesthetic management, perioperative complications, and outcome were recorded. The patient population consisted of older infants with unrepaired MMC. The average age of presentation was 1 year and 8 months. The commonest site of presentation was lumbar (39.3%). Leaking MMC was present in 19.3% of cases, most had associated electrolyte imbalance. Hydrocephalus was the commonest association (67.4%) followed by Chiari-II malformation (58.4%). Renal abnormality was present in 9% of cases and 24.4% of children had scoliosis. Two infants (1.5%) presented with inspiratory stridor. Intraoperative cardiac and respiratory problems were observed in 15.6% and 11.1%, of cases, respectively. Two children (1.5%) suffered cardiac arrest; both had associated Chiari-II malformation and hydrocephalus. Postoperative ventilation was required in 8.9% of children, primarily due to inadequate reversal from neuromuscular blockade. Infection, cerebrospinal fluid leak, and pseudomeningocele were common surgical complications. Improvement of motor, sensory, and sphincteric function was observed in 30.5%, 22.9%, and 14.1%, respectively. To conclude, surgical repair of MMC may at times pose life-threatening complications mostly because of associated anomalies. Children with associated Chiari malformation and/or hydrocephalus need special attention during perioperative period.

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.

Factors affecting postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leaks after retrosigmoidal craniotomy for vestibular schwannomas.

OBJECT: The aim of this study was to identify patients likely to develop CSF leaks after vestibular schwannoma surgery using a retrospective analysis for the identification of risk factors. METHODS: Between January 2001 and December 2006, 420 patients underwent retrosigmoidal microsurgical tumor removal in a standardized procedure. Of these 420 patients, 363 underwent treatment for the first time, and 27 suffered from recurrent tumors. Twenty-six patients had bilateral tumors due to neurofibromatosis Type 2, and 4 patients had previously undergone radiosurgical treatment. An analysis was performed to examine the incidence of postoperative CSF fistulas in all 4 groups. RESULTS: The incidence of CSF leakage was higher in the tumor recurrence group (11.1%) than in patients undergoing surgery for the first time (4.4%). There were no CSF fistulas in the neurofibromatosis Type 2 group or in patients with preoperative radiosurgical treatment. Tumor size was identified as a possible risk factor in a previous study. CONCLUSIONS: Surgery for recurrent tumors is a significant risk factor for the development of CSF leaks.

Effect of fibrin glue on the prevention of persistent cerebral spinal fluid leakage after incidental durotomy during lumbar spinal surgery.

Approximately one million spinal surgeries are performed in the United States each year. The risk of an incidental durotomy (ID) and resultant persistent cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage is a significant concern for surgeons, as this complication has been associated with increased length of hospitalization, worse neurological outcome, and the development of CSF fistulae. Augmentation of standard dural suture repair with the application of fibrin glue has been suggested to reduce the frequency of these complications. This study examined unintended durotomies during lumbar spine surgery in a large surgical patient cohort and the impact of fibrin glue usage as part of the ID repair on the incidence of persistent CSF leakage. A retrospective analysis of 4,835 surgical procedures of the lumbar spine from a single institution over a 10-year period was performed to determine the rate of ID. The 90-day clinical course of these patients was evaluated. Clinical examination, B-2 transferrin assay, and radiographic imaging were utilized to determine the number of persistent CSF leaks after repair with or without fibrin glue. Five hundred forty-seven patients (11.3%) experienced a durotomy during surgery. Of this cohort, fibrin glue was used in the dural repair in 278 patients (50.8%). Logistic models evaluating age, sex, redo surgery, and the use of fibrin glue revealed that prior lumbar spinal surgery was the only univariate predictor of persistent CSF leak, conferring a 2.8-fold increase in risk. A persistent CSF leak, defined as continued drainage of CSF from the operative incision within 90 days of the surgery that required an intervention greater than simple bed rest or over-sewing of the wound, was noted in a total of 64 patients (11.7%). This persistent CSF leak rate was significantly higher (P < 0.001) in patients with prior lumbar surgery (21%) versus those undergoing their first spine surgery (9%). There was no statistical difference in persistent CSF leak between those cases in which fibrin glue was used at the time of surgery and those in which fibrin glue was not used. There were no complications associated with the use of fibrin glue. A history of prior surgery significantly increases the incidence of durotomy during elective lumbar spine surgery. In patients who experienced a durotomy during lumbar spine surgery, the use of fibrin glue for dural repair did not significantly decrease the incidence of a persistent CSF leak.

Cerebrospinal fluid leak during cervical corpectomy for ossified posterior longitudinal ligament: incidence, management, and outcome.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective. OBJECTIVE: To study the incidence of intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak in patients with ossified posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) undergoing central cervical corpectomy (CC) and to describe a reliable technique for treating the leak after CC. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The rate of dural tear after CC is higher in patients with OPLL compared to other causes of cervical spinal stenosis. Various techniques have been described to deal with dural tears with CSF leak in OPLL. We assessed the efficacy of the repair technique used to deal with this complication in our patients with OPLL who had undergone CC. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed of all patients diagnosed with OPLL (n = 144) who had undergone CC between July 1992 and June 2007 (15 years). The dural defect was repaired with an onlay graft of crushed muscle/fascia and a layer of gelatin sponge. Bed rest and a lumbar subarachnoid drain were used for 5 days after surgery. RESULTS: Intraoperative CSF leak was noted in 9 patients (6.3%). The dural defects ranged in size from a few mm to about 15 mm (10-75 mm). All patients had a successful repair with no patient requiring reoperation for the CSF leak. CONCLUSION: Intraoperative CSF leak was encountered in 6.3% of patients undergoing CC for OPLL. A successful repair was achieved using fascial graft, gelatin sponge, lumbar CSF drainage, and bed rest.

Contralateral subdural effusion secondary to decompressive craniectomy performed in patients with severe traumatic brain injury: incidence, clinical presentations, treatment and outcome.

OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to better understand postoperative contralateral subdural effusion, an uncommon but serious complication secondary to decompressive craniectomy in patients with head trauma. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Data from medical records of 169 patients who underwent decompressive craniectomy after head trauma between 2003 and 2006 were collected. The data included demographics, clinical presentations, treatment and outcome. RESULTS: Of the 169 patients, 11 (6.5%) had contralateral subdural effusion. On the average, this complication was found 14 days after decompressive craniectomy. Of the 11 patients, conservative treatment was effective in 7 with a gradual resolution which lasted 52.7 days on average. The effusion in the remaining 4 patients led to progressive deterioration of clinical presentation, and surgical intervention was necessary: subduroperitoneal shunting in 3 cases and burr hole drainage in the remaining 1 case. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings confirmed that postoperative contralateral subdural effusion was not an uncommon complication secondary to decompressive craniectomy. Most contralateral subdural effusions resolved spontaneously after conservative management, but surgical management may be necessary if the patients develop deteriorating clinical manifestations or the subdural effusion has an apparent mass effect.

Cerebrospinal fluid leaks following cervical spine surgery.

BACKGROUND: A cerebrospinal fluid leak during cervical spine surgery is a feared complication. However, little is known about the prevalence, management, and long-term course of these events. METHODS: The medical records of 1994 patients who had elective cervical spine surgery during an eleven-year period (1994 through 2005) were reviewed. Patients with cervical cerebrospinal fluid leaks identified at the time of surgery were followed both clinically and radiographically for an average of 5.4 years postoperatively. The prevalence, etiology, management, and outcome of all of the cervical cerebrospinal fluid leaks were analyzed. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of cerebrospinal fluid leaks was 1%. The prevalence of cerebrospinal fluid leaks was higher in patients with a diagnosis of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (12.5%), patients having a revision anterior procedure (1.92%), men (1.56%), and patients undergoing an anterior cervical corpectomy and arthrodesis (1.77%). CONCLUSIONS: Many cervical dural tears can be managed by observation alone or by placement of a lumbar cerebrospinal fluid shunt either during the index procedure or in the postoperative period. At an average follow-up of 5.4 years, there were no long-term sequelae of the cervical dural tears in our series.

Risk reduction of subdural collections following endoscopic third ventriculostomy.

OBJECT: To evaluate the efficacy and safety using fibrin glue and absorbable hemostats for packing the endoscopic tract in a pediatric population in the prevention of subdural fluid collections after endoscopic third ventriculostomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-one endoscopic third ventriculostomies were performed in 20 hydrocephalic children with a mean age of 22 months over a 4-year period using uniformly this technique. Six children, with age ranged 6 days to 22 months (mean 9 months), had severe ventriculomegaly with thin brain mantle less than 10 mm. There was no mortality and no permanent morbidity related to the endoscopic procedure. One child developed an asymptomatic collection, which could be managed conservatively and was most likely attributed to the young age of the child and the assumed poor cerebrospinal fluid absorption ability. Lost compliance of the brain parenchyma may play an additional role, which was not related to the thickness of the brain mantle. No adverse effects regarding the material used for sealing were observed over a mean follow-up of 23 months. CONCLUSIONS: Subdural fluid collections could be prevented in 20 out of 21 procedures by using this technique regardless of the thickness of the brain mantle, the application of mixture of fibrin glue and hemostatic agents seems to be safe, and we consider this technique effective in reducing the risk of this potential complication.

Predictive factors for dural tear and cerebrospinal fluid leakage in patients undergoing lumbar surgery.

OBJECT: A dural tear resulting in a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak is a well-known risk of lumbar spinal procedures. The authors hypothesized that the incidence of CSF leakage is higher in cases involving repeated operations and those in which the surgeon performing the surgery is less experienced; however, they postulated that the overall outcome of the patient would not be adversely affected by a dural tear. METHODS: An institutional review board-approved protocol at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, was initiated in August 2003 to allow prospective comparison of data obtained in patients in whom a CSF leak occurred (Group A) and those in whom no CSF leak occurred (Group B) during lumbar surgery. Basic demographic information, descriptive findings regarding the tear, history of other surgeries, hospital length of stay (LOS), and immediate disposition at the time of discharge were compared between the two groups. Seventy-seven patients were eligible for this study. One patient refused to participate. In 12 (15.8%) of 76 patients CSF leakage developed. In three patients the presence of a tear was questioned, and the patients were clinically treated as if a tear were present. The patients in Group A were older than those in Group B (59.8 +/- 16.9 and 49.4 +/- 13.6 years of age, respectively; p = 0.02, Fisher exact test). In terms of those with a history of surgery, there was no significant difference between patients with and patients without a CSF leak (three [25%] of 12 patients [Group A] compared with 28 [43.8%] of 64 patients [Group B]; p = 0.34, two-sample t-test). In the 12 patients with dural tears, nine (75%) were caused by a resident-in-training, and the Kerrison punch was the instrument most often being used at the time (55%). This is significantly greater than 50% at the 5% level (p = 0.044, binomial test). The authors were able to repair the tear primarily with suture in all but one patient, whose tear was along the nerve root sleeve. In all cases fibrin glue and a muscle/fat graft were used to cover the tear, and all patients were assigned to bed rest from 24 to 48 hours after the operation. In Group A one patient required rehabilitation at discharge. The LOS in Group A was greater than that in Group B (median 5 days compared with 3 days), but no additional complication was noted. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of CSF leakage was 16% in 76 patients, and there were no other complications. Older patient age and higher level of the surgeon's training were factors contributing to the incidence, but the history of surgery was not.