Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization versus Surgery in Patients with Chronic Subdural Hematoma-No More Fence Sitting?

BACKGROUND: Endovascular treatment of patients with chronic subdural hematoma using middle meningeal artery (MMA) embolization could become an alternative to surgical hematoma evacuation. The aim of the study was to compare methods and identify parameters to help determine the correct treatment modality. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 142 cases conducted internally; 78 were treated surgically and 64 were treated using MMA embolization. We analyzed the treatment failure rate and complications, and using a binary logistic regression model, we identified treatment failure risk factors. RESULTS: We found a comparable treatment failure rate of 23.1% for the surgery group and 21.9% for the MMA embolization group. However, in the MMA embolization group, 11 cases showed treatment failure due to early neurological worsening with a need for concomitant surgery. We also found a recurrence of hematoma in 15.4% of cases in the surgery group and 6.3% of cases in the MMA embolization group. CONCLUSION: Both modalities have their advantages; however, correct identification is crucial for treatment success. According to our findings, hematomas with a maximal width of <18 mm, a midline shift of <5 mm, and no acute or subacute (hyperdense) hematoma could be treated with MMA embolization. Hematomas with a maximal width of >18 mm, a midline shift of >5 mm, and no membranous segmentation could have better outcomes after surgical treatment.

Efficacy of Mechanical Thrombectomy using Penumbra ACETM Aspiration Catheter Compared to Stent Retriever SolitaireTM FR in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke.

BACKGROUND: Mechanical thrombectomy is the standard therapy in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). The primary aim of our study was to compare the procedural efficacy of the direct aspiration technique, using Penumbra ACETM aspiration catheter, and the stent retriever technique, with a SolitaireTM FR stent. Secondarily, we investigated treatment-dependent and treatment-independent factors that predict a good clinical outcome. METHODS: We analyzed our series of mechanical thrombectomies using a SolitaireTM FR stent and a Penumbra ACETM catheter. The clinical and radiographic data of 76 patients were retrospectively reviewed. Using binary logistic regression, we looked for the predictors of a good clinical outcome. RESULTS: In the Penumbra ACETM group we achieved significantly higher rates of complete vessel recanalization with lower device passage counts, shorter recanalization times, shorter procedure times and shorter fluoroscopy times (p < 0.001) compared to the SolitaireTM FR group. We observed no significant difference in good clinical outcomes (52.4% vs. 56.4%, p = 0.756). Predictors of a good clinical outcome were lower initial NIHSS scores, pial arterial collateralization on admission head CT angiography scan, shorter recanalization times and device passage counts. CONCLUSIONS: The aspiration technique using Penumbra ACETM catheter is comparable to the stent retriever technique with SolitaireTM FR regarding clinical outcomes.