[Russian study on brain aneurysm surgery: a continuation (RIHA II)]. / Rossiiskoe issledovanie po khirurgii anevrizm golovnogo mozga: prodolzhenie (RIKhA II).

OBJECTIVE: To assess the main performance indicators of neurosurgical departments in surgical treatment of cerebral aneurysms in the Russian Federation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analyzed 22 neurosurgical departments (19 regional and 3 federal hospitals) in 2017 and 2021. The study enrolled 6.135 patients including 3.160 ones in 2017 and 2.975 ones in 2021. We studied the features of surgical treatment of cerebral aneurysms in different volume hospitals and factors influencing postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: The number of surgeries for cerebral aneurysms decreased from 2.950 in 2017 to 2.711 in 2021. Postoperative mortality rate was 6.3% and 5.6%, respectively. The number of microsurgical interventions decreased from 60% in 2017 to 48% in 2021. The share of endovascular interventions increased from 40% to 52%, respectively. Endovascular embolization was accompanied by stenting in 55% of cases. Simultaneous revascularization was carried out in 2% of cases. In 2021, the number of patients undergoing surgery in acute period of hemorrhage increased to 70% (in 2017 - 61%). The number of hospitals performing more than 50 surgical interventions for cerebral aneurysms annually increased from 14 in 2017 to 17 in 2021. CONCLUSION: Certain changes in neurosurgical service occurred in 2021 compared to 2017. Lower number of surgical interventions for cerebral aneurysms, most likely caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, is accompanied by lower postoperative mortality. Endovascular interventions and revascularization techniques became more common. The number of surgeries in acute period after aneurysm rupture and hospitals performing more than 50 surgical interventions for cerebral aneurysms annually increased.

[Morphological substantiation of laparoscopic suturing of stomach ulcer with formation of a covered perforation]. / Morfologicheskoe obosnovanie laparoskopicheskogo sposoba ushivaniya probodnoi yazvy zheludka s formirovaniem prikrytoi perforatsii.

OBJECTIVE: Morphological substantiation of laparoscopic suturing of gastric ulcer with formation of a covered perforation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: To analyze morphological tissue reaction in surgical area, we used 12 Chinchilla rabbits. All animals were divided into 2 groups by 6 animals. The main group enrolled rabbits undergoing suturing of perforated gastric ulcer with formation of a covered perforation by anterior stomach wall. In the control group, gastric perforation was sutured by conventional double-row suture. For histological analysis, 2 animals in each group were withdrawn from the experiment after 7, 14 and 21 days. We excised gastric wall within the area of perforation closure. Morphological data on healing process were compared between both groups. RESULTS. S: Tomach deformation after 7 days was more severe in the main group compared to simple suturing. However, these differences were absent after 21 days. Morphological analysis revealed postoperative transmural necrosis after 7 days. Signs of early epithelialization were more obvious in the main group. After 21 postoperative days, we observed almost completely restored differentiation of stomach wall layers in both groups of animals.

[Endoscopic sciatic nerve decompression]. / Endoskopicheskii nevroliz sedalishchnogo nerva.

OBJECTIVE: To improve treatment outcomes in patients with sciatic nerve neuropathy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The first results of endoscopic sciatic nerve decompression in 6 patients with sciatic neuropathy (mean age 47±6.7 years) are presented. The authors developed and described new and unique technique for this procedure. All patients suffered severe neuropathic pain syndrome with neurologic disorders. All patients underwent endoscopic sciatic nerve decompression in prone position. RESULTS: Mean VAS score of preoperative pain syndrome was 7.8±0.37. In 3 months after surgery, this value decreased up to 1.5 scores. Complete regression of pain syndrome and significant reduction of neurologic symptoms were noted in 5 out of 6 patients (83%). CONCLUSION: Primary data characterize the developed method as an easy, minimally invasive and effective procedure for pain relief and fast recovery of lower extremity function in these patients.

[Fast-track recovery for perforated duodenal ulcer]. / Metod uskorennogo vyzdorovleniya pri perforativnoi yazve dvenadtsatiperstnoi kishki.

OBJECTIVE: To study the outcomes of fast-track recovery in patients with perforated duodenal ulcer (PDU). MATERIAL AND METHODS: There were 138 patients with PDU who underwent surgical treatment for the period from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2019. Patients were divided into 3 groups: main group, control group 1 (CG-1) and control group 2 (CG-2). The main group (fast-track group, FT-group) included 51 patients who underwent laparoscopic suturing of PDU followed by enhanced recovery (fast-track). CG-1 comprised 44 patients who underwent open suturing of PDU and conventional perioperative treatment. CG-2 consisted of 43 patients who underwent laparoscopic suturing and conventional perioperative treatment. Complications were assessed using Clavien-Dindo grading system. RESULTS: In the FT group, postoperative complications were observed in 2 patients (3.92%). Anemia of mixed genesis (Clavien-Dindo grade II) was diagnosed in 1 patient and left-sided lower lobe pneumonia in another one (grade II). There were no deaths. Mean length of hospital-stay was 3.86 days. In the 1st control group, the largest number of complications was observed (n=12, 27.27%) including 9 extra-abdominal complications (pulmonary disorders (II) - 7 patients (15.9%); sepsis (IVB) - 1 (2.27%), delirium (IVA) - 1 patient (2.27%), postoperative wound seroma (IIIA) - 1 (2.27%) patient). Intra-abdominal complications consisted of compensated pyloroduodenal stenosis (II) in 1 (2.27%) case, recurrent bleeding from acute gastric and duodenal ulcers (IIIB) in 1 (2.27%) patient. Mortality rate was 4.54% (n=2) in this group (progressive multiple organ failure). Mean length of hospital-stay was 7.56 days. In the 2nd control group, postoperative complications included extra-abdominal (pulmonary disorders (II) - pneumonia in 4 (9.3%) cases, spontaneous pneumothorax (IIIA) in 1 (2.32%) case) and intra-abdominal events (duodenitis (II) in 1 (2.32%) patient and compensated pyloroduodenal stenosis (II) in another 1 (2.32%) patient). There were no lethal outcomes in this group. Mean length of hospital-stay was 6.7 days. CONCLUSION: Treatment outcomes in patients with perforated duodenal ulcer confirmed an effectiveness of laparoscopic suturing and complete abdominal sanitation. These measures create the prerequisites for fast track recovery in urgent surgical practice. FT-protocol of inpatient management is followed by reduced hospital-stay and less incidence of postoperative complications. Moreover, this approach promotes early and safe discharge of patients.

[Rigid transpedicular fusion surgery in the treatment of degenerative lumbar stenosis]. / Rigidnaya transpedikulyarnaya fiksatsiya v lechenii patsientov s degenerativnym poyasnichnym stenozom.

OBJECTIVE: To compare an effectiveness of different methods of rigid transpedicular fixation and decompression in patients with degenerative lumbar stenosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective study included 160 patients with degenerative lumbar spine stenosis. In the first group (n=37), patients underwent laminectomy and transpedicular fixation, in the second group (n=60) - laminectomy, transpedicular fixation and implantation of interbody fusion cage. In the third group (n=30), interlaminar decompression and transpedicular fixation were carried oud, in the fourth group (n=33) - interlaminar decompression, transpedicular fixation and implantation of interbody fusion cage. Surgeries were performed in three clinics in Moscow. Outcomes were assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry questionnaire in 1 and 2 years after surgery. Between-group comparison of the outcomes was performed. In patients with unfavorable outcome, we analyzed the cause of unsatisfactory result and risk factors. RESULTS: Satisfactory result was noted in 103 patients (64%) in 2 years after surgery. Outcomes were comparable in all groups. More significant regression of back pain was noted in group II (laminectomy, transpedicular fixation, interbody cage) compared to other groups. Preoperative risk factors of adverse outcome were resting leg pain VAS score > 4 and age over 71 years. Incidence of pseudoarthrosis and back pain was higher among patients without interbody cage. Incidence of adjacent level lesion was higher among patients with interbody cages. CONCLUSION: Decompression type and implantation of interbody cage do not significantly change postoperative outcomes in most patients with degenerative lumbar stenosis undergoing transpedicular fixation. However, interbody cage implantation during transpedicular fixation is advisable in patients with severe back pain (VAS score > 5-6).

[Surgical treatment of cerebral aneurysms in the Russian Federation]. / Khirurgicheskoe lechenie tserebral'nykh anevrizm v Rossiiskoi Federatsii.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the results of surgical treatment of cerebral aneurysms in the Russian Federation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analyzed performance indicators in neurosurgical departments of regional and federal health institutions of the Russian Federation for 2017. The results of surgical treatment of cerebral aneurysms (CAs) were analyzed in 19 regional vascular centers (RVCs) in several federal districts and in 3 federal centers (FCs) with the most dynamically developing vascular neurosurgery and smoothly running system of statistical data processing. RESULTS: The study included 3160 patients hospitalized to 22 medical institutions in 2017. Of these, 1808 patients were treated in RVCs, and 1352 patients were treated in FCs. We analyzed factors affecting the treatment outcome in CA patients. We identified features of CA treatment in clinics with a different amount of surgical intervention. CONCLUSION: An increase in the surgical activity in centers and simultaneous development of microsurgical and endovascular treatments for cerebral aneurysms reduce postoperative mortality. Due to the presence of a RVC network in the Russian Federation, many patients could receive necessary specialized treatment. The number of operations for cerebral aneurysms has increased 6-fold for the past 10 years.

[Diagnosis and treatment of extracranial internal carotid artery lesion combined with cerebrovascular malformation]. / Diagnostika i lechenie porazhenii ékstrakranial'nogo otdela vnutrennei sonnoi arterii v sochetanii s sosudistoi mal'formatsiei golovnogo mozga.

AIM: To analyze own experience of diagnosis and treatment of patients with extracranial internal carotid artery lesion and cerebrovascular malformations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: There were 16 patients with combined lesion of extracranial and intracranial internal carotid artery for the period January 2013 - December 2014. Occlusive-stenotic lesion and tortuosity of ICA were observed in 11 and 5 cases respectively. RESULTS: Incidence of combined ICA lesion was 5.2% (16 out of 308 observations of extracranial internal carotid artery lesion). Surgical treatment was performed in 7 patients including two-stage intervention in 4 cases and simultaneous surgery in 3 cases. Mean time between neurosurgical and vascular stages was 6 months. Complications and mortality were absent. CONCLUSION: Two-stage surgical approach with intracerebral vascular malformation correction followed by extracranial ICA reconstruction may be safe and effective in patients with combined lesion of ICA. Further trials are necessary for certain conclusions.

[Early reconstruction of brachiocephalic arteries as a prevention of recurrent ischemic stroke]. / Ranniaia rekonstruktsiia brakhitsefal'nykh arterii kak profilaktika povtornogo ishemicheskogo insul'ta.

AIM: To assess an efficacy and safety of brachiocephalic arteries reconstruction at the acute stage of stroke. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Early reconstruction of brachiocephalic arteries was made in 7 patients (mean age 67±9 years). Mean terms of brachiocephalic arteries reconstruction after stroke were 4.6 days (range 2-7 days). Pre- and postoperative neurological state was assessed by NIHSS score (mean preoperative score was 3.9±2.7 in these 7 patients, range 0-7). All patients had ipsilateral cerebral ischemic lesions with stenosis/occlusion of brachiocephalic artery. Their mean dimension was 10 mm (range 4-32 mm). Internal carotid artery stenting was made in 2 patients, carotid endarterectomy - in 4 patients, stenting of the 1st segment of left subclavian artery - in 1 patient. RESULTS: There were no deaths and recurrent postoperative ischemic strokes. Complications developed in 2 patients: postoperative hematoma and intraoperative transient ischemic attack during ICA stenting in 5 days after stroke. There was a positive course of neurological state after brachiocephalic arteries reconstruction: mean score of neurological deficit decreased by almost 2 times (from 3.9±2.7 to 2±1.7). CONCLUSION: Early surgical prevention (within 7 days after stroke) may be effective and safe in certain patients with ischemic stroke (neurological deficit by Rankin score ≤3 and NIHSS ≤7, ischemic focus dimension less than 4 cm). Brachiocephalic arteries reconstruction early after stroke improves neurological state postoperatively by reducing motor and sensitive disorders. However, at present time there are no clear indications for early revascularization depending on either neurological deficit severity and ischemic focus dimension. So, our data should be confirmed by large trials.

[Early reconstruction of supra-aortic vessels as a prevention of recurrent ischemic stroke]. / Rannyaya revaskulyarizatsiya golovnogo mozga kak profilaktika povtornogo ishemicheskogo insul'ta.

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of supra-aortic vessels reconstruction within acute period of stroke. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Early surgery was performed in 7 patients aged 67±9 years. Revascularization was made after 4.6 days after ischemic stroke on the average (range from 2 to 7 days). Neurological status before and after surgery was assessed using NIHSS scale, mean preoperative score was 3.9±2.7 (0-7). All patients had ischemic brain lesions (4-32 mm, mean 10 mm) unilateral with carotid stenosis or occlusion. Carotid artery stenting was performed in 2 patients, carotid endarterectomy - in 4 patients and stenting of segment I of the left subclavian artery was made in 1 case. RESULTS: There were no mortality and recurrent postoperative ischemic stroke. Complications occurred in two patients: postoperative hematoma and intraoperative transient ischemic attack that developed during CAS after 5 days of a stroke. There was positive neurological dynamics after revascularization: there was almost 2-fold decrease of mean score of neurological deficit (from 3.9±2.7±1.7 to 2). CONCLUSION: Early surgical prevention of recurrent stroke (up to 7 days) can be performed effectively and safely in carefully selected patients with ischemic stroke (neurological deficit less than 3 Rankin scores and less than 7 NIHSS scores, ischemic lesion dimensions lass than 4 cm). Reconstruction of supra-aortic vessels in acute stage of stroke improves the neurological status and reduces the degree of motor and sensory disorders. However, currently there are no clear criteria for inclusion and exclusion of patients for early revascularization using both degree of neurological deficit and size of ischemic lesion. So our results need to be confirmed by large trials.

[MONITORING OF INTRACRANIAL PRESSURE IN PATIENTS WITH MASSIVE ISCHEMIC STROKE].

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: To assess the role of monitoring of intracranial pressure (ICP) in patients with massive ischemic stroke within the first 5 days of the onset of the disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We have analyzed the results of monitoring of intracranial pressure in 10 patients with massive ischemic stroke and compared dynamics of ICP with the dynamics of intracranial pressure and the level of consciousness and dislocation of the brain according to CT RESULTS: Dislocation syndrome decompensation occurred in 6 patients, of which only 3 patients had increased intracranial pressure greater than 20 mm Hg with oppression of the level of consciousness to moderate coma and deeper The average value of transverse dislocation in these patients at the same time amounted to 17 mm. In 2 patients with atrophy of the brain we observed ICP increase over 20 mmHg. The average value of transverse dislocation in these patients was 12 mm. Conclusion: Increased intracranial pressure greater than 20 mm Hg in patients with massive ischemic stroke can occur even when the oppression of the level of consciousness to moderate coma and deeper on the background of the dislocation of the brain. In case of an atrophy of the brain, the level of ICP may not exceed 20 mm Hg even with dislocation syndrome decompensation.

[Venous thromboembolic complications in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage]. / Venoznye tromboembolicheskie oslozhneniya u patsientov s gemorragicheskim insul'tom.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of various heparin therapy regimens for venous thromboembolic complications in patients with acute cerebral circulatory disorders of the hemorrhagic type. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a prospective single-center study, treatment results of 62 patients with hypertensive brain hematoma were analyzed. All patients were divided into two comparable groups: the group of «very early¼ prophylactic heparin therapy or the first 48 hours from the moment of the disease (n=35) and the group of «early¼ prophylactic heparin therapy, or later than 48 hours from the moment of the intracerebral hematoma development (n=27). The end points of the study were: venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism (fatal and non-fatal), recurrent intracerebral hemorrhage, other clinically significant hemorrhagic complications, and intrahospital mortality. RESULTS: In the group of «very early¼ and «early¼ prophylactic heparin therapy, the results were as follows: venous thrombosis 22.9% vs. 29.6% (p=0.36), total rate of PE 2.9% vs. 11.1% (p=0.03), nonfatal PE 0% vs. 7.4% (p=0.007), fatal PE 2.9% vs. 3.7% (p=0.76), recurrent intracerebral hemorrhage and other hemorrhagic complications 0% in both groups, intrahospital mortality was 54.3% versus 48.1% (p=0.54). CONCLUSION: The earliest administration of direct anticoagulants in prophylactic doses in patients with hemorrhagic stroke leads to the decrease in the frequency of venous thrombosis and thromboembolic complications, without being accompanied by the development of repeated intracranial and other hemorrhagic events.

[Results of endovascular treatment of acute tandem occlusion of internal carotid and middle cerebral arteries]. / Rezul'taty endovaskulyarnogo lecheniya ostroi tandemnoi okklyuzii vnutrennei sonnoi i srednei mozgovoi arterii.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the results of endovascular treatment of patients with ischemic stroke caused by acute tandem occlusion of the internal carotid and middle cerebral arteries (ICA and MCA). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Endovascular intervention was performed in 8 patients with tandem occlusion of ICA and MCA. The neurological deficit on admission was 17.4±5.6 NIHSS points and the average ASPECTS score was 9.5±0.8. The time from the onset of neurological symptoms to reperfusion was 224±68 min. Thrombolytic therapy was initiated before brain revascularization and continued intraoperatively in 4 out of 8 patients. ICA stenting after aspiration thrombectomy was required in 6 patients. Both antegrade (n=4) and retrograde (n=2) methods of brain revascularization were used. RESULTS: The rate of detection of tandem lesion in patients with ischemic stroke who underwent endovascular treatment was 5.4%. Technical success in restoring blood flow in the ICA basin at extra-and intra-cranial levels (mTICI 2b/3) was achieved in 7 (87.5%) patients. Intracranial hemorrhagic complications that affected the outcome of the disease were clinically significant in 25% of patients (n=2). The mortality rate was 37.5% (n=3). A satisfactory clinical result (a deficit of 0-2 mRS scores) was achieved at discharge in one of 5 surviving patients. CONCLUSION: Further studies of choosing the optimal surgical tactics for tandem occlusion of ICA and MCA, taking into account its effectiveness and safety, are need.

[Endovascular treatment of tandem occlusion of internal carotid and middle cerebral arteries in acute ischemic stroke]. / Éndovaskuliarnoe lechenie tandemnoi ostroi okkliuzii vnutrennei sonnoi i srednei mozgovoi arterii pri ostrom ishemicheskom insul'te.

The paper presents the literature data concerning the results and surgical approaches to the treatment of tandem occlusion in the ICA system. The authors describe two clinical cases of endovascular treatment of tandem ipsilateral occlusion of ICA and middle cerebral artery (MCA). In both cases, the cause of two-level occlusion was complicated by thrombosis atherosclerotic plaque in ICA in the extracranial part with distal thromboembolism in SMA. The antegrade endovascular approach was used in both patients, when ICA was stented at the first stage, and at the second stage aspiration thrombectomy from SMA was performed. The period from the onset of symptoms to revascularization of the ICA system was 285±63 minutes. There were no fatal outcomes, patients were discharged with different neurological deficits: scores of the first patient were as following: 2 points on the NIHSS, 1 point on a Rankin scale, 13 points (initial 12 points on NIHSS) on the Rivermead mobility index and of the second patient: 14 points on the NIHSS, 5 points on a Rankin scale, 0 points (of the original 17 points on the NIHSS) on the Rivermead mobility index.

[Malignant cerebellar infarction: clinical course and surgical treatment]. / Zlokachestvennyi infarkt mozzhechka: klinicheskoe techenie i khirurgicheskoe lechenie.

AIM: To clarify the indications for surgical treatment of malignant cerebellar infarction (CI). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighty patients with CI were studied. The malignancy of CI was understood as the development of mass effect in the posterior cranial fossa, accompanied by the decrease in consciousness due to compression of the brain stem and/or the development of occlusive hydrocephalus. The patients were divided into 2 groups. The group of malignant CI included 55 patients (68.75%) (group I), the group of benign CI included 25 patients (31.25%) (group II). Patients of group I were divided into subgroups, one of them underwent surgical treatment (surgical subgroup), and another only conservative (conservative subgroup) treatment. Surgery efficacy criteria were: restoration of consciousness to 15 points according to GCS and/or restoration of the fourth ventricle and the quadrigeminal cistern configurations. Results of treatment were assessed according to the Glasgow outcome scale. RESULTS: Malignant CI occurred more frequently in patients with the volume of ischemia exceeding 20 cm3 (p<0.05) in the first day of the disease. The threshold value of mass effect, which can cause further a malignant CI, was 3 points according to the M. Jauss scale. In the group of patients with malignant CI, surgical treatment reduced the mortality rate from occlusion and dislocation syndrome by 35.8%. The most effective type of intervention was a combination of decompressive trepanation of the posterior cranial fossa and external ventricular drainage. CONCLUSION: In patients with CI with the volume more than 20 cm3 and signs of mass effect in the posterior cranial fossa on the scale of M. Jauss 3 points or more, the malignant course of the disease develops in 67% of cases. These patients require careful monitoring, and, in case of development of malignant CI, surgical treatment is necessary.

[Posttraumatic seizures: a prospective cohort study]. / Posttravmaticheskie pristupy: prospektivnoe kogortnoe issledovanie.

AIM: To evaluate the incidence and risk factors for posttraumatic seizures (PTS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The authors conducted a prospective study of 237 patients with TBI of varying severity. The patients were hospitalized and examined in Moscow neurosurgery departments. Then they participated in the follow-up observation for 2 years. PTS were classified as early (occurred from 1 to 7 days after TBI) and late (occurred later than 7 days). RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Forty-three people (18.1%) experienced early seizures, 15 patients (6.3%) had late seizures. The early seizures were the significant predictor of the late seizures. In the group of patients with early seizures, the proportion of severe TBI was significantly higher. Subdural hematoma, depressed skull fracture, alcohol abuse were reliable predictors of early and late PTS. Thus, these factors increased the risk of posttraumatic epilepsy (PTE).

[Surgical treatment of putamen hematomas]. / Khirurgicheskoe lechenie putamenal'nykh gematom.

We present the current data on surgical treatment of putamen hematomas and describe clinical presentation of this disease and its diagnosis including radiologic diagnosis. The results of most prominent publications devoted to the study of surgical treatment efficacy are presented. Indications to surgical treatment of the disease are discussed.

[Stenosis of the vertebral canal in the lower spine].

The article reviews modern literature on the pathophysiology and clinical signs of degenerative stenosis of the lower spine. Possibilities of modern instrumental diagnosis and the differential clinical diagnosis of lumbar stenosis are presented. A modern treatment tactics and indications for surgical treatment are described. A brief and schematic description of the methods of surgical treatment of tenosis is presented. The efficacy of surgical treatment, including remote and results in early patients, is discussed.

[Dislocation syndrome in patients with severe massive ischemic stroke]. / Dislokatsionnyi sindrom u bol'nykh so zlokachestvennym techeniem massivnogo ishemicheskogo insul'ta.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the severity of brain dislocation, the rate of its progression according to CT results and clinical signs of dislocation syndrome (DS) in patients with unfavorable form of massive ischemic stroke (MII). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analyzed the results of examination and treatment of 114 patients with unfavorable course of MII. Patients were stratified by the type of DS course into two groups: group 1 with unfavorable course (91 patients) and group 2 with favorable course (23 patients). Patients were compared by disease course and outcome as well as by progression rate and severity of brain dislocation. Twenty-seven patients of group 1 underwent decompressive craniectomy (DC). RESULTS: All patients of group 1 had DS decompensation and, therefore DS course was assessed as unfavorable. All patients of group 1, who received only conservative treatment, died from brain dislocation. In patients treated with DC in addition to conservative treatment, the fatality rate was 48%. In this group, we singled out 3 variants of DS course: fulminant, progressive and delayed. In patients of group 2, the fatality rate was 52%. The patients died from non-cranial complications and DS course in this group was regarded as favorable. CONCLUSION: In patients with unfavorable course of MII, the risk of fatal outcome from temporal-tentorial impaction is determined both by the severity and progression rate of transverse dislocation of the middle brain structures. DS in patients with unfavorable course of MII can have favorable or unfavorable course. The unfavorable course is characterized by fulminant, progressive or delayed DS progression rate. The unfavorable course of DS is an absolute indication of administration of DC.

[Hyperdensivity of the trunk of the middle cerebral artery on the CT scanning in the acute stage of ischemic stroke].

Twenty-nine patients with massive ischemic stroke (MIS) admitted to the hospital in the first 12h after stroke were examined. On the primary CT scan, there were no zones with decreased density of brain matter. A subsequent CT was performed on the next day to visualize stroke lesions. Correlations between the density of the trunk of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) on the primary CT, the volume of the lesion on the subsequent CT and the character of disease course were analyzed. It was shown that the CT-sign of MCA trunk thrombosis in the acute stage of MIS is a highly-specific predictor of MIS but a less effective predictor of an unfavorable benign disease course.