Cerebral venous thrombosis: an unanticipated consequence of unilateral internal jugular vein ligation.

Retrograde cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is a rare complication following internal jugular vein (IJV) ligation. The patient described in this report is a male in his 30s with locally advanced carcinoma tongue. He underwent near-total glossectomy and bilateral neck dissection. Due to heavy nodal burden, his right IJV had to be sacrificed. The patient presented with features of raised intracranial pressure (ICP) postoperatively. Magnetic resonance venogram of the brain revealed CVT involving sigmoid and transverse sinus. This case report describes a perplexing case of right-sided IJV ligation giving rise to CVT, resulting in raised ICP. Although the contralateral cerebral venous system was found to be normal, it failed to compensate for the obstructed outflow on the affected side. In this case report, we have elucidated the possible mechanism for the development of raised ICP and described the management in the light of existing evidence.

Evaluation of optic nerve sheath diameter in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery in the Trendelenburg position: a prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: The Trendelenburg position and pneumoperitoneum may cause cerebral edema and increased intracranial pressure. Non-invasive measurement of the diameter of the optic nerve sheath by ultrasonography can provide early recognition of intracranial pressure. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) changes in patients who undergo laparoscopic surgery in the Trendelenburg position and make indirect conclusions about changes in intracranial pressure. DESIGN: Prospective, observational. SETTING: Laparoscopic surgeries. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients aged 18-75 years who underwent laparoscopic surgery in the Trendelenburg position under general anesthesia were included in our study. The ONSD was measured four times: Immediately after tracheal intubation, in the neutral position (baseline value) (T0), 10 minutes after pneumoperitoneum and Trendelenburg position (T1), 60 minutes after pneumoperitoneum and Trendelenburg position (T2), and 10 minutes after the pneumoperitoneum is terminated and placed in the neutral position (T3). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Compare ONSD measured by ultrasonography at different times of surgery. SAMPLE SIZE: 40. RESULTS: Arterial carbon dioxide pressure increased with laparoscopy and Trendelenburg position in parallel with ONSD measurements and decreased again after returning to the neutral position. It was still higher than the baseline value at the T3. There was also a significant difference[a] between the measurement made at the T2 and the measurement made at T1. This difference showed that the prolongation of the Trendelenburg time was associated with an increase in ONSD. At the end of the operation it was observed that the decreased statistically significantly (T3) 10 minutes after the pneumoperitoneum was terminated and the position was corrected. However, the ONSD was still higher at the end of the operation (T3) compared to the baseline value measured at the beginning of the operation (T0). CONCLUSION: The ONSD increased in relation to Trendelenburg position and pneumoperitoneum. With these results, we think the ultrasonographic measurement of ONSD, a non-invasive method, can be used for clinical follow-up when performing laparoscopic surgery in the Trendelenburg position in cases requiring intracranial pressure monitoring. LIMITATIONS: There may be variations in the measurement of ONSD, even in the measurements of the same practitioner, as in all imaging with an ultrasonography device.

Basal cisternostomy as an adjunct to decompressive hemicraniectomy in moderate to severe traumatic brain injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Basal cisternostomy (BC) is a surgical technique to reduce intracranial hypertension following moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). As the efficacy and safety of BC in patients with TBI has not been well-studied, we aim to summarize the published evidence on the effect of BC as an adjunct to decompressive hemicraniectomy (DHC) on clinical outcome following moderate to severe TBI. METHODS: A systematic literature review was carried out in PubMed/MEDLINE and EMBASE to identify studies evaluating BC as an adjunct to decompressive hemicraniectomy (DHC) in moderate to severe TBI. Random effects meta-analysis was performed to calculate summary effect estimates. RESULTS: Eight studies reporting on 1345 patients were included in the qualitative analysis, of which five (1206 patients) were considered for meta-analysis. Overall, study quality was low and clinical heterogeneity was high. Adjuvant BC (BC + DHC) compared to standalone DHC was associated with a reduction in the length of stay in the ICU (Mean difference [MD]: -3.25 days, 95% CI: -5.41 to -1.09 days, p = 0.003), significantly lower mean brain outward herniation (MD: -0.68 cm, 95% CI: -0.90 to -0.46 cm, p < 0.001), reduced odds of requiring osmotherapy (OR: 0.09, 95% CI: 0.02 to 0.41, p = 0.002) as well as decreased odds of mortality at discharge (OR 0.68, 95% CI: 0.4 to 0.96, p = 0.03). Adjuvant BC compared to DHC did not result in higher odds of a favourable neurological outcome (OR = 2.50, 95% CI: 0.95-6.55, p = 0.06) and did not affect mortality at final follow-up (OR: 0.80, 95% CI: 0.17 to 3.74, p = 0.77). CONCLUSION: There is insufficient data to demonstrate a potential beneficial effect of adjuvant BC. Despite some evidence for reduced mortality and length of stay, there is no effect on neurological outcome. However, these results need to be interpreted with caution as they carry a high risk of bias due to overall scarcity of published clinical data, technical variations, methodological differences, limited cohort sizes, and a considerable heterogeneity in study design and reported outcomes.

Optimizing Traumatic Brain Injury Recovery: Exploring the Advantages and Results of Decompressive Craniectomy.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) causes significant mortality and morbidity across regions, imposing a substantial socioeconomic burden on societies. A major complication that can arise is uncontrolled intracranial pressure (ICP). Several strategies exist for reducing ICP in TBI patients, including head elevation, mannitol administration, and hyperventilation. Decompressive craniectomy (DC) is a therapeutic approach employed to lower ICP. This technique offers immediate and permanent relief from elevated ICP, although there are ongoing debates regarding its beneficial use and appropriate indications for patients with increased ICP. The objective of this review was to assess variations in surgical technique, timing of the procedure, and patient characteristics associated with DC. Through the evaluation of clinical and radiologic data concerning DC in patients with elevated ICP, it was revealed that while DC provides numerous benefits, it also carries a significant risk of mortality and morbidity. Furthermore, we observed that factors such as age, initial Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, pupil response, and the time interval between injury and DC can serve as predictors for the procedure's outcomes. Based on our findings, we recommend conducting further trials to shed light on the use of DC in TBI patients.

Evaluation of the effect of fluid management on intracranial pressure in patients undergoing laparoscopic gynaecological surgery based on the ratio of the optic nerve sheath diameter to the eyeball transverse diameter as measured by ultrasound: a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: During gynecological laparoscopic surgery, pneumoperitoneum and the Trendelenburg position (TP) can lead to increased intracranial pressure (ICP). However, it remains unclear whether perioperative fluid therapy impacts ICP. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the impact of restrictive fluid (RF) therapy versus conventional fluid (CF) therapy on ICP in gynecological laparoscopic surgery patients by measuring the ratio of the optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) to the eyeball transverse diameter (ETD) using ultrasound. METHODS: Sixty-four patients who were scheduled for laparoscopic gynecological surgery were randomly assigned to the CF group or the RF group. The main outcomes were differences in the ONSD/ETD ratios between the groups at predetermined time points. The secondary outcomes were intraoperative circulatory parameters (including mean arterial pressure, heart rate, and urine volume changes) and postoperative recovery indicators (including extubation time, length of post-anaesthesia care unit stay, postoperative complications, and length of hospital stay). RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in the ONSD/ETD ratio and the ONSD over time between the two groups (all p > 0.05). From T2 to T4, the ONSD/ETD ratio and the ONSD in both groups were higher than T1 (all p < 0.001). From T1 to T2, the ONSD/ETD ratio in both groups increased by 14.3%. However, the extubation time in the RF group was shorter than in the CF group [median difference (95% CI) -11(-21 to -2) min, p = 0.027]. There were no differences in the other secondary outcomes. CONCLUSION: In patients undergoing laparoscopic gynecological surgery, RF did not significantly lower the ONSD/ETD ratio but did shorten the tracheal extubation time, when compared to CF. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ChiCTR2300079284. Registered on December 29, 2023.

Indications and scientific support for supratentorial unilateral decompressive craniectomy for different subgroups of patients: A scoping review.

CONTEXT: Even though supratentorial unilateral decompressive craniectomy (DC) has become the gold standard neurosurgical procedure aiming to provide long term relief of intractable intracranial hypertension, its indication has only been validated by high-quality evidence for traumatic brain injury and malignant middle cerebral artery infarction. This scoping review aims to summarize the available evidence regarding DC for these two recognized indications, but also for less validated indications that we may encounter in our daily clinical practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A scoping review was conducted on Medline / Pubmed database from inception to present time looking for articles focused on 7 possible indications for DC indications. Studies' level of evidence was assessed using Oxford University level of evidence scale. Studies' quality was assessed using Newcastle-Ottawa scale for systematic reviews of cohort studies and Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool for randomized controlled trials. RESULTS: Two randomized trials (level 1b) reported the possible efficacy of unilateral DC and the mitigated efficiency of bifrontal DC in the trauma setting. Five systematic reviews meta-analyses (level 2a) supported DC for severely injured young patients with acute subdural hematoma probably responsible for intraoperative brain swelling, while one randomized controlled trial (level 1b) showed comparable efficacy of DC and craniotomy for ASH with intraoperative neutral brain swelling. Three randomized controlled trials (level 1b) and two meta-analyses (level 1a and 3a) supported DC efficacy for malignant ischemic stroke. One systematic review (level 3a) supported DC efficacy for malignant meningoencephalitis. One systematic review meta-analysis (level 3a) supported DC efficacy for malignant cerebral venous thrombosis. The mitigated results of one randomized trial (level 1b) did not allow to conclude for DC efficacy for intracerebral hemorrhage. One systematic review (level 3a) reported the possible efficacy of primary DC and the mitigated efficacy of secondary DC for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. Too weak evidence (level 4) precluded from drawing any conclusion for DC efficacy for intracranial tumors. CONCLUSION: To date, there is some scientific background to support clinicians in the decision making for DC for selected cases of severe traumatic brain injury, acute subdural hematoma, malignant ischemic stroke, malignant meningoencephalitis, malignant cerebral venous thrombosis, and highly selected cases of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Noninvasive intracranial pressure profile in 31 patients submitted to fullendoscopic spine surgery.

PURPOSE: Full-endoscopic spine surgery (FESS) is associated with specific complications, possibly linked to increased intracranial pressure (ICP) resulting from continuous saline infusion into the epidural space. This study aimed to assess the impact of saline irrigation and its correlation with noninvasively obtained ICP waveform changes. METHODS: Patients undergoing FESS between January 2019 and November 2020 were included. Noninvasive ICP (n-ICP) monitoring utilized an extracranial strain sensor generating ICP waveforms, from which parameters P2/P1 ratio and time to peak (TTP) values were derived and correlated to irrigation and vital parameters. Documentation occurred at specific surgical intervals (M0-preoperatively; M1 to M4-intraoperatively; M5-postoperatively). Mixed-model analysis of variance and multiple comparisons tests were applied, with M0 as the baseline. RESULTS: Among 31 enrolled patients, three experienced headaches unrelated to increased ICP at M5. The P2/P1 ratio and TTP decreased during surgery (p < 0.001 and p < 0.004, respectively). Compared to baseline, P2/P1 ratio and vital parameters remained significantly lower at M5. No significant differences were observed for fluid parameters throughout surgery. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated a decline in the n-ICP parameters after anesthetic induction despite the anticipated increase in ICP due to constant epidural irrigation. The n-ICP parameters behaved independently of fluid parameters, suggesting a potential protective effect of anesthesia.

Controlled lumbar cerebrospinal fluid drainage effectively decreases the need for second and third tier interventions for intracranial hypertension in severe traumatic brain injury patients.

INTRODUCTION: Early treatment of elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) is a cornerstone of the therapy in severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients. Treatment of refractory high ICP however, remain challenging as only limited and risky third-tier therapeutic interventions are available. Controlled lumbar cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage has been known as an efficient method of ICP reduction after TBI for decades, but it is not recommended in international guidelines because of low evidence background and safety issues. Our centre has a long-standing experience using this intervention for more than 15 years. Here we present our data about the safety and efficacy of controlled lumbar drainage to avoid further second- and third tier ICP lowering therapies and beneficially influence functional outcome. METHODS: Observational (retrospective and prospective) analysis was performed using demographic, clinical and outcome data of severe TBI patients admitted to our centre. Analysis was retrospective between 2008 and 2013 and prospective from 2014 to 2019. Only severe TBI patients (GCS<9) with ICP monitoring were enrolled. Lumbar drainage (LD) was used as a second-tier therapy to control intracranial hypertension in salvageable patients with normal haemostasis and discernible basal cisterns on pre-interventional CT scan. RESULTS: Data of 45 patients were analysed. Patients were young, comatose and with severe injuries (median age: 29, GMS: 4, ISS: 25). Lumbar drain was inserted mainly on the first week and maintained for further 5 days. Episodes of intracranial hypertension (ICP>20 Hgmm) within one day (10 vs 2) were reduced. The need of additional second- and third-line therapies (deep sedation, hyperventilation, barbiturate administration, decompressive craniectomy) also significantly decreased (60 vs 25 interventions, p<0.001). The in-hospital mortality and 6-month functional outcome were more favourable than the whole TBI population and as predicted by prognostic calculations (mortality: 16% vs. 48 %; GOSE 1-4: 49% vs. 65% vs CRASH: 87% vs. IMPACT: 51 %) in this period. CONCLUSIONS: Our results support the view that controlled lumbar drainage is a highly efficient method to manage intracranial hypertension and significantly decreases the need of further harmful ICP lowering therapies without altering functional outcome of severe TBI patients.

Spring-assisted posterior vault expansion in children over 2 years of age with craniosynostosis.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated spring-assisted posterior vault expansion (SA-PVE) in children aged > 2 years with craniosynostosis and signs of high intracranial pressure (ICP). METHODS: We retrospectively analysed all consecutive patients aged > 2 years and operated with SA-PVE between 2018 and 2020 at the Craniofacial Center at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Sweden. During the procedure, a circumferent occipital bone flap extending below the torcula was created and remained attached to the dura. Intracranial volumes (ICVs) were calculated from computed tomography (CT) images, and demographic data and information regarding symptoms and signs of high ICP were collected. RESULTS: The study included eight patients [Crouzon/Pfeiffer (n = 4), multiple craniosynostosis (n = 3), and secondary synostosis (n = 1)]. Median age at SA-PVE was 3.8 years (range: 2.5-12.8 years), and springs were removed after a median of 5.5 months (range: 2.3-8.3 months). The median operating time was 164 min (range: 102-221 min), and estimated blood loss was 4.5 mL/kg body weight (range: 1.4-59.1 mL/kg body weight), with 50% of patients receiving a blood transfusion. The median increase in ICV was 206 cm3 (range: 122-344 cm3) representing an 18.7% increase (range: 7.9-24.1%; p = 0.01). We observed no major perioperative complications, and symptoms related to high ICP were improved or absent at clinical follow-up. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrated that SA-PVE involving creation of a large occipital bone flap including the torcula as a safe and effective surgical treatment in children aged >2 years with craniosynostosis and elevated ICP.

Adhesive arachnoiditis: a rare cause of postoperative urinary retention.

Postoperative urinary retention is a common consequence of pelvic surgeries. It is often related both to the nature of surgery and the medication used in the perioperative period. Adhesive arachnoiditis (AA) is a rare condition, which has various clinical presentations ranging from back pain to disabling neurological deficits. Numerous aetiologies for AA have been described in the literature, one such noted is spinal anaesthesia. We report a patient who presented with isolated bladder dysfunction in the form of urinary retention after spinal anaesthesia. She was evaluated and diagnosed with AA as the cause of her urinary retention. AA was complicated by raised intracranial pressure. She was treated with corticosteroids and acetazolamide, following which she made a full recovery. We would like to highlight this rare presentation, as well as lay emphasis on the early evaluation of seemingly anticipated symptoms such as postoperative urinary retention.

Extra-axial primary meningeal pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma: a case report.

Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (PXA) is a rare low-grade glial neoplasm of the central nervous system accounting for less than 1% of all astrocytomas. Similar to other gliomas, it can rarely arise from glial nests in the meninges, manifesting as an extra-axial mass mimicking a meningioma. Extra axial PXA is an extremely rare entity. Therefore, there are no standardized guidelines. In this article, we report the fourth case, so far, of a solitary primary extra-axial PXA mimicking a meningioma in a 23-year-old woman who presented with temporal seizures and features of raised intracranial pressure. Through this case, we tried to discuss all treatment options.

Meningoencephalitis-like presentation of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis and long-term complications at 5-year follow-up.

A 21-year-old gentleman presented with low responsiveness and an unwitnessed tonic-clonic seizure. A 3-day history of fevers, headaches, and poor sleep was reported. He was initially treated for meningoencephalitis. Subsequently, he developed an erythematous rash over the face and chest. He had three generalised tonic-clonic seizures and his Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) deteriorated to 8 out of 15 requiring intubation and ventilation, and antiepileptics. Lumbar puncture (LP) results were unremarkable; however, the computed tomography (CT) head concluded bilateral haemorrhages and commented on the possibility of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST). Computed tomography venogram (CTV) confirmed CVST in the superior sagittal sinus, cortical vein and left transverse sinus. Repeat CT head revealed no new changes. Clinically, he exhibited residual left-sided weakness following stroke secondary to CVST. The patient was discharged with lifelong warfarin due to unprovoked CVST. He re-presented ten months later with persistent headaches. Clinical review noted bilateral papilloedema and he required LP to relieve raised intracranial pressure (ICP). In a 5-year follow-up, he continues to have raised ICP and associated headaches requiring further LPs. He continues to take warfarin, levetiracetam and topiramate, for headaches. This is an atypical case of CVST presenting initially with meningoencephalitis-like symptoms, demonstrating diverse clinical presentation. Ergo, this encourages an early multidisciplinary approach in presentations of headaches and seizures as clinical suspicion for CVST is high. Ultimately, this will appropriately identify patients for neuroimaging with computed tomography/magnetic resonance venogram. Furthermore, 5-year follow-up is presented in this case highlighting the importance of long-term follow-up in view of variable long-term complications that remain difficult to predict.

Giant unruptured middle cerebral artery aneurysm revealed by intracranial hypertension: is a systematic decompressive hemicraniotomy mandatory?

Our study aimed to evaluate the postoperative outcome of patients with unruptured giant middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysm revealed by intracranial hypertension associated to midline brain shift. From 2012 to 2022, among the 954 patients treated by a microsurgical procedure for an intracranial aneurysm, our study included 9 consecutive patients with giant MCA aneurysm associated to intracranial hypertension with a midline brain shift. Deep hypothermic circulatory flow reduction (DHCFR) with vascular reconstruction was performed in 4 patients and cerebral revascularization with aneurysm trapping was the therapeutic strategy in 5 patients. Early (< 7 days) and long term clinical and radiological monitoring was done. Good functional outcome was considered as mRS score ≤ 2 at 3 months. The mean age at treatment was 44 yo (ranged from 17 to 70 yo). The mean maximal diameter of the aneurysm was 49 mm (ranged from 33 to 70 mm). The mean midline brain shift was 8.6 mm (ranged from 5 to 13 mm). Distal MCA territory hypoperfusion was noted in 6 patients. Diffuse postoperative cerebral edema occurred in the 9 patients with a mean delay of 59 h and conducted to a postoperative neurological deterioration in 7 of them. Postoperative death was noted in 3 patients. Among the 6 survivors, early postoperative decompressive hemicraniotomy was required in 4 patients. Good functional outcome was noted in 4 patients. Complete aneurysm occlusion was noted in each patient at last follow-up. We suggest to discuss a systematic decompressive hemicraniotomy at the end of the surgical procedure and/or a partial temporal lobe resection at its beginning to reduce the consequences of the edema reaction and to improve the postoperative outcome of this specific subgroup of patients. A better intraoperative assessment of the blood flow might also reduce the occurrence of the reperfusion syndrome.

Intracranial pressure monitoring in adult patients with traumatic brain injury: challenges and innovations.

Intracranial pressure monitoring enables the detection and treatment of intracranial hypertension, a potentially lethal insult after traumatic brain injury. Despite its widespread use, robust evidence supporting intracranial pressure monitoring and treatment remains sparse. International studies have shown large variations between centres regarding the indications for intracranial pressure monitoring and treatment of intracranial hypertension. Experts have reviewed these two aspects and, by consensus, provided practical approaches for monitoring and treatment. Advances have occurred in methods for non-invasive estimation of intracranial pressure although, for now, a reliable way to non-invasively and continuously measure intracranial pressure remains aspirational. Analysis of the intracranial pressure signal can provide information on brain compliance (ie, the ability of the cranium to tolerate volume changes) and on cerebral autoregulation (ie, the ability of cerebral blood vessels to react to changes in blood pressure). The information derived from the intracranial pressure signal might allow for more individualised patient management. Machine learning and artificial intelligence approaches are being increasingly applied to intracranial pressure monitoring, but many obstacles need to be overcome before their use in clinical practice could be attempted. Robust clinical trials are needed to support indications for intracranial pressure monitoring and treatment. Progress in non-invasive assessment of intracranial pressure and in signal analysis (for targeted treatment) will also be crucial.

Decompressive craniectomy in trauma: What you need to know.

ABSTRACT: Decompressive craniectomy (DC) is a surgical procedure in which a large section of the skull is removed, and the underlying dura mater is opened widely. After evacuating a traumatic acute subdural hematoma, a primary DC is typically performed if the brain is bulging or if brain swelling is expected over the next several days. However, a recent randomized trial found similar 12-month outcomes when primary DC was compared with craniotomy for acute subdural hematoma. Secondary removal of the bone flap was performed in 9% of the craniotomy group, but more wound complications occurred in the craniectomy group. Two further multicenter trials found that, whereas early neuroprotective bifrontal DC for mild to moderate intracranial hypertension is not superior to medical management, DC as a last-tier therapy for refractory intracranial hypertension leads to reduced mortality. Patients undergoing secondary last-tier DC are more likely to improve over time than those in the standard medical management group. The overall conclusion from the most up-to-date evidence is that secondary DC has a role in the management of intracranial hypertension following traumatic brain injury but is not a panacea. Therefore, the decision to offer this operation should be made on a case-by-case basis. Following DC, cranioplasty is warranted but not always feasible, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Consequently, a decompressive craniotomy, where the bone flap is allowed to "hinge" or "float," is sometimes used. Decompressive craniotomy is also an option in a subgroup of traumatic brain injury patients undergoing primary surgical evacuation when the brain is neither bulging nor relaxed. However, a high-quality randomized controlled trial is needed to delineate the specific indications and the type of decompressive craniotomy in appropriate patients.

Pediatric abscessed craniopharyngioma: A case report and review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Craniopharyngiomas are rare sellar and suprasellar tumors affecting children and adults. The spontaneous abscessation of this lesion is an extremely rare occurrence with a total of 10 cases reported in the literature including 2 cases in the pediatric population. OBSERVATION: We report a case of abscessed craniopharyngioma in a 10-year-old girl, revealed by intracranial hypertension and diabetes insipidus with a double component (solid and cystic) lesion of the sella visualized on cerebral MRI. The patient underwent surgical decompression via endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach coupled with antibiotic treatment with an uneventful postoperative course and improvement of her symptoms. CONCLUSION: Abscessed craniopharyngiomas are rare and challenging entities. We highlight through our case and literature review the importance of an in-depth patient's history as well as a clinical-radiological correlation in allowing for a positive preoperative diagnosis even in patients with no meningeal or infection signs.

Intracranial hypertension secondary to unruptured pial arteriovenous malformation. Suitability of isolated endovascular treatment with ethylene vinyl alcohol/dimethyl sulfoxide (Onyx®). Case report and literature review.

A 36-year-old male presented to the Emergency Department with clinical symptoms of blurred vision of progressive onset of two years of evolution. The ophthalmological examination revealed the existence of bilateral papilledema. Using cranial computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, the presence of a right occipital pial arteriovenous malformation was certified. Arteriographically, pial arterial contributions dependent on the right middle cerebral artery and the right posterior cerebral artery were identified. Venous drainage was located at the level of the superior sagittal sinus. An associated right transverse sinus stenosis was also identified. The existence of secondary intracranial hypertension was corroborated by monitoring with an intracranial pressure sensor. An interventional procedure was carried out consisting of embolization of the arterial supplies of the lesion using Onyx®. The clinical-radiological findings after the procedure were favorable: the papilledema disappeared and complete exclusion of the malformation was achieved. A new intracranial pressure measurement showed resolution of intracranial hypertension. Subsequent regulated radiological controls showed complete exclusion of the malformation up to 5 years later.

Invasive and Noninvasive Techniques for Intracranial Pressure Monitoring After Decompressive Craniectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The use of invasive or noninvasive intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring post-decompressive craniectomy (DC) has been a continuous matter of debate. Accordingly, this meta-analysis aims to examine the existing evidence of both approaches and compare their impact among patients undergoing DC, guiding clinical decision-making in the management of elevated ICP. The databases used were Pubmed, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Embase. Inclusion criteria included: (1) English studies; (2) randomized and nonrandomized studies; (3) reporting on invasive OR noninvasive ICP monitoring after DC; (4) with at least one of the outcomes of interest: incidence of mortality, new cerebral hemorrhages, and the Glasgow Outcome Scale. The study followed the Cochrane and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. Thirty-six studies were included in this meta-analysis, resulting in a sample of 1624 patients. One thousand two hundred eighty-six underwent invasive monitoring, and 338 underwent noninvasive methods. In the invasive group, a mortality rate of 17% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 12%-22%), a good outcome rate of 58% (95% CI: 38%-49%), a poor outcome rate of 42% (95% CI: 21%-62%), and an overall incidence of new hemorrhages of 4% (95% CI: 0%-8%) were found. Whereas in the noninvasive sample, a mortality rate of 20% (95% CI: 15%-26%) and a good outcome rate of 38% (95% CI: 25%-52%) were obtained. It seems that the effectiveness of invasive and noninvasive ICP monitoring methods are comparable in post-DC patients. While invasive monitoring remains gold standard, noninvasive methods offer a safer and cost-effective alternative, potentially improving post-DC patient care, and can mostly be used simultaneously with invasive methods.