Decompressive Craniectomy in Patients with Malignant Stroke with Additional Vascular Territory.

BACKGROUND: Decompressive craniectomy substantially reduces mortality and disability rates following a malignant stroke. This procedure remains a life-saving option, especially in contexts with little access to mechanical thrombectomy despite downward trends in the performance of decompressive craniectomy due to discussions on the acceptance of living with severe disabilities. However, the outcomes of the surgery in cases involving concomitant occlusion of anterior or posterior cerebral arteries have not been extensively studied. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, spanning January 2010 to December 2022 and including patients who underwent decompressive craniectomy, we compared outcomes between patients with and without additional vascular territory involvement. Independent variables included age, sex, comorbidities, admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale and Glasgow Coma Scale scores, time elapsed between stroke and surgery, laterality of the stroke, midline shift, and postoperative infarction volume. Outcomes included mortality and modified Rankin Score at the 3-month follow-up. RESULTS: Of the 86 patients analyzed, 61 (70.9%) and 25 (29.1%) demonstrated no territory and additional territory involvement, respectively. Patients with involvement of additional territories exhibited lower admission Glasgow Coma Scale scores, higher National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores, and larger postoperative infarction volumes. However, these variables were not associated with poor outcomes. Univariate analyses revealed no differences in mortality or severe disability. Even after adjustment, the differences remained insignificant for mortality and severe disability. Age emerged as the sole variable linked to increased mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that, for patients with malignant stroke undergoing decompressive craniectomy, the outcomes for patients with and without involvement of additional vascular territory are similar.

Craniectomía descompresiva como alternativa terapéutica en la hipertensión intracraneal pediátrica incontrolable por traumatismo craneoencefálico grave / Decompressive craniectomy as a therapeutic alternative in uncontrollable intracranial hypertension in pediatric severe head injury

Introducción: El traumatismo craneoencefálico grave presenta una elevada incidencia en pacientes pediátricos. Es una importante causa de muerte y discapacidad. Sus causas más comunes en este grupo etario son los accidentes domésticos y de tránsito, caídas, violencia y actividades deportivas. Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica en julio y agosto de 2023 con un total de 38 bibliografías en idioma español, inglés y portugués en las bases de datos de SciElo, Elsevier, Pubmed y el motor de búsqueda Google Académico. Se consideró como criterio de selección aquella literatura publicada con mayor actualidad en concordancia con lo novedoso de esta enfermedad. Objetivo: Describir la craniectomía descompresiva como una alternativa a la hipertensión intracraneal pediátrica producida por traumatismo craneoencefálico grave. Desarrollo: Ante un traumatismo craneoencefálico grave, la presión intracraneal aumenta, lo que causa hipertensión intracraneal. Cuando esta hipertensión no se logra controlar, se convierte en refractaria, se requieren otros tratamientos más agresivos como la craniectomía descompresiva. Este procedimiento es invasivo, consiste en remover parte del cráneo para disminuir la presión dentro de la cavidad craneana. Conclusiones: Es necesario continuar los estudios de craniectomía descompresiva en el manejo de la hipertensión craneal pediátrica en la población infanto-juvenil, pues los estudios enfocados en ellos no abundan; estos constituyen una intervención de rescate. A pesar de los adelantos científicos, logros terapéuticos alcanzados y conocimientos de la hipertensión craneal pediátrica, se considera la craniectomía descompresiva como una elección terapéutica óptima, con una justa predicción y no brindarla cuando las opciones reales de éxito sean insuficientes(AU)

Introduction: Severe head trauma has a high incidence in pediatric patients. It is a major cause of death and disability. Its most common causes in this age group are domestic and traffic accidents, falls, violence and sports activities. A bibliographic review was carried out in July and August 2023 with a total of 38 bibliographies in Spanish, English and Portuguese from the SciElo, Elsevier, Pubmed databases and the Google Scholar search engine. The most recent published literature in accordance with the novelty of this disease was considered as a selection criterion. Objective: To describe decompressive craniectomy as an alternative to pediatric intracranial hypertension caused by severe head trauma. Development: In the event of severe head trauma, intracranial pressure increases, causing intracranial hypertension. When this hypertension cannot be controlled, it becomes refractory, other more aggressive treatments such as decompressive craniectomy are required. This procedure is invasive, it consists of removing part of the skull to reduce the pressure inside the cranial cavity. Conclusions: It is necessary to continue studies of decompressive craniectomy in the management of pediatric cranial hypertension in the child and adolescent population, since studies focused on them are not abundant; these constitute a rescue intervention. Despite scientific advances, therapeutic achievements and knowledge of pediatric cranial hypertension, decompressive craniectomy is considered an optimal therapeutic choice, with fair prediction and not provided when the real options for success are insufficient(AU)

Partial Cranial Reconstruction Using Titanium Mesh after Craniectomy: An Antiadhesive and Protective Barrier with Improved Aesthetic Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: Describe a new, safe, technique that uses titanium mesh to partially cover skull defects immediately after decompressive craniectomy (DC). METHODS: This study is a retrospective review of 8 patients who underwent DC and placement of a titanium mesh. The mesh partially covered the defect and was placed between the temporalis muscle and the dura graft. The muscle was sutured to the mesh. All patients underwent cranioplasty at a later time. The study recorded and analyzed demographic information, time between surgeries, extra-axial fluid collections, postoperative infections, need for reoperation, cortical hemorrhages, and functional and aesthetic outcomes. RESULTS: After craniectomy, all patients underwent cranioplasty within an average of 112.5 days (30-240 days). One patient reported temporalis muscle atrophy, which was the only complication observed. During the cranioplasties, no adhesions were found between temporalis muscle, titanium mesh, and underlying dura. None of the patients showed complications in the follow-up computerized tomography scans. All patients had favorable aesthetic and functional results. CONCLUSIONS: Placing a titanium mesh as an extra step during DC could have antiadhesive and protective properties, facilitating subsequent cranioplasty by preventing adhesions and providing a clear surgical plane between the temporalis muscle and intracranial tissues. This technique also helps preserve the temporalis muscle and enhances functional and aesthetic outcomes postcranioplasty. Therefore, it represents a safe alternative to other synthetic anti-adhesive materials. Further studies are necessary to draw definitive conclusions and elucidate long-term outcomes, however, the results obtained hold great promise for the safety and efficacy of this technique.

Análisis multivariado de factores pronósticos en niños con traumatismo craneoencefálico grave que requirieron craneotomía descompresiva / Multivariate Analysis of Prognostic Factors in Children with Severe Cranioencephalic Trauma Requiring Decompressive Craniotomy

Introducción: El traumatismo craneoencefálico en edades pediátricas constituye un problema de salud relevante a nivel mundial y en Cuba. Objetivo: Determinar los factores pronósticos del trauma craneoencefálico grave en niños que requirieron craneotomía descompresiva. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal correlacional, de tipo serie de casos, en el Servicio de Neurocirugía del Hospital Pediátrico de Camagüey durante el período comprendido desde enero de 2019 a diciembre de 2021. Fueron estudiados un total de 27 niños con traumatismo craneoencefálico grave, que cumplieron con los criterios de selección de la investigación. Las variables analizadas incluyeron: grupo etario, sexo, intensidad de la lesión, técnica quirúrgica, perfusión cerebral y resultados quirúrgicos obtenidos. Resultados: Predominó el grupo etario de 11-18 años (45,5 porciento) y el sexo masculino (72,7 porciento). El mayor puntaje en la variable intensidad de la lesión correspondió con la realización de craneotomías bilaterales (media = 78,63). Se halló disminución significativa (p = 0,024) de la perfusión cerebral en los pacientes con edad menor o igual a 8 años (media = 61,6387) y se encontró más disminuida en los pacientes que requirieron craneotomía bilateral (p = 0,001). Los peores resultados obtenidos correspondieron a los pacientes con edad biológica igual o menor a 8 años, que requirieron craneotomía bilateral. Conclusiones: La edad menor a 8 años se relacionó con mayor deterioro de la perfusión cerebral y peores resultados. La necesidad de craneotomías bilaterales se asoció con mayor intensidad de la lesión encefálica, presión intracraneal preoperatoria más elevada y deterioro de la perfusión cerebral(AU)

Introduction: Cranioencephalic trauma in pediatric ages is a relevant health problem worldwide and in Cuba. Objective: To determine the prognostic factors of severe cranioencephalic trauma in children who required decompressive craniotomy. Methods: A cross-sectional and correlational study of case series type was carried out at the neurosurgery service of Hospital Pediátrico de Camagüey during the period from January 2019 to December 2021. A total of 27 children with severe cranioencephalic trauma who met the research selection criteria were studied. The analyzed variables included age group, sex, injury intensity, surgical technique, cerebral perfusion and obtained surgical outcomes. Results: The age group 11-18 years (45.5 percent) and male sex (72.7 percent) predominated. The highest score in the variable injury intensity corresponded to the realization of bilateral craniotomies (mean = 78.63). A significant decrease (p = 0.024) in cerebral perfusion was found in patients aged 8 years or under (mean = 61.6387) and it was found to be more diminished in patients who required bilateral craniotomy (p = 0.001). The worst obtained outcomes corresponded to patients with a biological age of 8 years or under, who required bilateral craniotomy. Conclusions: Age under 8 years was associated with greater cerebral perfusion impairment and worse outcomes. The need for bilateral craniotomies was associated with greater intensity of the encephalic injury, higher preoperative intracranial pressure and cerebral perfusion impairment(AU)

Prognosis of patients with severe cerebral venous thrombosis treated with decompressive craniectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Despite the highly favorable prognosis, mortality occurs in nearly 2% of patients with cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT), in which decompressive craniectomy (DC) may be the only way to save the patient's life. The aim of this report is to describe the risk factors, neuroimaging features, in-hospital complications and functional outcome of severe CVT in patients treated with DC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Consecutive malignant CVT cases treated with DC from a retrospective third-level hospital database were analyzed. Demographic, clinical, and functional outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients were included (20 female, age 35.4±12.1 years); 53.8% of the patients had acute CVT, with neurological focalization as the most common symptom in 92.3% of the patients. Superior sagittal sinus thromboses were found in 84.6% of cases. Bilateral lesions were present in 10 patients (38.5%). Imaging on admission showed a parenchymal lesion (venous infarction±hemorrhagic lesion)>6cm measured along the longest diameter in 25 patients (96.2%). Mean duration of clinical neurological deterioration was 3.5 days; eleven patients (42.3%) died during hospitalization. CONCLUSION: In patients with severe forms of CVT, we found higher mortality than previously reported. DC is an effective life-saving treatment with acceptable functional prognosis for survivors.

Outcomes of decompressive craniectomy for malignant middle cerebral artery stroke in an academic hospital in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Ischemic stroke is an important cause of death in the world. The malignant middle cerebral artery infarction (MMCAI) has mortality as high as 80% when clinically treated. In this setting, decompressive craniectomy is a life-saving measure, in spite of high morbidity among survivors. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the outcomes of patients with MMCAI treated with decompressive craniectomy in a Brazilian academic tertiary stroke center. METHODS: A prospective stroke database was retrospectively evaluated, and all patients treated with decompressive craniectomy for MMCAI between January 2014 and December 2017 were included. The demographics and clinical characteristics were evaluated. The functional outcome, measured by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS), was assessed at hospital discharge, after 3-months and 1-year of follow-up. RESULTS: We included 53 patients on the final analysis. The mean age was 54.6 ± 11.6 years and 64.2% were males. The median time from symptoms to admission was 4.8 (3-9.7) hours and the mean time from symptoms to surgery was 36 ± 17 hours. The left hemisphere was the affected in 39.6%. The median NIHSS at admission was 20 (16-24). The in-hospital mortality was 30.2%. After a median of 337 [157-393] days, 47.1% of patients had achieved favorable outcome (mRS ≤ 4) and 39.6% had died. CONCLUSION: Decompressive craniectomy is a life-saving measure in the setting of MMCAI, and its effects remains important in the scenario of a middle-income country in real-world situations.

ANTECEDENTES: O acidente vascular cerebral (AVC) isquêmico é uma causa importante da morte em todo o mundo. O infarto maligno da artéria cerebral média (IMACM) tem mortalidade de até 80% quando tratado clinicamente. Nesse contexto, a craniectomia descompressiva é uma medida salvadora de vidas, apesar da alta morbidade entre os sobreviventes. OBJETIVO: Avaliar os desfechos dos pacientes com IMACM tratados com craniectomia descompressiva em um centro acadêmico terciário de AVC no Brasil. MéTODOS: Um banco de dados prospectivo de AVC foi avaliado retrospectivamente e todos os pacientes tratados com craniectomia descompressiva para IMACM entre janeiro de 2014 e dezembro de 2017 foram incluídos. As características clínicas e demográficas foram avaliadas. Os desfechos funcionais, medidos pela escala modificada da Rankin (mRS), foram avaliados na alta hospitalar, após 3 meses e após 1 ano de seguimento. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 53 pacientes na análise final. A idade média foi 54,6 ± 11,6 anos e 64,2% eram homens. A mediana do tempo dos sintomas à admissão foi 4,8 (3­9,7) horas e o tempo médio dos sintomas à cirurgia foi 36 ± 17 horas. O hemisfério esquerdo foi o afetado em 39,6%. A pontuação na escala de AVC do National Institute of Health (NIHSS) à admissão foi 20 (16­24). A mortalidade hospitalar foi 30,2%. Após uma mediana de 337 (157­393) dias, 47,1% dos pacientes tinham atingido um desfecho favorável (mRS ≤ 4) e 39,6% tinham morrido. CONCLUSãO: Craniectomia descompressiva é uma medida salvadora de vidas no contexto do IMACM e seus efeitos permanecem importantes no cenário de um país em desenvolvimento em situação de vida real.

Long-Term Pediatric Outcomes of Decompressive Craniectomy after Severe Traumatic Brain Injury.

OBJECTIVE: There is no consensus on the use of decompressive craniectomy (DC) to manage severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI). We evaluated the profile of pediatric patients admitted with sTBI and assessed functional outcomes, 6 months posttrauma, in patients who had a DC and in those who had not, and the functional outcomes of early versus late DCs. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This case-control observational study evaluated pediatric patients admitted for sTBI in Puerto Rico (June 2016-October 2018); we included patients admitted within 24 hours of injury and had a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) of 8 or lower. 6-month post trauma outcomes were measured with the Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended Pediatric (GOS-E Peds). RESULTS: 20 patients were included; 15 underwent a DC and 5 comprised the control group. We found no differences in terms of sex, age, GCS score, Pediatric Risk of Mortality score, or Pediatric Trauma Score. However, in the DC group, a higher percentage of patients presented significant cerebral herniation in the initial computed tomography scan (CT) (DC: 73%; control: 0%; P = .005). No differences were found regarding intracranial pressure (ICP), cerebral perfusion pressure, mean arterial pressure, PaCO2, or temperature. Patients in the DC group had longer hospital stay (DC: 41; control: 17 days; P = .0005). All patients with DC survived, with an early procedure being associated with favorable outcomes. CONCLUSION: As determined 6 months post-trauma, this study showed that early DC increased survival and improved functionality.

Time course of hemispheric cerebral volume after decompressive craniectomy in malignant middle cerebral artery stroke.

BACKGROUND: Brain edema is the leading cause of death in patients with malignant middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarction. Midline shift (MLS) has been used as a monohemispheric brain edema marker in several studies; however, it does not precisely measure brain edema. It is now possible to directly measure hemisphere brain volume. Knowledge about the time course of brain edema after malignant middle cerebral artery infarction may contribute to the condition's management. OBJECTIVE: Therefore, our goal was to evaluate the course of brain edema in patients with malignant MCA infarction treated with decompressive craniectomy (DC) using hemispheric volumetric measurements. METHODS: Patients were selected consecutively from a single tertiary hospital between 2013 and 2019. All patients were diagnosed with malignant middle cerebral artery infarction and underwent a decompressive craniectomy (DC) to treat the ischemic event. All computed tomography (CT) exams performed during the clinical care of these patients were analyzed, and the whole ischemic hemisphere volume was calculated for each CT scan. RESULTS: We analyzed 43 patients (197 CT exams). Patients' mean age at DC was 51.72 [range: 42-68] years. The mean time between the ischemic ictus and DC was 41.88 (range: 6-77) hours. The mean time between the ischemic event and the peak of hemisphere volume was 168.84 (95% confidence interval [142.08, 195.59]) hours. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the peak of cerebral edema in malignant MCA infarction after DC occurred on the 7th day (168.84 h) after stroke symptoms onset. Further studies evaluating therapies for brain edema even after DC should be investigated.

ANTECEDENTES: O edema cerebral é a principal causa de morte em pacientes com infarto maligno de artéria cerebral média. O desvio da linha média tem sido utilizado como marcador de edema cerebral mono-hemisférico em alguns estudos; porém, ele não mede de forma precisa o edema cerebral. Atualmente é possível mensurar diretamente o volume do hemisfério cerebral. O conhecimento sobre a evolução temporal do edema cerebral após infartos malignos da artéria cerebral média pode contribuir para o cuidado clínico desta condição. OBJETIVO: Nosso objetivo é avaliar o edema hemisférico ao longo do tempo, em pacientes com infarto maligno da artéria cerebral média, tratados com craniectomia descompressiva. MéTODOS: Os pacientes foram selecionados de forma consecutiva, em um hospital terciário, entre 2013 e 2019. Todos os pacientes apresentavam diagnóstico de infarto maligno de artéria cerebral média e foram submetidos a craniectomia descompressiva. Todas as tomografias computadorizadas de crânio destes pacientes foram analizadas, e o volume do hemisfério cerebral infartado foi mensurado. RESULTADOS: Analisamos 43 pacientes (197 tomografias de crânio). A idade média dos pacientes na craniectomia descompressiva foi 51,72 (42­68) anos. O tempo médio entre o ictus e a craniectomia descompressiva foi 41,88 (6­77) horas. O tempo médio entre o ictus e o pico do volume hemisférico foi 168,84 (142,08­195,59) horas. CONCLUSãO: O pico do volume cerebral em pacientes com infarto maligno de artéria cerebral média submetidos a craniectomia descompressiva ocorreu no 7o dia (168,84 horas) após o infarto. Mais estudos avaliando terapêuticas direcionadas ao edema cerebral seriam úteis neste contexto.

Functional improvements associated with cranioplasty after stroke and traumatic brain injury: a cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: Decompressive craniectomy is part of the acute management of several neurosurgical illnesses, and is commonly followed by cranioplasty. Data are still scarce on the functional and cognitive outcomes following cranioplasty. We aim to evaluate these outcomes in patients who underwent cranioplasty following traumatic brain injury (TBI) or stroke. METHODS: In this prospective cohort, we assessed 1-month and 6-month neuropsychological and functional outcomes in TBI and stroke patients who underwent cranioplasty at a Brazilian tertiary center. The primary outcome was the change in the Digits Test at 1 and 6 months after cranioplasty. Repeated measures general linear models were employed to assess the patients' evolution and interactions with baseline characteristics. Effect size was estimated by the partial η2. RESULTS: A total of 20 TBI and 14 stroke patients were included (mean age 42 ± 14 years; 52.9% male; average schooling 9.5 ± 3.8 years; 91.2% right-handed). We found significant improvements in the Digits Tests up to 6 months after cranioplasty (p = 0.004, partial η2 = 0.183), as well as in attention, episodic memory, verbal fluency, working memory, inhibitory control, visuoconstructive and visuospatial abilities (partial η2 0.106-0.305). We found no interaction between the cranioplasty effect and age, sex or schooling. Patients submitted to cranioplasty earlier (<1 year) after injury had better outcomes. CONCLUSION: Cognitive and functional outcomes improved after cranioplasty following decompressive craniectomy for stroke or TBI. This effect was consistent regardless of age, sex, or education level and persisted after 6 months. Some degree of spontaneous improvement might have contributed to the results.

Cranioplasty with cryopreserved autologous bone in craniectomized patients due to brain trauma, a current and safe option: Experience of 97 cases.

BACKGROUND: Cranioplasty is the used method in neurosurgery for repairing cranial bone defects. In our environment, the most widely used material is cryopreserved autologous bone (ABCp). OBJECTIVE: A retrospective observational study was proposed in order to analyze complications in patients who underwent decompressive craniectomy for brain trauma, with subsequent cranioplasty with ABCp. METHOD: Patients who underwent cranioplasties with consecutive ABCp performed at our institution over a four-year period (2016-2019) with subsequent follow-up were included, collecting multiple variables in relation to the appearance of complications. RESULTS: 113 cranioplasties were performed, of which 85.8% (n = 97) were performed with ABCp. Mainly with frontotemporoparietal bone defect (94.84%) performed late (> 3 months) in 91.76%. The complication rate was 16.49%, the most significant being the infection of the surgical site (n = 8, 8.24%), the presence of intracranial hematoma (n = 3, 3.09%) and the reabsorption of the autologous bone (n = 2, 2.06%), meriting surgical management in nine of them (9.27%). CONCLUSIONS: ABCp is a valid and safe option, which meets the basic characteristics to consider it the ideal material, with an acceptable rate of complications, biocompatible, with osteogenic potential, adequate protection of the brain and decrease in surgery costs.

ANTECEDENTES: La craneoplastia es el método utilizado en neurocirugía para reparar los defectos óseos craneanos. En nuestro medio, el material utilizado mayormente es el hueso autólogo criopreservado (HACp). OBJETIVO: Realizamos un estudio retrospectivo observacional para analizar las complicaciones en pacientes sometidos a craniectomía descompresiva por trauma craneoencefálico y realización de craneoplastia con HACp. MÉTODO: Se incluyeron pacientes que fueron sometidos a craneoplastias con HACp consecutivas realizadas en un periodo de 4 años (2016-2019) con seguimiento posterior, recabando múltiples variables en relación con la aparición de complicaciones. RESULTADOS: Se realizaron 113 craneoplastias, de las cuales el 85.8% (n = 97) fueron realizadas con HACp, principalmente con defecto óseo frontotemporoparietal (94.84%), realizadas de forma tardía (> 3 meses) en el 91.76%. El índice de complicaciones fue del 16.49%, siendo las más significativas la infección del sitio quirúrgico (n = 8, 8.24%), la presencia de hematoma endocraneano (n = 3, 3.09%) y la reabsorción del hueso autólogo (n = 2, 2.06%), ameritando manejo quirúrgico en nueve ocasiones (9.27%). CONCLUSIONES: El HACp es una opción válida y segura, la cual cumple con las características para considerarlo el material ideal, con un aceptable índice de complicaciones, biocompatible, con potencial osteogénico, adecuada protección encefálica y disminución de los costos de la cirugía.

Nomogram for predicting post-traumatic hydrocephalus after decompressive craniectomy for traumatic brain injury.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to develop and validate a practical nomogram to predict the occurrence of post-traumatic hydrocephalus in patients who have undergone decompressive craniectomy for traumatic brain injury. METHODS: A total of 516 cases were enrolled and divided into the training (n=364) and validation (n=152) cohorts. Optimal predictors were selected through least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression analysis of the training cohort then used to develop a nomogram. Receiver operating characteristic, calibration plot, and decision curve analysis, respectively, were used to evaluate the discrimination, fitting performance, and clinical utility of the resulting nomogram in the validation cohort. RESULTS: Preoperative subarachnoid hemorrhage Fisher grade, type of decompressive craniectomy, transcalvarial herniation volume, subdural hygroma, and functional outcome were all identified as predictors and included in the predicting model. The nomogram exhibited good discrimination in the validation cohort and had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.80 (95%CI 0.72-0.88). The calibration plot demonstrated goodness-of-fit between the nomogram's prediction and actual observation in the validation cohort. Finally, decision curve analysis indicated significant clinical adaptability. CONCLUSION: The present study developed and validated a model to predict post-traumatic hydrocephalus. The nomogram that had good discrimination, calibration, and clinical practicality can be useful for screening patients at a high risk of post-traumatic hydrocephalus. The nomogram can also be used in clinical practice to develop better therapeutic strategies.

Decompressive Craniectomy for Malignant Ischemic Stroke: An Institutional Experience of 145 Cases in a Brazilian Medical Center.

BACKGROUND: Malignant ischemic stroke (MIS) occurs in a subgroup of patients with cerebrovascular accident who sustain massive or significant cerebral infarction. It is characterized by neurological deterioration owing to progressive edema, raised intracranial pressure, and cerebral herniation. Decompressive craniectomy (DC) is a surgical technique that can be used to treat select cases of this condition in the presence of medically refractory intracranial hypertension. This study aimed to identify prognostic factors associated with clinical outcome, including timing of the procedure, and postoperative mortality. METHODS: We analyzed surgical characteristics associated with prognosis in 145 patients who underwent DC secondary to MIS between 2013 and 2018, assessing clinical outcome at discharge and 6 and 12 months after discharge. Our inclusion criteria were DC secondary to MIS in adult patients with raised intracranial pressure signs. RESULTS: Our analysis showed that although patients from cities >100 km from the neurosurgical center had a worse prognosis, only the surgical head side (left vs. right, P = 0.001), hospitalization length (P < 0.001), and earlier timing of procedure (P < 0.001) were statistically relevant in having worse outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Patients in whom more time passed from presentation to the neurosurgical procedure, owing to living in a distant city or taking more time to be seen by a specialist, tended to have a worse prognosis. The timing of procedure, surgical side, and hospitalization length were independent predictors in determining the prognosis of patients who underwent DC after an MIS.

Nomogram for predicting post-traumatic hydrocephalus after decompressive craniectomy for traumatic brain injury

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to develop and validate a practical nomogram to predict the occurrence of post-traumatic hydrocephalus in patients who have undergone decompressive craniectomy for traumatic brain injury. METHODS: A total of 516 cases were enrolled and divided into the training (n=364) and validation (n=152) cohorts. Optimal predictors were selected through least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression analysis of the training cohort then used to develop a nomogram. Receiver operating characteristic, calibration plot, and decision curve analysis, respectively, were used to evaluate the discrimination, fitting performance, and clinical utility of the resulting nomogram in the validation cohort. RESULTS: Preoperative subarachnoid hemorrhage Fisher grade, type of decompressive craniectomy, transcalvarial herniation volume, subdural hygroma, and functional outcome were all identified as predictors and included in the predicting model. The nomogram exhibited good discrimination in the validation cohort and had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.80 (95%CI 0.72-0.88). The calibration plot demonstrated goodness-of-fit between the nomogram's prediction and actual observation in the validation cohort. Finally, decision curve analysis indicated significant clinical adaptability. CONCLUSION: The present study developed and validated a model to predict post-traumatic hydrocephalus. The nomogram that had good discrimination, calibration, and clinical practicality can be useful for screening patients at a high risk of post-traumatic hydrocephalus. The nomogram can also be used in clinical practice to develop better therapeutic strategies.

Quantitative evaluation of the regenerated dura mater in a decompressive skull trepanation model in rats / Evaluación cuantitativa de la duramadre regenerada en un modelo de perforación cranial descompresiva en ratas

SUMMARY: Regeneration of the dura mater following duraplasty using a collagen film, a chitosan film, or a combination of both with gelatin, was studied in a craniotomy and penetrating brain injury model in rats. Collagen autofluorescence in the regenerated dura mater was evaluated using confocal microscopy with excitation at λem = 488 nm and λem = 543 nm. An increase in regeneration of the extracellular matrix of connective tissue and an increase in matrix fluorescence were detected at 6 weeks after duraplasty. The major contributors to dura mater regeneration were collagen films, chitosan plus gelatin-based films, and, to a much lesser extent, chitosan-based films. By using autofluorescence densitometry of extracellular matrix, the authors were able to quantify the degree of connective tissue regeneration in the dura mater following duraplasty.

RESUMEN: Se estudió la regeneración de la duramadre después de una duraplastía utilizando una lámina de colágeno, una lamina de quitosano o una combinación de ambas con gelatina en un modelo de craneotomía y lesión cerebral en ratas. La autofluorescencia del colágeno en la duramadre regenerada se evaluó mediante microscopía confocal con excitación a λem = 488 nm y λem = 543 nm. Se observó un aumento en la regeneración de la matriz extracelular del tejido conectivo y un aumento en la fluorescencia de la matriz a las 6 semanas después de la duraplastía. Se observe un efecto significativo en la regeneración de la duramadre con las láminas de colágeno, las láminas en base de quitosano más gelatina y, en un menor grado, las láminas a base de quitosano. Mediante el uso de densitometría de autofluorescencia de la matriz extracelular, los autores lograron cuantificar el grado de regenera- ción del tejido conectivo en la duramadre después de la duraplastía.

Decompressive craniectomy: A salvage treatment for patients with central nervous system tumors.

BACKGROUND: Decompressive craniectomy (DC) has been used for the treatment of refractory increased intracranial pressure (ICP) in patients with brain trauma and stroke; its beneficial role is still a matter of debate. Little has been written on the role of DC in the setting of patients with intracranial tumors. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed our institutional tumor registry for all adult patients treated with a DC as an emergency treatment between January 2012 and June 2019. RESULTS: A total of 61 patients were taken into surgery for a DC secondary to raised ICP related to a central nervous system tumor. The Kaplan-Meier curves in the study showed that 18.9 months was the mean survival time (MST) of the global population, 40 patients died (65.5%) during the follow-up period. Patients in the group of over 60 years had a worst survival time than younger patients (p = 0.01). Patients with intracerebral hemorrhage had the worst MST compared with the patients with other etiologies (p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Our data show that in some selected cases DC is a viable option as a salvage treatment for patients with intracranial tumors.

ANTECEDENTES: la craniectomía Descompresiva (CD) se ha utilizado para el tratamiento del aumento de la presión intracraneal en pacientes con traumatismo cerebral y accidente cerebrovascular; su papel beneficioso sigue siendo un tema de debate. Poco se ha escrito sobre el papel de la CD en el contexto de pacientes con tumores intracraneales. MÉTODOS: Revisamos retrospectivamente nuestro registro institucional de tumores para todos los pacientes adultos tratados con craniectomía descompresiva como tratamiento de emergencia entre enero de 2012 y junio de 2019. RESULTADOS: Un total de 61 pacientes fueron llevados a cirugía por una CD secundaria a elevación de ICP secundario a un tumor del sistema nervioso central. Las curvas de Kaplan-Meyer mostraron que 18.9 meses fue el tiempo medio de supervivencia de la población global, 40 pacientes murieron (65.5%) durante el período de seguimiento. Los pacientes del grupo de más de 60 años tuvieron un peor tiempo de supervivencia que los pacientes menores (p = 0,01). Los pacientes con hemorragia intracerebral tuvieron la peor sobrevida en comparación con los pacientes con otras etiologías (p = 0,04). CONCLUSIÓN: Nuestros datos muestran que en algunos casos seleccionados, la CD es una opción viable como tratamiento de rescate para pacientes con tumores intracraneales.

Decompressive hinge craniectomy with linear durotomies for ischemic stroke: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: Decompressive craniectomy may be a life-saving measure in ischemic stroke patients, who still have several associated complications. The objective of this study is to evaluate a novel decompressive surgery technique for severe hemispheric ischemic stroke. METHODS: For the hinge decompressive craniectomy (HDC), linear durotomies were performed. Vertical (one or two frontal and two parietal), and two horizontal (temporal), with approximately 5 cm long, linear durotomies were carried out. Duroplasty was performed using an autologous subgaleal tissue graft fixed with separate sutures to avoid CSF leak and direct contact of the cortex with the bone flap. The bone flap was fixed in three parietal locations. We compared 10 patients who underwent our modified HDC with 9 patients submitted to classical decompressive craniectomy (CDC). The primary outcome of this study was mortality. RESULTS: Nineteen patients were included, with a mean age of 52.3 years (±8.2). Four (44%) patients from the HDC group had to be reoperated to remove the bone flap because of brain swelling worsening, but none of them died. The average time of HDC was 90 minutes. Overall 14-days mortality was 21.1% (n=4), and cumulative six-months mortality was 42.1% (n=8). Five (50%) patients submitted to CDC died, while 3 (33.3%) submitted to HDC died (χ2=0.07, p=0.79). The mean length of stay was 46.7 days (±32.1) for HDC and 38.7 (±27.1) for CDC (p=0.60). CONCLUSIONS: We present a modified technique of hinge craniectomy with linear vertical and horizontal durotomies, which seems to have reduced operative time and mortality compared to classical decompressive craniotomy, although the difference was not statistically significant.

Improvement in neurological outcome and brain hemodynamics after late cranioplasty.

BACKGROUND: Early cranioplasty has been encouraged after decompressive craniectomy (DC), aiming to reduce consequences of atmospheric pressure over the opened skull. However, this practice may not be often available in low-middle-income countries (LMICs). We evaluated clinical improvement, hemodynamic changes in each hemisphere, and the hemodynamic balance between hemispheres after late cranioplasty in a LMIC, as the institution's routine resources allowed. METHODS: Prospective cohort study included patients with bone defects after DC evaluated with perfusion tomography (PCT) and transcranial Doppler (TCD) and performed neurological examinations with prognostic scales (mRS, MMSE, and Barthel Index) before and 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: A final sample of 26 patients was analyzed. Satisfactory improvement of neurological outcome was observed, as well as significant improvement in the mRS (p = 0.005), MMSE (p < 0.001), and Barthel Index (p = 0.002). Outpatient waiting time for cranioplasty was 15.23 (SD 17.66) months. PCT showed a significant decrease in the mean transit time (MTT) and cerebral blood volume (CBV) only on the operated side. Although most previous studies have shown an increase in cerebral blood flow (CBF), we noticed a slight and nonsignificant decrease, despite a significant increase in the middle cerebral artery flow velocity in both hemispheres on TCD. There was a moderate correlation between the MTT and contralateral muscle strength (r = - 0.4; p = 0.034), as well as between TCD and neurological outcomes ipsilateral (MMSE; r = 0.54, p = 0.03) and contralateral (MRS; p = 0.031, r = - 0.48) to the operated side. CONCLUSION: Even 1 year after DC, cranioplasty may improve cerebral perfusion and neurological outcomes and should be encouraged.

A Comparative Study of the Effects of Early Versus Late Cranioplasty on Cognitive Function.

Cranioplasty (CP) after decompressive craniectomy (DC) is associated with neurological improvement. We evaluated neurological recovery in patients who underwent late CP (more than 6 months after DC) in comparison with early CP. This prospective study of 51 patients investigated neurological function using the Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination Revised (ACE-R), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Barthel Index (BI), and Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) prior to and after CP. Most patients with traumatic brain injury (74%) were young (mean age 33.4 ± 12.2 years) and male (33/51; 66%). There were general improvements in the patients' cognition and functional status, especially in the late-CP group. The ACE-R score increased from the time point before CP to 3 days after CP (51 ± 28.94 versus 53.1 ± 30.39, P = 0.016) and 90 days after CP (51 ± 28.94 versus 58.10 ± 30.43, P = 0.0001). In the late-CP group, increments also occurred from the time point before CP to 90 days after CP in terms of the MMSE score (18.54 ± 1.51 versus 20.34 ± 1.50, P = 0.003), BI score (79.84 ± 4.66 versus 85.62 ± 4.10, P = 0.028), and mRS score (2.07 ± 0.22 versus 1.74 ± 0.20, P = 0.015). CP is able to improve neurological outcomes even more than 6 months after DC.