Conservative management of significant supratentorial epidural hematomas in pediatric patients

Conservative therapy of epidural hematoma with atorvastatin combined with glucocorticoids: cases report and literature review

Epidural hematomas (EDH), typically requiring surgery, may be managed conservatively in select patients. We investigated atorvastatin (10 mg/day) combined with dexamethasone (2.25 mg/day) as conservative therapy in six EDH patients (GCS ≥ 13, volume < 30 ml) post-trauma. All patients recovered fully without surgery, and literatures support conservative care for stable EDH. Our findings suggest this combination therapy may promote hematoma absorption. In conclusion, atorvastatin/dexamethasone shows promise as a non-surgical EDH option, warranting further investigation.

Management of Traumatic Epidural Hematoma in Infants Younger than One Year: 50 Cases - Single Center Experience

AIM AND BACKGROUND

Traumatic epidural hematoma (EDH) is a rare but possibly fatal complication of head trauma in infants. In this study, infants who were younger than 1 year and followed up and treated for TEDH in our clinic were evaluated. Our series is the largest series consisting only infantile cases in the literature.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

There were 50 patients younger than 1 year followed up and treated in our hospital between January 2011 and December 2019. Their age, gender, hospital admission signs and symptoms, trauma type, localization and thickness of the hematoma, and accompanying skull fracture were noted from their hospital files. Decisions for conservative or surgical treatment were made according to neurological status, Children Coma Scale (CCS) score, and EDH thickness, degree of the midline shift on cranial computerized tomography (CT), and presence of additional intracranial pathology.

RESULTS

Patients' age ranged from 0 day to 12 months (7 months as median), and their male/female ratio was 30/20. Falling from a height (<1 m) was the most frequent trauma mechanism, with a 96% rate. The most common finding was irritability and unusual crying (88%). The CCS score was 5-15 (median 13). The hematoma was located most frequently in the parietal region (48%) and least frequently in the posterior fossa (2%). Linear fracture was observed in 62% of the cases. Thirty-nine (78%) patients were treated conservatively (hematoma thickness ≤17 mm). Eleven (22%) cases were surgically treated (hematoma thickness was between 15 and 40 mm (26.3 ± 6.6 mm, mean ± standard deviation [SD]). The midline shift in the operated cases was between 1.8 and 11.8 mm (6.4 ± 3 mm, mean ± SD). One of them with a hematoma thickness of 15 mm was operated for associated open depression fracture above the hematoma. Other 10 patients were operated for primarily hematoma evacuation. None of the patients treated conservatively worsened neurologically or required operation during or after hospitalization. Two patients died (4%) during hospitalization, and both of them were anisocoric on admission. The hospital stay was between 1 and 10 (median 3) days, and the follow-up period of the living patients was between 1 month and 6 years (median 24 months). All of the living patients were neurologically normal on their last controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Because the symptoms and signs in infants are nonspecific, it is difficult to diagnose EDH clinically. Cranial CT should be performed in cases with irritability, swelling of the scalp, pallor, deterioration of consciousness, and anisocoria after head trauma. Traumatic EDHs with normal neurological examination, high CCS score, hematoma thickness below 20 mm, no apparent shift, and without associated brain pathology can be treated conservatively. None of those patients treated conservatively required operation after that.

Characteristics of pediatric patients with traumatic epidural hematomas who can be safely observed: a clinical validation study

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to validate admission clinical and radiographic features of pediatric patients with traumatic epidural hematoma (EDH) that lead to safe observation.

METHODS

A Level I trauma center radiology and electronic medical record databases were retrospectively queried for pediatric patients with EDH on CT scan between 1/1/2016 and 10/1/2016. Patient imaging, treatment and outcome variables were abstracted. Characteristics of the cohort were compared to an external cohort used to develop prediction rules for surgical intervention. External validity of the prediction rules was assessed.

RESULTS

195 eligible subjects were included in the study, 37 of which failed observation and required surgery while 158 underwent successful observation. The surgical cohort had significantly thicker (p < .001) and higher volume (p < .001) EDH, increased midline shift (p < .001) and higher likelihood of mass effect (p < .001). There was significantly higher residual neurologic deficit rate (54% vs 23%, p < .001) and hospital mortality (5% vs 0%, p = .035) amongst the surgical group. There were significant differences in patient demographic, clinical and imaging characteristics between the internal and external cohorts. The predictive rules externally developed yielded positive predictive value of 97.7% (95% CI = 93.3-99.5%), negative predictive value of 24.5% (95% CI = 16.2-34.4%), specificity of 88.5% (95% CI = 69.9-97.6%), and sensitivity of 63.8% (95% CI = 56.6-70.5%) for successful observation.

CONCLUSION

The current study validates previously developed prediction rules for safe observation of pediatric EDH in a cohort with distinct characteristics from the external cohort. Specifically, patients with no mass effect, EDH volume <15 ml and no neurological deficits are less likely to fail observation.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

The current study validates prediction rules for safe observation of pediatric EDH in a distinct pediatric cohort that provides further support to conservative management in these circumstances.

Traumatic epidural hematomas in the pediatric population: clinical characteristics and diagnostic pitfalls

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to review the initial clinical presentation of EDH, identify potential clinical markers and highlight diagnostic pitfalls.

METHODS

Retrospective review of all pediatric patients admitted to a Level I Trauma Center diagnosed with blunt traumatic EDH from 2008 to 2018.

RESULTS

A total of 699 pediatric patients were identified with blunt traumatic brain injury (TBI); 106 with EDH made up the study population. A skull fracture was present in 84%. Overall, the most common clinical finding was a scalp hematoma (86%), followed by loss of consciousness (66%), emesis (34%), headache (27%), amnesia (18%), and seizures (12%). Importantly, 40% of patients with EDH presented with GCS 15. Four children (4%) had GCS 15 and were completely asymptomatic on admission. In three children (3%) the only symptom was a scalp hematoma. 50% of all EDH required craniotomy, and this was not significantly different if GCS was 15 on presentation (45%, p = 0.192). Mortality was 2%. Fourteen patients (13%) were discharged with cognitive/motor deficits.

CONCLUSIONS

Pediatric EDH frequently present with subtle clinical signs, including a normal GCS half the time. Irrespective of asymptomatic presentation, threshold for CT scan or an observation period should be low after head injuries in children.

TYPE OF STUDY

Prognosis study.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II/III.

Role of follow-up CT scans in the management of traumatic pediatric epidural hematomas

INTRODUCTION

Management of pediatric epidural hematoma (PEDH) ranges from observation to emergent craniotomy. Guidelines for management remain poorly defined. More so, serial CT imaging in the pediatric population is often an area of controversy given the concern for excessive radiation as well as increased costs. This work aims to further elucidate the need for serial imaging to surgical decision-making.

METHODS

A prospectively maintained single-institution trauma database was reviewed at a level-1 trauma center to identify patients 18 years old and younger presenting with PEDH over a 10-year period. Selected charts were reviewed for demographic information, mechanisms of injury, neurologic exam, radiographic findings, and treatment course. Surgical decisions were at the discretion of the neurosurgeon on call, often in discussion with a pediatric neurosurgeon.

RESULTS

Two hundred and ten records with traumatic epidural hematomas were reviewed. Seventy-three (35%) were taken emergently for hematoma evacuation. Of these, 18 (25%) underwent repeat imaging prior to surgery. One hundred and thirty-seven (65%) were admitted for observation. Seventy-two patients (53%) did not undergo repeat imaging. Sixty-five (47%) admitted for conservative management had at least one repeat scan during their hospitalization. Indications for follow-up imaging during conservative management included routine follow-up (74%), initial scan in our system following transfer (17%), neurological decline (8%), and unknown (1%). Thirteen patients (9%) were taken for surgery in a delayed fashion following admission. Twelve patients who went to surgery in a delayed fashion demonstrated progression on follow-up imaging; however, increase in hematoma size on repeat imaging was the sole surgical indication in only four patients (3%). There were no deaths related to the epidural hemorrhage or postoperatively, regardless of management, and all patients recovered to their pre-trauma baseline.

CONCLUSION

Given that isolated hematoma expansion accounted for an exceptionally small proportion of operative indications, this data suggests changes seen on CT should not be solely relied upon to dictate surgical management. The benefit of obtaining follow-up imaging must be strongly considered and weighed against the known deleterious effects of excessive radiation in pediatric patients, let alone its clinical utility.

Repeat Head CT for Expectant Management of Traumatic Epidural Hematoma

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Guidelines regarding the role of repeated head computed tomography (CT) imaging in the nonoperative management of traumatic epidural hematomas (EDHs) do not exist. Consequently, some children may be exposed to unnecessary additional ionizing radiation. We describe the frequency, timing, and utility of reimaging of EDHs to identify patients who might avoid reimaging.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study of subjects aged 0 to 18 years with a traumatic EDH treated at a level I pediatric trauma center from 2003 to 2014. Radiographic and clinical findings, the frequency and timing of reimaging, and changes in neurologic status were compared between subjects whose management changed because of a meaningful CT scan and those whose did not.

RESULTS

Of the 184 subjects who were analyzed, 19 (10%) had a meaningful CT. There was no difference in the frequency of CT scans between the meaningful CT scan and no meaningful CT groups (median 1 [interquartile range 1-2] in no meaningful CT and median 1 [interquartile range 1-2] in meaningful CT scans; P = .7). Only 7% of repeated CTs changed management. Neurologic status immediately before the repeat scan (odds ratio 45; 95% confidence interval 10-200) and mass effect on the initial CT (odds ratio 4; 95% confidence interval 1.5-13) were associated with a meaningful CT. Reimaging only subjects with concerning pre-CT neurologic findings or mass effect on initial CT would have decreased imaging by 54%.

CONCLUSIONS

Reimaging is common, but rarely changes management. Limiting reimaging to patients with concerning neurologic findings or mass effect on initial evaluation could reduce imaging by >50%.

Endovascular management of acute epidural hematomas: clinical experience with 80 cases

OBJECTIVE

Small acute epidural hematomas (EDHs) treated conservatively carry a nonmeasurable risk of late enlargement due to middle meningeal artery (MMA) lesions. Patients with EDHs need to stay hospitalized for several days, with neurological supervision and repeated CT scans. In this study, the authors analyzed the safety and efficacy of the embolization of the involved MMA and associated lesions.

METHODS

The study group consisted of 80 consecutive patients harboring small- to medium-sized EDHs treated by MMA embolization between January 2010 and December 2014. A literature review cohort was used as a control group.

RESULTS

The causes of head injury were falls, traffic-related accidents (including car, motorcycle, and pedestrian vs vehicle accidents), and assaults. The EDH topography was mainly temporal (lateral or pole). Active contrast leaking from the MMA was seen in 57.5%; arteriovenous fistulas between the MMA and diploic veins were seen in 10%; and MMA pseudoaneurysms were found in 13.6% of the cases. Embolizations were performed under local anesthesia in 80% of the cases, with N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate, polyvinyl alcohol particles, or gelatin sponge (or a combination of these), obtaining MMA occlusion and complete resolution of the vascular lesions. All patients underwent follow-up CT scans between 1 and 7 days after the embolization. In the 80 cases in this series, no increase in size of the EDH was observed and the clinical evolution was uneventful, without Glasgow Coma Scale score modification after embolization and with no need for surgical evacuation. In contrast, the control cohort from the literature consisted of 471 patients, 82 (17.4%) of whom shifted from conservative treatment to surgical evacuation.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that MMA embolization is a highly effective and safe method to achieve size stabilization in nonsurgically treated acute EDHs.

Pediatric patients with traumatic epidural hematoma at low risk for deterioration and need for surgical treatment

BACKGROUND

Although some pediatric patients with small traumatic epidural hematoma (EDH) are observed without surgical drainage, clinical practice remains variable.

OBJECTIVES

Create a prediction rule to identify patients with EDH unlikely to fail hospital observation.

METHODS

Retrospective review at a level I pediatric trauma center between 2003 and 2014. Presenting clinical and radiographic features were compared between those successfully to failed observation.

RESULTS

Two hundred twenty-two patients with EDH whose initial management strategy was observation were analyzed; 196 (88%) were successfully observed. The group failing observation was more likely to present with altered mental status (RR 18.8; 95% CI 8.7-49.6), has larger median bleed thickness (observed = 5.6mm versus failed observation = 10.9mm, p<0.01), median bleed volume (observed = 2.1ml versus failed observation = 15.7ml, p<0.01), and mass effect (RR 3.7; 95% CI 1.8-7.7). No mass effect, EDH volume<15ml, and no neurologic deficits predicted patients at low risk of failing observation with a positive predictive value of 98% (95% CI 93-99%). There was no difference in median discharge Glasgow outcome scores (5 in both groups, p=0.20).

CONCLUSION

Patients with no mass effect and EDH volume <15ml on initial CT scan and no neurologic deficit are at low risk of failing observation.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Retrospective cohort level I.

Management and outcome of traumatic epidural hematoma in 41 infants and children from a single center

BACKGROUND

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a frequent cause of mortality and acquired neurological impairment in children.

HYPOTHESIS

We hypothese that due to adequate treatment of EDH in children and adolescence excellent clinical and functional outcome can be reached.

PURPOSE

To evaluate retrospectively our treatment process of EDH and to elucidate the relationship between trauma mechanism, injury pattern, radiological presentation, subsequent therapy and functional outcome.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Hundred and twenty infants and children with traumatic brain injuries (TBI) were treated between 1992 and 2009 at a single level-one trauma center. Data regarding accident, treatment and outcomes were collected retrospectively. To classify the outcomes the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) scores at hospital discharge and at follow-up visits were used. EDH was classified according to the Rotterdam score.

RESULTS

Finally, 41 cases were diagnosed with an EDH and therefore included in our study. Twenty-one cases were treated surgically; however of these in 11 patients delayed surgery was necessary. Twenty patients were treated conservatively. Two patients (5%) died within 24hours, 39 patients (95%) survived. One of the operatively treated patients (2%) presented in a vegetative state, another one had severe disability, and however, 32 patients (78%) showed good recovery at latest follow-up.

DISCUSSION

Age, severity of TBI, and neurological status were the main factors influencing outcome after TBI due to acute EDH. We found that immediate as well as delayed surgical evacuation of EDH resulted in excellent outcomes in most cases. Conservative treatment was started in 76% of our cases - however needing in 35% delayed surgical intervention. Overall in all groups excellent final clinical and neurological outcomes could be reached.

Novel Clinical Scale for Evaluating Pre-Operative Risk of Cerebral Herniation from Traumatic Epidural Hematoma

Secondary massive cerebral infarction (MCI) is the predominant prognostic factor for cerebral herniation from epidural hematoma (EDH) and determines the need for decompressive craniectomy. In this study, we tested the clinical feasibility and reliability of a novel pre-operative risk scoring system, the EDH-MCI scale, to guide surgical decision making. It is comprised of six risk factors, including hematoma location and volume, duration and extent of cerebral herniation, Glasgow Coma Scale score, and presence of preoperative shock, with a total score ranging from 0 to 18 points. Application of the EDH-MCI scale to guide surgical modalities for initial hematoma evacuation surgery for 65 patients (prospective cohort, 2012.02-2014.01) showed a significant improvement in the accuracy of the selected modality (95.38% vs. 77.95%; p = 0.002) relative to the results for an independent set of 126 patients (retrospective cohort, 2007.01-2012.01) for whom surgical modalities were decided empirically. Results suggested that simple hematoma evacuation craniotomy was sufficient for patients with low risk scores (≤9 points), whereas decompressive craniectomy in combination with duraplasty were necessary only for those with high risk scores (≥13 points). In patients with borderline risk scores (10-12 points), those having unstable vital signs, coexistence of severe secondary brainstem injury, and unresponsive dilated pupils after emergent burr hole hematoma drainage had a significantly increased incidence of post-traumatic MCI and necessity of radical surgical treatments. In conclusion, the novel pre-operative risk EDH-MCI evaluation scale has a satisfactory predictive and discriminative performance for patients who are at risk for the development of secondary MCI and therefore require decompressive craniectomy.

Conservative vs. Surgical Management of Post-Traumatic Epidural Hematoma: A Case and Review of Literature

Patient: Male, 30

Final Diagnosis: Acute epidural hematoma

Symptoms: —

Medication: —

Clinical Procedure: Observation

Specialty: Neurosurgery