1
|
Oliveira AMP, De Andrade AF, Pipek LZ, Iaccarino C, Rubiano AM, Amorim RL, Teixeira MJ, Paiva WS. New perspectives on assessment and understanding of the patient with cranial bone defect: a morphometric and cerebral radiodensity assessment. Front Surg 2024; 11:1329019. [PMID: 38379817 PMCID: PMC10876786 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2024.1329019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Skull defects after decompressive craniectomy (DC) cause physiological changes in brain function and patients can have neurologic symptoms after the surgery. The objective of this study is to evaluate whether there are morphometric changes in the cortical surface and radiodensity of brain tissue in patients undergoing cranioplasty and whether those variables are correlated with neurological prognosis. Methods This is a prospective cohort with 30 patients who were submitted to cranioplasty and followed for 6 months. Patients underwent simple head CT before and after cranioplasty for morphometric and cerebral radiodensity assessment. A complete neurological exam with Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), modified Rankin Scale, and the Barthel Index was performed to assess neurological prognosis. Results There was an improvement in all symptoms of the syndrome of the trephined, specifically for headache (p = 0.004) and intolerance changing head position (p = 0.016). Muscle strength contralateral to bone defect side also improved (p = 0.02). Midline shift of intracranial structures decreased after surgery (p = 0.004). The Anterior Distance Difference (ADif) and Posterior Distance Difference (PDif) were used to assess morphometric changes and varied significantly after surgery. PDif was weakly correlated with MMSE (p = 0.03; r = -0.4) and Barthel index (p = 0.035; r = -0.39). The ratio between the radiodensities of gray matter and white matter (GWR) was used to assess cerebral radiodensity and was also correlated with MMSE (p = 0.041; r = -0.37). Conclusion Morphological anatomy and radiodensity of the cerebral cortex can be used as a tool to assess neurological prognosis after DC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arthur Maynart Pereira Oliveira
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Almir Ferreira De Andrade
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Zumerkorn Pipek
- Department of Neurology, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Corrado Iaccarino
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Andres M. Rubiano
- Department of Neurosurgery, Universidad de Bogotá Jorge Tadeo Lozano, Bogotá, Colombia
- Centre for Neuroscience in Education, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Robson Luis Amorim
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Manoel Jacobsen Teixeira
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Wellingson Silva Paiva
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Johnson WC, Ravindra VM, Fielder T, Ishaque M, Patterson TT, McGinity MJ, Lacci JV, Grandhi R. Surface Area of Decompressive Craniectomy Predicts Bone Flap Failure after Autologous Cranioplasty: A Radiographic Cohort Study. Neurotrauma Rep 2021; 2:391-398. [PMID: 34901938 DOI: 10.1089/neur.2021.0015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Skull bone graft failure is a potential complication of autologous cranioplasty after decompressive craniectomy (DC). Our objective was to investigate the association of graft size with subsequent bone graft failure after autologous cranioplasty. This single-center retrospective cohort study included patients age ≥18 years who underwent primary autologous cranioplasty between 2010 and 2017. The primary outcome was bone flap failure requiring graft removal. Demographic, clinical, and radiographic factors were recorded; three-dimensional (3D) reconstructive imaging was used to perform accurate measurements. Univariate and multi-variate regression analysis were performed to identify risk factors for the primary outcome. Of the 131 patients who underwent primary autologous cranioplasty, 25 (19.0%) underwent removal of the graft after identification of bone flap necrosis on computed tomography (CT); 16 (64%) of these were culture positive. The mean surface area of craniectomy defect was 128.5 cm2 for patients with bone necrosis and 114.9 cm2 for those without bone necrosis. Linear regression analysis demonstrated that size of craniectomy defect was independently associated with subsequent bone flap failure; logistic regression analysis demonstrated a defect area >125 cm2 was independently associated with failure (odds ratio [OR] 3.29; confidence interval [CI]: 0.249-2.135). Patient- and operation-specific variables were not significant predictors of bone necrosis. Our results showed that increased size of antecedent DC is an independent risk factor for bone flap failure after autologous cranioplasty. Given these findings, clinicians should consider the increased potential of bone flap failure after autologous cranioplasty among patients whose initial DC was >125 cm2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- W Chase Johnson
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Vijay M Ravindra
- Department of Neurosurgery, Naval Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, California, USA.,Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Neurosciences Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Tristan Fielder
- Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Mariam Ishaque
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - T Tyler Patterson
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Michael J McGinity
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - John V Lacci
- Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Ramesh Grandhi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Neurosciences Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Clinical improvement after cranioplasty and its relation to body position and cerebral hemodynamics. Neurosurg Rev 2021; 45:1463-1472. [PMID: 34626266 DOI: 10.1007/s10143-021-01668-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Cranioplasty after decompressive craniectomy (DC) has been found to improve the neurological condition. The underlying mechanisms are still unknown. The aim of this study is to investigate the roles of the postural changes and atmospheric pressure (AP) in the brain hemodynamics and their relationship with clinical improvement. Seventy-eight patients were studied before and 72 h after cranioplasty with cervical and transcranial color Doppler ultrasound (TCCS) in the sitting and supine positions. Craniectomy size, shape, and force exerted by the AP (torque) were calculated. Neurological condition was assessed with the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and the Barthel index. Twenty-eight patients improved after cranioplasty. Their time elapsed from the DC was shorter (214 vs 324 days), preoperative Barthel was worse (54 vs 77), internal carotid artery (ICA) mean velocity of the defect side was lower while sitting (14.4 vs 20.9 cm/s), and torque over the craniectomy was greater (2480.3 vs 1464.3 N*cm). Multivariate binary logistic regression showed the consistency of these changes. TCCS findings were no longer present postoperatively. Lower ICA (defect side) velocity in the sitting position correlates significantly with clinical improvement. Greater torque exerted by the AP might explain different susceptibilities to postural changes, corrected by cranioplasty.
Collapse
|
4
|
Oliveira AMP, Amorim RLO, Brasil S, Gattás GS, de Andrade AF, Junior FMP, Bor-Seng-Shu E, Iaccarino C, Teixeira MJ, Paiva WS. Improvement in neurological outcome and brain hemodynamics after late cranioplasty. Acta Neurochir (Wien) 2021; 163:2931-2939. [PMID: 34387743 DOI: 10.1007/s00701-021-04963-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arthur Maynart Pereira Oliveira
- Division of Neurosurgery, University of São Paulo, 255 Enéas de Carvalho Aguiar, São Paulo, 05403-010, Brazil
- Department of Medicine, Federal University of Sergipe, Aracaju, Brazil
- Division of Neurosurgery, Surgery Hospital - FBHC, Aracaju, Brazil
| | - Robson Luis Oliveira Amorim
- Division of Neurosurgery, University of São Paulo, 255 Enéas de Carvalho Aguiar, São Paulo, 05403-010, Brazil
- Department of Surgery, Federal University of Amazonas, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Sérgio Brasil
- Division of Neurosurgery, University of São Paulo, 255 Enéas de Carvalho Aguiar, São Paulo, 05403-010, Brazil.
| | | | - Almir Ferreira de Andrade
- Division of Neurosurgery, University of São Paulo, 255 Enéas de Carvalho Aguiar, São Paulo, 05403-010, Brazil
| | | | - Edson Bor-Seng-Shu
- Division of Neurosurgery, University of São Paulo, 255 Enéas de Carvalho Aguiar, São Paulo, 05403-010, Brazil
| | - Corrado Iaccarino
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Manoel Jacobsen Teixeira
- Division of Neurosurgery, University of São Paulo, 255 Enéas de Carvalho Aguiar, São Paulo, 05403-010, Brazil
| | - Wellingson Silva Paiva
- Division of Neurosurgery, University of São Paulo, 255 Enéas de Carvalho Aguiar, São Paulo, 05403-010, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Vallittu PK, Posti JP, Piitulainen JM, Serlo W, Määttä JA, Heino TJ, Pagliari S, Syrjänen SM, Forte G. Biomaterial and implant induced ossification: in vitro and in vivo findings. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2020; 14:1157-1168. [PMID: 32415757 PMCID: PMC7496445 DOI: 10.1002/term.3056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Material-induced ossification is suggested as a suitable approach to heal large bone defects. Fiber-reinforced composite-bioactive glasses (FRC-BGs) display properties that could enhance the ossification of calvarial defects. Here, we analyzed the healing processes of a FRC-BG implant in vivo from the perspective of material-induced ossification. Histological analysis of the implant, which was removed 5 months after insertion, showed the formation of viable, noninflammatory mesenchymal tissue with newly-formed mineralized woven bone, as well as nonmineralized connective tissue with capillaries and larger blood vessels. The presence of osteocytes was detected within the newly generated bone matrix. To expand our understanding on the osteogenic properties of FRC-BG, we cultured human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (AD-MSCs) in the presence of two different BGs (45S5 and S53P4) and Al2 O3 control. AD-MSCs grew and proliferated on all the scaffolds tested, as well as secreted abundant extracellular matrix, when osteogenic differentiation was appropriately stimulated. 45S5 and S53P4 induced enhanced expression of COL2A1, COL10A1, COL5A1 collagen subunits, and pro-osteogenic genes BMP2 and BMP4. The concomitant downregulation of BMP3 was also detected. Our findings show that FRC-BG can support the vascularization of the implant and the formation of abundant connective tissue in vivo. Specifically, BG 45S5 and BG S53P4 are suited to evoke the osteogenic potential of host mesenchymal stromal cells. In conclusion, FRC-BG implant demonstrated material-induced ossification both in vitro and in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pekka K. Vallittu
- Department of Biomaterials ScienceInstitute of Dentistry, University of Turku and City of Turku, Welfare DivisionTurkuFinland
| | - Jussi P. Posti
- Division of Clinical Neurosciences, Department of Neurosurgery, Turku Brain Injury CentreTurku University Hospital and University of TurkuTurkuFinland
| | - Jaakko M. Piitulainen
- Division of Surgery and Cancer Diseases, Department of Otorhinolaryngology ‐ Head and Neck Surgery, Turku University HospitalTurku Finland and University of TurkuTurkuFinland
| | - Willy Serlo
- PEDEGO Research Unit, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland and Department of Children and AdolescentsOulu University HospitalOuluFinland
| | | | | | - Stefania Pagliari
- International Clinical Research Center of St. Anne's University Hospital BrnoBrnoCzech Republic
| | - Stina M. Syrjänen
- Department of Oral Pathology and Radiology, Institute of DentistryUniversity of TurkuTurkuFinland
| | - Giancarlo Forte
- International Clinical Research Center of St. Anne's University Hospital BrnoBrnoCzech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
de Andrade AF, Amorim RL, Solla DJF, Almeida CC, Figueiredo EG, Teixeira MJ, Paiva WS. New technique for surgical decompression in traumatic brain injury: merging two concepts to prevent early and late complications of unilateral decompressive craniectomy with dural expansion. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BURNS AND TRAUMA 2020; 10:76-80. [PMID: 32714631 PMCID: PMC7364413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Decompressive craniectomy (DC) in severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) is associated with acute and late complications. To avoid these complications, we proposed a technical modification in DC. In this paper analyze a series of patients underwent to surgical treatment for acute subdural hematoma (ASDH). METHODS We perform a prospective cohort with TBI patients undergoing DC for treatment of diffuse hemispheric brain swelling and ASDH. The effect of modified craniectomy was assessed using postoperative CT. Clinical outcome was evaluated at ICU mortality in 2 weeks. RESULTS Comparing the CT scans before and after surgery, the midline shift decreases from median of 11 mm to 5.5 mm (P<0.001). Only one patient had presented uncontrolled intracranial hypertension after surgery. Postoperative mortality in the intensive care unit within 14 days was 48.8%. CONCLUSION this is an interesting technical modification. In this pilot study, we observed ICP control, avoiding the complications of classical decompression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Almir Ferreira de Andrade
- Department of Neurology, Division of Neurosurgery, Hospital das Clínicas, University of São Paulo-São Paulo-SP Brazil
| | - Robson Luis Amorim
- Department of Neurology, Division of Neurosurgery, Hospital das Clínicas, University of São Paulo-São Paulo-SP Brazil
| | - Davi Jorge Fontoura Solla
- Department of Neurology, Division of Neurosurgery, Hospital das Clínicas, University of São Paulo-São Paulo-SP Brazil
| | - Cesar Cimonari Almeida
- Department of Neurology, Division of Neurosurgery, Hospital das Clínicas, University of São Paulo-São Paulo-SP Brazil
| | - Eberval Gadelha Figueiredo
- Department of Neurology, Division of Neurosurgery, Hospital das Clínicas, University of São Paulo-São Paulo-SP Brazil
| | - Manoel Jacobsen Teixeira
- Department of Neurology, Division of Neurosurgery, Hospital das Clínicas, University of São Paulo-São Paulo-SP Brazil
| | - Wellingson Silva Paiva
- Department of Neurology, Division of Neurosurgery, Hospital das Clínicas, University of São Paulo-São Paulo-SP Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
De Cola MC, Corallo F, Pria D, Lo Buono V, Calabrò RS. Timing for cranioplasty to improve neurological outcome: A systematic review. Brain Behav 2018; 8:e01106. [PMID: 30280509 PMCID: PMC6236242 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.1106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Revised: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cranioplasty is a surgical technique applied for the reconstruction of the skullcap removed during decompressive craniectomy (DC). Cranioplasty improves rehabilitation from a motor and cognitive perspective. However, it may increase the possibility of postoperative complications, such as seizures and infections. Timing of cranioplasty is therefore crucial even though literature is controversial. In this study, we compared motor and cognitive effects of early cranioplasty after DC and assess the optimal timing to perform it. METHODS A literature research was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases. We selected studies including at least one of the following test: Mini-Mental State Examination, Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test immediate and 30-min delayed recall, Digit Span Test, Glasgow Coma Scale, Glasgow Outcome Scale, Coma Recovery Scale-Revised, Level of Cognitive Functioning Scale, Functional Independence Measure, and Barthel Index. RESULTS Six articles and two systematic reviews were included in the present study. Analysis of changes in pre- and postcranioplasty scores showed that an early procedure (within 90 days from decompressive craniectomy) is more effective in improving motor functions (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.51 [0.05; 0.97], p-value = 0.03), whereas an early procedure did not significantly improve neither MMSE score (SMD = 0.06 [-0.49; 0.61], p-value = 0.83) nor memory functions (SMD = -0.63 [-0.97; -0.28], p-value < 0.001). No statistical significance emerged when we compared studies according to the timing from DC. CONCLUSIONS It is believed that cranioplasty performed from 3 to 6 months after DC may significantly improve both motor and cognitive recovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Deborah Pria
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi "Bonino Pulejo", Messina, Italy
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Paredes I, Castaño AM, Cepeda S, Alén JAF, Salvador E, Millán JM, Lagares A. The Effect of Cranioplasty on Cerebral Hemodynamics as Measured by Perfusion Computed Tomography and Doppler Ultrasonography. J Neurotrauma 2016; 33:1586-97. [PMID: 26541365 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2015.4261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cranioplasties are performed to protect the brain and correct cosmetic defects, but there is growing evidence that this procedure may result in neurological improvement. We prospectively studied cranioplasties performed at our hospital over a 5-year period. The National Institute of Health Stroke Scale and Barthel index were recorded prior to and within 72 h after the cranioplasty. A perfusion computed tomography (PCT) and transcranial Doppler sonography (TCDS) were performed prior to and 72 h after the surgery. For the PCT, regions irrigated by the anterior cerebral artery, the middle cerebral artery (MCA), the posterior cerebral artery, and the basal ganglia were selected, as well as the mean values for the hemisphere. The sonography was performed in the sitting and the supine position for the MCA and internal carotid. The velocities, pulsatility index, resistance index, and Lindegaard ratio (LR) were obtained, as well as a variation value for the LR (ΔLR = LR sitting - LR supine). Fifty-four patients were included in the study. Of these, 23 (42.6%) patients presented with objective improvement. The mean cerebral blood flow of the defective side (m-CBF-d) increased from 101.86 to 117.17 mL/100 g/min (p = 0.064), and the m-CBF of the healthy side (m-CBF-h) increased from 128.14 to 145.73 mL/100 g/min (p = 0.028). With regard to the TCDS, the ΔLR was greater on the defective side prior the surgery in those patients who showed improvement (1.295 vs. -0.714; p = 0.002). Cranioplasty resulted in clinical improvement in 40% of the patients, with an increase in the post-surgical CBF. The larger variations in the LR when the patient is moved from the sitting to the supine position might predict the clinical improvement.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Igor Paredes
- 1 Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital 12 de Octubre , Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana María Castaño
- 1 Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital 12 de Octubre , Madrid, Spain
| | - Santiago Cepeda
- 1 Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital 12 de Octubre , Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Elena Salvador
- 2 Department of Neuroradiology, University Hospital 12 de Octubre , Madrid, Spain
| | - Jose María Millán
- 2 Department of Neuroradiology, University Hospital 12 de Octubre , Madrid, Spain
| | - Alfonso Lagares
- 1 Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital 12 de Octubre , Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Short-Term Memory Impairment and Left Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex Dysfunction in the Orthostatic Position: A Single Case Study of Sinking Skin Flap Syndrome. Case Rep Neurol Med 2015; 2015:318917. [PMID: 26600956 PMCID: PMC4639644 DOI: 10.1155/2015/318917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2015] [Accepted: 10/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
We describe the case of a patient who underwent craniectomy for hemorrhage of the left parietal lobe. Three weeks later, orthostatic memory impairment was detected as initial symptom of sinking skin flap syndrome (SSFS). This deficit was examined by neuropsychological testing and associated with a posture-dependent increase in the delta/alpha ratio at the F3 electrode, an electroencephalographic (EEG) index related to brain hypoperfusion. This EEG spectral alteration was detected in a brain region that includes the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, an area known to be involved in memory processing; therefore we hypothesize that SSFS induced reversible hypoperfusion of this otherwise undamaged cortical region. Neither of these findings was present after cranioplasty. This case suggests that SSFS may induce neuropsychological deficits potentially influencing outcome in the postacute phase and is further evidence supporting the clinical benefits of early cranioplasty.
Collapse
|