Normal pressure subdural hygroma with mass effect as a complication of decompressive craniectomy

Malignant cerebral edema after cranioplasty: a case report and literature review

BACKGROUND

Cranioplasty is a common surgery in the neurosurgery for patients with skull defects following decompression craniectomy. Concomitant rare complications are increasingly reported, such as malignant cerebral edema after cranioplasty.

CASE REPORT

A 45-year-old man underwent decompression craniectomy due to traumatic brain injury. At 3 months after the decompression craniectomy, the patient developed refractory subdural hydrogen and received ipsilateral refractory subdural effusion capsule resection, but no significant relief was seen. Therefore, the cranioplasty was decided to treat subdural hydrogen and restore the normal appearance of the skull. After the successful cranioplasty surgery and the expected anesthesia recovery period, the pupils of the patients were continued to be dilated and fixed, without light reflection and spontaneous breathing. The Computed Tomography of the patient 1 hour after surgery showed malignant cerebral edema.

CONCLUSIONS

Malignant cerebral edema is a rare and lethal complication after cranioplasty. Negative pressure drainage and deregulation of cerebral blood flow at the end of cranioplasty may partially explain the malignant cerebral after cranioplasty. In addition, patients with epileptic seizures, no spontaneous breathing, dilated pupils without reflection, and hypotension within a short period after cranioplasty may show the occurrence of malignant cerebral.

Effects of Cranioplasty on Contralateral Subdural Effusion After Decompressive Craniectomy: A Literature Review

BACKGROUND

Contralateral subdural effusion(CSE) after decompressive craniectomy (CSEDC) is occasionally observed. Cranioplasty is routinely performed for reconstruction and has recently been associated with improving contralateral subdural effusion .

OBJECTIVE

To systematically review all available literature and evaluate the effectiveness of cranioplasty for CSE.

METHODS

A PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar search was conducted for preferred reporting items following the guidelines of systematic review and meta-analysis, including studies reporting patients who underwent cranioplasty because of CSEDC.

RESULTS

The search yielded eight articles. A total of 56 patients ranging in age from 21 to 71 years, developed CSEDC. Of them, 32 patients underwent cranioplasty. Eighteen cases with symptomatic CSE underwent cranioplasty alone, two cases received Ommaya drainage later because of a a recurrence of CDC, and one case underwent a ventriculoperitoneal shunt because the CSE did not resolve completely and the ventricle was dilated again. The symptoms of 14 cases lessened without recurrence after simultaneous cranioplasty and drainage or a shunt. The total success rate(CSE disappeared without recurrence) was 90.6% for patients who underwent cranioplasty; however, the total incidence of hydrocephalus was 40.1%.

CONCLUSIONS

This review suggests that cranioplasty is effective for the treatment of CSEDC, particularly intractable cases, but early cranioplasty may be more effective. In addition, hydrocephalus is fairly common after cranioplasty and requires further treatment.

Clinical improvement after cranioplasty and its relation to body position and cerebral hemodynamics

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.

Scenario for the use of effusion-peritoneal shunt necessary against subdural effusion secondary to decompressive craniectomy

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to summarize the surgical strategies for subdural effusion secondary to decompressive craniectomy (SESDC) and discuss the applicable scenarios of effusion-peritoneal shunt (EP shunt).

METHODS

A total of 53 consecutive patients with SESDC were screened out of 7569 cases. The SESDC was divided into five types, and the treatment methods of each type were analyzed and compared. According to the implementation strategy of cranioplasty (CP), patients were divided into CP-first and delayed-CP groups. The differences in surgical methods were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

All patients with SESDC in this cohort had undergone cranioplasty. Subcutaneous puncture and aspiration (SPAA) proved ineffective. Only 2/30 patients in the CP-first group used EP shunt, while 6/19 patients in the delayed-CP group used EP shunt; the difference was statistically significant (P = 0.03). A significant difference was found in the use of EP shunt among type 1, type 2, and type 5 SESDC (χ² = 6.778, P = 0.034).

CONCLUSIONS

CP combined with other treatments could cure most SESDC. EP shunt should be used preferentially in some specific scenarios in which CP cannot be performed first, rather than as a backup measure that can only be used when other preceding treatments fail.

Cranioplasty as the treatment for contralateral subdural effusion secondary to decompressive craniectomy: a case report and review of the relevant literature

Subdural effusion (SDE) is a common complication secondary to decompressive craniectomy (DC). This current case report describes a patient with contralateral SDE with a typical clinical course. Initially, he made a good recovery following a head trauma that caused a loss of consciousness and was treated with decompressive craniectomy. However, he only achieved temporary relief after each percutaneous fluid aspiration from an Ommaya reservoir implanted into the cavity of the SDE. He was eventually transferred to the authors’ hospital where he underwent cranioplasty, which finally lead to the reduction and disappearance of his contralateral SDE. Unexpectedly, his clinical condition deteriorated again 2 weeks after the cranioplasty with symptoms of an uncontrolled bladder. A subsequent CT scan found the apparent expansion of the whole cerebral ventricular system, indicating symptomatic communicating hydrocephalus. He then underwent a ventriculoperitoneal shunt procedure, which resulted in a favourable outcome and he was discharged 2 weeks later. A review of the current literature identified only 14 cases of contralateral SDE that were cured by cranioplasty alone. The mechanism of contralateral SDE has been widely discussed. Although the exact mechanism of contralateral SDE and why cranioplasty is effective remain unclear, cranioplasty could be an alternative treatment option for contralateral SDE.

Efficacy and safety of decompressive craniectomy with non-suture duraplasty in patients with traumatic brain injury

BACKGROUND

Decompressive craniectomy is an important surgical treatment for patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Several reports have been published on the efficacy of non-watertight sutures in duraplasty performed in decompressive craniectomy. This study sought to determine the safety and feasibility of the non-suture dural closure technique in decompressive craniectomy.

METHODS

A total of 106 patients were enrolled at a single trauma center between January 2017 and December 2018. We retrospectively collected data and classified the patients into non-suture and suture duraplasty craniectomy groups. We compared the characteristics of patients and their intra/postoperative findings such as operative time, blood loss, imaging findings, complications, and Glasgow Outcome Scale scores.

RESULTS

There were 37 and 69 patients in the non-suture and suture duraplasty groups, respectively. There were no significant differences between the two groups concerning general characteristics. The operative time was significantly lower in the non-suture duraplasty group than in the suture duraplasty group (150 min vs. 205 min; p = 0.002). Furthermore, blood loss was significantly less severe in the non-suture duraplasty group than in the suture duraplasty group (1000 mL vs. 1500 mL; p = 0.028). There were no other significant differences.

CONCLUSION

Non-suture duraplasty involved shorter operative times and less severe blood losses than suture duraplasty. Other complications and prognoses were similar across groups. Therefore, the non-suture duraplasty in decompressive craniectomy is a safe and feasible surgical technique.

Efficacy of decompressive craniectomy in the management of intracranial pressure in severe traumatic brain injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a common cause of permanent disability for which clinical management remains suboptimal. Elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) is a common sequela following TBI leading to death and permanent disability if not properly managed. While clinicians often employ stepwise acute care algorithms to reduce ICP, a number of patients will fail medical management and may be considered for surgical decompression. Decompressive craniectomy (DC) involves removing a component of the bony skull to allow cerebral tissue expansion in order to reduce ICP. However, the impact of DC, which is performed in the setting of neurological instability, ongoing secondary injury, and patient resuscitation, has been challenging to study and outcomes are not well understood. This review summarizes historical and recent studies to elucidate indications for DC and the nuances, risks and complications in its application. The pathophysiology driving ICP elevation, and the corresponding medical interventions for their temporization and treatment, are thoroughly described. The current state of DC - including appropriate injury classification, surgical techniques, concurrent medical therapies, mortality and functional outcomes - is presented. We also report on the recent updates from large randomized controlled trials in severe TBI (Decompressive Craniectomy [DECRA] and Randomized Evaluation of Surgery with Craniectomy for Uncontrollable Elevation of ICP [RESCUEicp]), and recommendations for early DC to treat refractory ICP elevations in malignant middle cerebral artery syndrome. Limitations for DC, such as the equipoise between immediate reduction in ICP and clinically meaningful functional outcomes, are discussed in support of future investigations.

Clinical and radiological assessment of cerebral hemodynamics after cranioplasty for decompressive craniectomy - A Clinical study

OBJECTIVES

To find the correlation between radiologically proven improvement in cerebral hemodynamics with clinical improvement in patients undergoing cranioplasty.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study is a prospective observational study of 10 cases, in M S Ramaiah Institute of Neurosciences, involving patients treated by a decompressive craniectomy for intractable intra cranial hypertension either due to trauma or stroke and afterwards underwent cranioplasty.

RESULTS

Of the 10 patients, 70% patients showing significant improvement in motor functions on Barthel index scale, 60% patients showed improvement in speech, mean duration from date of decompressive craniectomy to cranioplasty being 122.4days. Cerebral perfusion was remarkably better after cranioplasty, as demonstrated decrease in the Pulsatility index on the ipsilateral side of decompression on Trans cranial Doppler (<0.73 mean). This data also favored improved cerebral blood flow and permeability on the CT perfusion with increase in cerebral blood flow (CBF), Cerebral Blood Volume (CBV) and decrease in Time to Peak (TTP) and a positive outcome when correlated with Barthel index with P-values of 0.093, 0.017 and 0.001 respectively.

CONCLUSION

Cranioplasty influences the cerebral hemodynamics after cranioplasty and has a positive correlation on the functional outcome and cerebral blood flow in the MCA territory.

Early Cranioplasty in Patients With Posttraumatic Decompressive Craniectomy and Its Correlation with Changes in Cerebral Perfusion Parameters and Neurocognitive Outcome

BACKGROUND

Decompressive craniectomy is a life-saving procedure in many patients after traumatic brain injury. Delayed recovery in such patients can be attributed to various causes. Cranioplasty (CP) helps in early improvement of neurocognitive function along with better brain protection and cosmesis. The mechanism responsible for this functional improvement and the ideal time to perform cranial reconstruction is less understood.

METHODS

We studied 16 patients who underwent CP after decompressive craniectomy (DC) for traumatic brain injury. These patients were divided in 2 groups, early and late CP, depending on the interval between DC and CP. Three months was the cutoff time for early CP. Neurocognitive status was assessed by Glasgow Coma Scale, Glasgow Outcome Scale, and Mini-Mental State Examination scores prior to and after CP. Computed tomography (CT) perfusion was done to correlate the improvement in neurologic status and CT perfusion parameters.

RESULTS

We observed that there was a positive influence of CP on neurologic and psychologic function in all of the patients. The neurocognitive improvement after CP was more remarkable in the early CP group. More complications were noted in patients in the late CP group. Brain perfusion after CP showed improvement in all parameters in both of the groups, both on the operated and contralateral side.

CONCLUSIONS

Neurocognitive improvement is noted after CP in all of the patients. CP should be offered once the brain edema subsides, at the earliest. Improved cerebral perfusion may be the key factor for the improved functional outcome.

The Effect of Cranioplasty on Cerebral Hemodynamics as Measured by Perfusion Computed Tomography and Doppler Ultrasonography

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.

Symptomatic contralateral subdural hygromas after decompressive craniectomy: plausible causes and management protocols

OBJECT

Contralateral subdural hygromas are occasionally observed after decompressive craniectomies (DCs). Some of these hygromas are symptomatic, and the etiology and management of these symptomatic contralateral subdural collections (CLDCs) present surgical challenges. The authors share their experience with managing symptomatic CLSDCs after a DC.

METHODS

During a 10-month period, 306 patients underwent a DC. Of these patients, 266 had a head injury, 25 a middle cerebral artery infarction (that is, a thrombotic stroke), and 15 an infarction due to a vasospasm (resulting from an aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage [SAH]). Seventeen patients (15 with a head injury and 2 with an SAH) developed a CLSDC, and 7 of these patients showed overt symptoms of the fluid collection. These patients were treated with a trial intervention consisting of bur hole drainage followed by cranioplasty. If required, a ventriculo- or thecoperitoneal shunt was inserted at a later time.

RESULTS

Seven patients developed a symptomatic CLSDC after a DC, 6 of whom had a head injury and 1 had an SAH. The average length of time between the DC and CLSDC formation was 24 days. Fluid drainage via a bur hole was attempted in the first 5 patients. However, symptoms in these patients improved only temporarily. All 7 patients (including the 5 in whom the bur hole drainage had failed and 2 directly after the DC) underwent a cranioplasty, and the CLSDC resolved in all of these patients. The average time it took for the CLSDC to resolve after the cranioplasty was 34 days. Three patients developed hydrocephalus after the cranioplasty, requiring a diversion procedure, and 1 patient contracted meningitis and died.

CONCLUSIONS

Arachnoid tears and blockage of arachnoid villi appear to be the underlying causes of a CLSDC. The absence of sufficient fluid pressure required for CSF absorption after a DC further aggravates such fluid collections. Underlying hydrocephalus may appear as subdural collections in some patients after the DC. Bur hole drainage appears to be only a temporary measure and leads to recurrence of a CLSDC. Therefore, cranioplasty is the definitive treatment for such collections and, if performed early, may even avert CLSDC formation. A temporary ventriculostomy or an external lumbar drainage may be added to aid the cranioplasty and may be removed postoperatively. Ventriculoperitoneal or thecoperitoneal shunting may be required for patients in whom a hydrocephalus manifests after cranioplasty and underlies the CLSDC.

Cranioplasty after decompressive craniectomy. A prospective series analyzing complications and clinical improvement

BACKGROUND

Cranioplasty is carried out for cosmetic reasons and for protection, but it may also lead to some neurological improvement after the bone flap placement. Complications of cranioplasty are more frequent than expected for a scheduled neurosurgical procedure. We tried to identify factors associated with both complications and improvement after cranioplasty.

METHODS

We prospectively studied the cranioplasties performed in our hospital from November 2009 to November 2013. Patients whose initial reason for bone removal was tumor infiltration were excluded. Demographic, clinical and radiological data were collected. The NIH Stroke Scale and Barthel Self-Care Index scores were obtained both before and within 72 h after cranioplasty. The outcome measures were the occurrences of complications and clinical improvement.

RESULTS

Fifty-five cranioplasties were performed. The material used for the cranioplasty was autologous bone in 42 cases, polyetheretherketone (PEEK) in 7 and methacrylate in 6. The average size of the bone defect was 69.5 (19.5-149.5) cm2. The time elapsed between decompressive craniectomy and cranioplasty was 309 (25-1217) days. There were 10 complications (7 severe and 3 mild), an 18.2% complication rate. Statistically significant risk factors of complications were identified as a Barthel≤70 (Odds ratio [OR] 22; 2.5-192; P=0.005), age over 45 years (OR 13.5; 1.5-115; P=0.01) and early surgery (≤85 days; OR 8; 1.69-37.03, P=0.004). After multivariate analysis, Barthel≤70 and age over 45 years remained independent predictors of complications. Twenty-two (40%) of the 55 patients showed objective improvement. Early surgery (<85 days) increased the likelihood of improvement (OR 4.67; 1.05-20.83; P=0.035). Larger bone defects seemed to be related with improvement, but differences in defect size were not statistically significant (75.3 vs 65.6 cm2; P=0.1).

CONCLUSIONS

The complication rate of cranioplasty is higher than for other elective neurosurgical procedures. Older age, poorer functional situation (worse Barthel index score) and early surgery (≤85 days) are independent risk factors for complications. However, cranioplasty produces clinical benefits beyond protection and esthetic improvement. Earlier surgery and larger bone defects seem to increase the likelihood of clinical improvement.

Posttraumatic extracerebral fluid collections

Objective: Posttraumatic extracerebral fluid collections represent a heterogeneous group of conditions that have different terminologies but the same clinical and imaging features, benefiting from the same therapeutic modalities.

Between hygroma/hydroma and serous meningitis there is only a topographic difference that has no influence regarding the therapeutic decision or the patient’s outcome.

Posttraumatic extracerebral fluid collections present themselves as a unitary group which benefits from a unitary management, regardless the given terminologies. This 5 years study reviews the experience, treatment and outcome of patients with such conditions.

Method: A retrospective analysis of data collected from 46 patients with posttraumatic extracerebral fluid collections is presented. Asymptomatic patients or those with mild symptoms were conservatively treated (n=27). Surgical evacuation was performed in cases of intracranial hypertension or neurological worsening (n=19).

Results: Clinical results are presented using the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS). Regarding the group of patients treated conservatively, good results were obtained (GOS score 4 or 5) in 81.4 % of the cases. Regarding the surgical treated group of patients, good results were obtained in 73.6% of the cases. The mortality rate was 18.5%, and 26.3% respectively.

Conclusions: Although several different names can be found in literature, posttraumatic extracerebral fluid collections present themselves as a unitary group, with good outcome after conservative or surgical treatment. The therapeutic decision is made regarding the neurological status and the clinical evolution, which can be correlated with some imaging features.

Complications of post-injury decompressive craniectomy

Decompressive craniectomy (DC) is a useful technique for the treatment of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) with intracranial hypertension (ICHT) resistant to medical treatment, increasing survival, although its role in the functional prognosis of patients is not defined. It is also a technique that is not without complications, and may increase the patient's morbidity and mortality. We report two cases of patients with TBI who required DC and suffered complications from the technique