• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.61 no.2
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• pp.267-276
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• 2018

Objective : The beneficial effect of hypothermia after hemicraniectomy in malignant middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarction has been controversial. We aim to investigate the safety and clinical efficacy of hypothermia after hemicraniectomy in malignant MCA infarction. Methods : From October 2012 to February 2016, 20 patients underwent hypothermia (Blanketrol III, Cincinnati Sub-Zero, Cincinnati, OH, USA) at $34^{\circ}C$ after hemicraniectomy in malignant MCA infarction (hypothermia group). The indication of hypothermia included acute cerebral infarction >2/3 of MCA territory and a Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score <11 with a midline shift >10 mm or transtentorial herniation sign (a fixed and dilated pupil). We retrospectively collected 27 patients, as the control group, who had undergone hemicraniectomy alone and simultaneously met the inclusion criteria of hypothermia between January 2010 and September 2012, before hypothermia was implemented as a treatment strategy in Dong-A University Hospital. We compared the mortality rate between the two groups and investigated hypothermia-related complications, such as postoperative bleeding, pneumonia, sepsis and arrhythmia. Results : The age, preoperative infarct volume, GCS score, National institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, and degree of midline shift were not significantly different between the two groups. Of the 20 patients in the hypothermia group, 11 patients were induced with hypothermia immediately after hemicraniectomy and hypothermia was initiated in 9 patients after the decision of hypothermia during postoperative care. The duration of hypothermia was $4{\pm}2days$ (range, 1 to 7 days). The side effects of hypothermia included two patients with arrhythmia, one with sepsis, one with pneumonia, and one with hypotension. Three cases of hypothermia were discontinued due to these side effects (one sepsis, one hypotension, and one bradycardia). The mortality rate of the hypothermia group was 15.0% and that of the control group was 40.7% (p=0.056). On the basis of the logistic regression analysis, hypothermia was considered to contribute to the decrease in mortality rate (odds ratio, 6.21; 95% confidence interval, 1.04 to 37.05; p=0.045). Conclusion : This study suggests that hypothermia after hemicraniectomy is a viable option when the progression of patients with malignant MCA infarction indicate poor prognosis.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.51 no.2
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• pp.86-90
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• 2012

Objective : Life-threatening hemispheric stroke is associated with a high mortality and morbidity. Decompressive hemicraniectomy has been regarded as an effective treatment option for refractory intracranial hypertension. Here, we reported the clinical course of 5 children with decompressive craniectomy and duroplasty after non-traumatic refractory intracranial hypertension. Methods : Four toddlers and one preschool-girl were included in this study; there were 3 boys and 2 girls with a mean age of 34.6 months (range 17-80). Decompressive craniectomy including duroplasty was performed in cases of dilatation of pupil size after intensified standard medical therapy had proven insufficient. All children had a Pediatric Glasgow Coma Scale score <8 at pre-operation state. The mean time-point of craniectomy after stroke attack was 12 hours (range 4-19). Results : During the long-term follow-up period (mean 47.6 months), no children died. One year later, when we checked their Glasgow Outcome Scale scores, only one toddler received a score of 4 (moderate disability). But the others had good recoveries although they had minor physical or mental deficits. According to the Pediatric Cerebral Performance Category Scale, 4 children received a score of 2 (mild disability). Conclusion : Despite our small cases, we suggest that decompressive hemicraniectomy and duroplasty is an acceptable and life-saving treatment for refractory intracranial hypertension after unilateral hemispheric stroke in toddlers and preschool children.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.50 no.4
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• pp.370-376
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• 2011

Objective : Posttraumatic cerebral infarction (PTCI), an infarction in well-defined arterial distributions after head trauma, is a known complication in patients with severe head trauma. The primary aims of this study were to evaluate the clinical and radiographic characteristics of PTCI, and to assess the effect on outcome of decompressive hemicraniectomy (DHC) in patients with PTCI. Methods : We present a retrospective analysis of 20 patients with PTCI who were treated between January 2003 and August 2005. Twelve patients among them showed malignant PTCI, which is defined as PTCI including the territory of Middle Cerebral Artery (MCA). Medical records and radiologic imaging studies of patients were reviewed. Results : Infarction of posterior cerebral artery distribution was the most common site of PTCI. Fourteen patients underwent DHC an average of 16 hours after trauma. The overall mortality rate was 75%. Glasgow outcome scale (GOS) of survivors showed that one patient was remained in a persistent vegetative state, two patients were severely disabled and only two patients were moderately disabled at the time of discharge. Despite aggressive treatments, all patients with malignant PTCI had died. Malignant PTCI was the indicator of poor clinical outcome. Furthermore, Glasgow coma scale (GCS) at the admission was the most valuable prognostic factor. Significant correlation was observed between a GCS less than 5 on admission and high mortality (p<0.05). Conclusion : In patients who developed non-malignant PTCI and GCS higher than 5 after head injury, early DHC and duroplasty should be considered, before occurrence of irreversible ischemic brain damage. High mortality rate was observed in patients with malignant PTCI or PTCI with a GCS of 3-5 at the admission. A large prospective randomized controlled study will be required to justify for aggressive treatments including DHC and medical treatment in these patients.

• Journal of Cerebrovascular and Endovascular Neurosurgery
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.434-439
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• 2023

Pseudoaneurysms are rare but devastating complications of penetrating head traumas. They require rapid surgical or endovascular intervention due to their high risk of rupture; however, complex presentations may limit treatment options. Our objective is to report a case of severe vasospasm, flow diversion, and in-stent stenosis complicating the treatment of a middle cerebral artery pseudoaneurysm following a gunshot wound. A 33-year-old woman presented with multiple calvarial and bullet fragments within the right frontotemporal lobes and a large right frontotemporal intraparenchymal hemorrhage with significant cerebral edema. She underwent an emergent right hemicraniectomy for decompression, removal of bullet fragments, and evacuation of hemorrhage. Once stable enough for diagnostic cerebral angiography, she was found to have an M1 pseudoaneurysm with severe vasospasm that precluded endovascular treatment until the vasospasm resolved. The pseudoaneurysm was treated with flow diversion and in-stent stenosis was found at 4-month follow-up angiography that resolved by 8 months post-embolization. We report the successful flow diversion of an middle cerebral artery (MCA) pseudoaneurysm complicated by severe vasospasm and later in-stent stenosis. The presence of asymptomatic stenosis is believed to be reversible intimal hyperplasia and a normal aspect of endothelial healing. We suggest careful observation and dual-antiplatelet therapy as a justified approach.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.30 no.9
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• pp.1072-1078
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• 2001

Objectives : There is continuing controversy about the benefits of decompressive craniectomy in massive cerebral edema following space occupying hemispheric cerebral infarction. The aims of this study are to determine the effectiveness and to confirm the life-saving nature of decompressive craniectomy with dural augmentation for massive cerebral infarction. Patients and Methods : We present twelve patients with medically uncontrollable hemispheric cerebral infarction. All were treated with extensive craniectomy and duroplasty without resection of necrotic tissue. We evaluated various characteristics(size of hemispheric infarction, Glasgow Coma Scale, volume of low density and midline shift in CT) at three different periods(preoperative, immediate postoperative and 3-4weeks after operation) and evaluated effectiveness of hemicraniectomy for massive cerebral edema after large hemispheric infarction. Results : All patients have survived from surgery. Nine patients with nondominant hemispheric infarction showed significant functional recovery with minimal assistance, and remaining two patients with dominant hemispheric infarction and one patient with nondominant hemispheric infarction have functionally dependent. The volume of low density and midline shift in CT were significantly reduced after decompressive craniectomy. Conclusions : Our results indicate that decompressive craniectomy with dural augmentation without resection of necrotic tissue for massive cerebral hemispheric infarction not only reduce the mortality and infarction size but also significantly improve the outcome, especially for nondominant hemispheric infarction.