Chronic Subdural Hematoma Associated with an Arachnoid Cyst in Elderly, an Intraoperative Finding after Re-Bleeding: Case Report

Intracranial arachnoid cysts (AC) are believed to be congenital and chronic subdural hematomas tend to occur in elderly patients with a history of mild head injury. The association between these two entities sporadically occur in relatively young patients but rare in elderly patients. We report a 65-year-old man who presented with headache and dizziness of 2 months’ duration with a history of head injury. Brain computed tomography (CT) a CSDH in right side and a hygroma in left side. After first operation with burr holes in both sides, the patient underwent an early recurrence of acute subdural hematoma in the right side. The evacuation of this hematoma by a craniotomy allowed seeing an AC that we resected partially with complete recovery of the patient. The association CSDH/AC is rare and possible in elderly patients and there is no consensus on treatment.

Positioning and design by computed tomography imaging in neuroendoscopic surgery of patients with chronic subdural hematoma

BACKGROUND Neuroendoscopy is a very useful technique to Chronic Subdural Hematoma(CSH).But how to achieve the goal of treatment more minimally invasive?AIM To develop a simple,fast and accurate preoperative planning method in our way for endoscopic surgery of patients with CSH.METHODS From June 2018 to May 2020,forty-two patients with CSH,admitted to our hospital,were performed endoscopic minimally invasive surgery;computed tomography(CT)imaging was employed to locate the intracerebral hematoma and select the appropriate endoscopic approach before the endoscopic surgery.The clinical data and treatment efficacy were analyzed.RESULTS According to the learning of CT scanning images,the surgeon can accurately design the best minimally invasive neuroendoscopic surgical approach and realize the precise positioning and design of the drilling site of the skull and the size of the bone window,so as to provide the most effective operation space with the smallest bone window.In this group,the average operation time was only about 1 h,and the clearance rate of hematoma was about 95%.CONCLUSION Patients with CSH can achieve good therapeutic effect by using our way to positioning and design to assist the operation of CSH according to CT scan and image,and our way is very useful and necessary.

Risk Factors of Reoperation and Outcome of Patients Operated for Chronic Subdural Hematoma in a Teaching Hospital in Rabat

Background: chronic subdural hematoma is a common pathology, especially in the elderly. Although it has a good prognosis, it poses the problem of recurrence after surgical evacuation. Objective: To analyze the risk factors of reoperation in patients surgically treated for chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) and evaluate the outcome of patients who benefited from a reoperation. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review was conducted in a single University Hospital Center in Rabat (Morocco) on 49 patients operated on from January 2020 to June 2021 for cSDH. Possible risk factors described in the literature were analyzed and the outcome of post-operative course was evaluated. Statistical significance was defined by p-value Results: 49 patients underwent surgical evacuation of cSDH. The sex ratio of male/female was 3.08. The mean age was 70.6 years. Concerning the medical history, 8.2% were diabetics, 10.2% had heart disease, 18.4% had hypertension, 16.3% associated of comorbidities, 2% had pulmonary embolism, and 2% had neoplasm. 18.4% were on anticoagulation therapy, no patients were on new oral anticoagulants. The clinical findings upon admission were motor deficit at 57.1%, signs of intracranial hypertension at 20.4%, altered consciousness at 16.9% and impaired behavior at 6.1%. 28.6% of patients had a past history of head trauma. The pre-operative CT scan showed unilateral cSDH at 81.6%, midline shifts at 77.6%, and false membranes at 34.7%. Blood appeared chronic at 40.8%, subacute at 24.5%, and mixed densities at 34.7%. The post-operative course was uneventful in 73.5%. According to Ibanez grading 8 patients had mild complications (grade I) and 5 moderate complications (grade II) after the first surgery. We recorded 10.2% of patients who needed a second surgery because of the deterioration of neurologic status or motor deficit associated with an abnormal CT scan. According to the GOS, 85.7% of patients had a good recovery while 10.2% died. None of the factors assessed was found to be a risk factor for reoperation. Conclusion: No risk factors of reoperation after an initial burr hole evacuation for cSDH were found. However medical history and male sex was common condition among reoperated patients with their CT scan showing a chronic aspect of blood, midline shift and false membranes. Most patients who underwent revision surgery died on the postoperative course.

Efficacy evaluation of neuroendoscopy vs burr hole drainage in the treatment of chronic subdural hematoma:An observational study

BACKGROUND Chronic subdural hematoma(CSDH)is a common disease in neurosurgery.The traditional treatment methods include burr hole drainage,bone flap craniectomy and other surgical methods,and there are certain complications such as recurrence,pneumocephalus,infection and so on.With the promotion of neuroendoscopic technology,its treatment effect and advantages need to be further evaluated.AIM To study the clinical effect of endoscopic small-bone approach in CSDH.METHODS A total of 122 patients with CSDH admitted to our hospital from August 2018 to August 2021 were randomly divided into two groups using the digital table method:the neuroendoscopy group(n=61 cases)and the burr hole drainage group(n=61 cases).The clinical treatment effect of the two groups of patients with CSDH was compared.RESULTS At the early postoperative stage(1 d and 3 d),the proportion of 1/2 re-expansion of brain tissue in the hematoma cavity and the proportion of complete reexpansion was higher in the neuroendoscopy group than in the burr hole drainage group,and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant(P<0.05).The recurrence rate of hematoma in the neuroendoscopy group was lower than that in the burr hole drainage group,and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant(P<0.05).No intracranial hematoma,low cranial pressure,tension pneumocephalus or other complications occurred in the neuroendoscopy group.CONCLUSION The neuroendoscopic approach for the treatment of CSDH can clear the hematoma under direct vision and separate the mucosal lace-up.The surgical effect is apparent with few complications and definite curative effect,which is worthy of clinical promotion and application.

Ossified Subdural Chronic Hematoma: Two Cases Report and Literature Review

Ossified subdural chronic hematoma (OSCH) is a rare disease that accounts 0.3% to 2% of subdural chronic hematoma which is common. The surgical management depends on his clinical expression. The aim of this study is to highlight the surgical procedure because the management of this type of lesion has no consensus. The authors reported two cases of OSCH which were successfully excised with good outcomes. Taking care during the procedure of dissection from parenchyma is the key for this surgery.

Estimation of Chronic Subdural Hematoma Size Using CT Imaging;a Comparison of In-Plane Thickness to 3D Volumetry

Backgrounds: Pre- and postoperative chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) sizes have been used in clinical trials to predict the risk of postoperative recurrence. Commonly, dimensions of the pre- and postoperative lesions have been assessed by computerized tomography (CT) scans using maximum thickness as a linear measurement. Our goal was to characterize this common method for quantification of pre- and postoperative lesion sizes and to assess its estimation validity compared to estimation by hematoma volumetry. Methods: We prospectively investigated pre- and 1st postoperative day CT scans of 107 adult surgical patients with uni- or bilateral CSDH. Pre- and postoperative thickness of CSDH was determined and then compared to pre- and postoperative lesion volume measured with 3D hematoma volumetry. Results: Pearson correlation coefficients between mean pre- and postoperative lesion thickness and mean pre- and postoperative lesion volume in the unilateral subgroup were 0.491 and 0.498, respectively;in the bilateral subgroup 0.505 and 0.579, respectively;and in the whole series 0.653 and 0.472, respectively. Conclusions: Pre- and postoperative thickness of CSDH does not offer reasonable approximations of the pre- and postoperative lesion size when compared with results from 3D volumetry in the unilateral subgroup, bilateral subgroup or overall.

Epidural blood patch for spontaneous intracranial hypotension with subdural hematoma: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Cerebrospinal fluid(CSF)leakage at C1/2 in spontaneous intracranial hypotension(SIH)is rare.Subdural hematoma(SDH),a serious complication of SIH,may lead to neurological deficits.This report presents a case of SDH after spontaneous C1/2 CSF leakage,which was treated with a targeted epidural blood patch(EBP).CASE SUMMARY A 60-year-old man with no history of trauma was admitted to our hospital with orthostatic headache,nausea,and vomiting.Brain computed tomography imaging revealed bilateral,subacute to chronic SDH.Brain magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)findings were SDH with dural enhancement in the bilateral cerebral convexity and posterior fossa and mild sagging,suggesting SIH.Although the patient underwent burr hole trephination,the patient’s orthostatic headache was aggravated.MR myelography led to a suspicion of CSF leakage at C1/2.Therefore,we performed a targeted cervical EBP using an epidural catheter under fluoroscopic guidance.At 5 d after EBP,a follow-up MR myelography revealed a decrease in the interval size of the CSF collected.Although his symptoms improved,the patient still complained of headaches;therefore,we repeated the targeted cervical EBP 6 d after the initial EBP.Subsequently,his headache had almost disappeared on the 8th day after the repeated EBP.CONCLUSION Targeted EBP is an effective treatment for SDH in patients with SIH due to CSF leakage at C1/2.

Enigmatic rapid organization of subdural hematoma in a patient with epilepsy:A case report

BACKGROUND Determining a subdural hematoma(SDH)to be chronic by definition takes 3 wk,whereas organized chronic SDH(OCSDH)is an unusual condition that is believed to form over a much longer period of time,which generally demands large craniotomy.Therefore,it is a lengthy process from the initial head trauma,if any,to the formation of an OCSDH.Acute SDH(ASDH)with organization-like,membranaceous appearances has never been reported.CASE SUMMARY A 56-year-old woman presented to our hospital with a seizure,and computed tomography(CT)on admission was negative for signs of intracranial hemorrhage.She had clear consciousness and unimpaired motor functions on arrival and remained stable for the following week,during which she underwent necessary examinations.On the morning of day 10 of hospitalization,she accidentally hit her head hard against the wall in the bathroom and promptly lapsed into complete coma within 2 h.Therefore,we performed emergency CT and identified a left supratentorial SDH that was an absolute indication for surgery.However,the intraoperative findings were surprising,with no liquefaction observed.Instead,a solid hematoma covered with a thick membrane was noted that strongly resembled an organized hematoma.Evacuation was successful,but the family stopped treatment the next day due to financial problems,and the patient soon died.CONCLUSION Neurosurgeons should address SDHs,especially ASDHs,with discretion and individualization due to their highly diversified features.

Burr-hole craniotomy treating chronic subdural hematoma： a report of 398 cases

Objective： To investigate the treatment of chronic subdural hematoma （CSDH） with burr-hole craniotomy in our hospital. Methods： From January 2004 to December 2009, 398 patients with CSDH, 338 males and 60 females （male/ female=5.63/1）, received burr-hole craniotomy in our hospital. The median age was 60 years with the mean age of （58.1± 18.1） years, （65.0±14.5） years for females and （57.0± 8.2） years for males. Trauma history was determined in 275 patients （69.1%）. Burr-hole craniotomy was performed under local anesthesia in 368 patients and general anesthesia in 30 patients. CSDH was classified into 3 groups according to the density on CT scan. Clinical data concerning etiologies, symptoms and signs, concomitant diseases, diagnosis, therapies and outcomes were investigated retrospectively. Patients＇ neu- rological status on admission and at discharge was also classified to judge the outcomes. Results： Generally, trauma history showed few dif- ferences between those over 60 years old and under 60 years old, but showed obvious differences when gender was taken into account. Totally 123 male patients （60.0% of 204 cases） suffering from head injuries were under 60 years, whereas 35 female patients （85.4% of 41 cases） with trauma histories were over 60 years. The duration from trauma to appearance of clinical symptoms was （84.0±61.7） days （range, 0-1493 days）. Traumatic accident was the leading etiology, other accompanying diseases such as cerebral vascular disease, hypertension, etc, were also predisposing factors. Commonly, the elderly presented with hemiplegia/ hemidysesthesia/hemiataxia and the young with headache. Most CSDH patients （95.6%） treated with burr-hole cran- iotomy successfully recovered. However, postoperative complications occurred in 17 cases, including recurrence of CSDH in 15 cases, subdural abscess in 1 case and pneumonia in 3 cases. Conclusion： Burr-hole craniotomy is an easy, efficient and reliable way to treat CSDH.

Steroid for chronic subdural hematoma? A prospective phase IIB pilot randomized controlled trial on the use of dexamethasone with surgical drainage for the reduction of recurrence with reoperation

Background: Chronic subdural hematoma is a common neurosurgical condition especially in the aging population.Burr hole for drainage is an effective treatment, yet recurrence is reported at 8 to 22 ％ worldwide, and 1-year mortality rates could be as high as 32 ％.Our previous study on the use of dexamethasone as a primary nonsurgical treatment showed good response in selected group of patients.This study aims to assess the efficacy of dexamethasone with surgical drainage in the reduction of recurrence requiring reoperation.Methods: From October 2000 to September 2006, patients with chronic subdural hematoma admitted to the Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, were randomized to surgical drainage with steroid versus surgical drainage only.The primary endpoint was symptomatic recurrence requiring reoperation.Results: Two hundred forty-eight patients were recruited and consented for the randomization during the study period.One hundred twenty-two received both surgery and steroid (the intervention arm) while 126 received surgery only (the control arm).The recurrence rate requiring reoperation was 6.6 ％ (8/122) and 13.5 ％ (17/126),respectively (p =0.109).There was no significant difference in complications such as chest infection (p =0.201) or wound infection (p =0.987).Favorable outcome (Glasgow Outcome Score 4-5) was 104/122 (85.2 ％) in the intervention group versus 105/126 (83.3 ％) in the control group, respectively (p =0.811).Based on the recurrence rate in our study, we generate a potential sample size of at least 594 patients (type Ⅰ error =5 ％, power =80 ％,two-sided test) to detect a significant difference.Conclusions, brief summary, and potential implications: In this prospective pilot phase IIB randomized controlled study, steroid with surgical drainage had a lower recurrence with reoperation though statistically insignificant.It was safe with no significant difference in complication rates.This pilot study generates a potential sample size for a definitive larger double-blinded randomized controlled trial in the future.

Calcified chronic subdural hematoma: A case report and literature review

Calcified chronic subdural hematoma(CCSDH) is a rare disease that accounts for approximately 0.3%–2.7% of all chronic subdural hematomas(CSDHs). The clinical features of CCSDH are very similar to those of noncalcified CSDH and include headache,decreased alertness,weakness,numbness,gait disturbance,seizures,memory impairment,confusion,and unconsciousness. All symptomatic CCSDH should be treated surgically. Majority of these patients recover well following surgery. In this report,we present the case of a patient with CCSDH who developed severe cerebral edema following its removal,necessitating decompressive craniectomy. Although there were no abnormal findings in laboratory blood tests,and no signs of brain herniation or epilepsy was found the following day after surgery,the patient's family refused all treatment and a post-operative brain computed tomography(CT) scan. The patient was discharged and died at home. Cerebral hematoma and normal perfusion pressure breakthrough(NPPB) may cause severe cerebral edema following the total removal of a CCSDH.