OBJECTIVE: To report the feasibility of craniectomy with duraplasty in four patients with life-threatening encephalitis and, in particular, their long-term outcome. DESIGN: Report of four cases, analysis of the acute clinical course and neurological long-term sequelae. RESULTS: Generous craniectomy with duraplasty was performed in four patients with life-threatening encephalitis leading to decortication and decerebration. This treatment approach reduced intracranial pressure. The long-term sequelae (1.5-8 years after craniectomy) confirmed its appropriateness, having led to full neurological (cerebral) function, resocialization, and reintegration into their professional life in all four patients. CONCLUSION: Craniectomy with dural augmentation is a treatment approach in cases of severe space-occupying encephalitis, not only saving the patient's life but also leading to favorable long-term outcome.
OBJECTIVE: To report the feasibility of craniectomy with duraplasty in four patients with life-threatening encephalitis and, in particular, their long-term outcome. DESIGN: Report of four cases, analysis of the acute clinical course and neurological long-term sequelae. RESULTS: Generous craniectomy with duraplasty was performed in four patients with life-threatening encephalitis leading to decortication and decerebration. This treatment approach reduced intracranial pressure. The long-term sequelae (1.5-8 years after craniectomy) confirmed its appropriateness, having led to full neurological (cerebral) function, resocialization, and reintegration into their professional life in all four patients. CONCLUSION: Craniectomy with dural augmentation is a treatment approach in cases of severe space-occupying encephalitis, not only saving the patient's life but also leading to favorable long-term outcome.
Authors: Sarah K B Bick; Saef Izzy; Daniel B Rubin; Sahar F Zafar; Eric S Rosenthal; Emad N Eskandar Journal: Neurocrit Care Date: 2016-12 Impact factor: 3.210