BACKGROUND: Although rare, patients with acute subdural hematoma (ASDH) because of severe head injury can develop contralateral acute epi- or subdural hematoma, requiring consecutive surgical procedures. The choice of treatment strategies for such patients is clinically important. METHODS: Among 88 patients with ASDH who were surgically treated over 13 years, we encountered and studied 5 patients who developed contralateral acute epi- or subdural hematoma (5.7%). RESULTS: All 5 patients were male, ranging in age from 17 to 40. According to the Glasgow Coma Scale on admission, 1 patient was rated 3, 1 was 4, 1 was 5, and 2 were 6. All patients underwent consecutive surgical procedures for ASDH and contralateral ASDH and/or acute epidural hematoma, and were given postoperative supportive therapy with barbiturates and mild hypothermia. Patients' outcomes according to the Glasgow Outcome Scale were as follows: 1 patient, good recovery (20.0%); 1, mild disability (20.0%); 2, severe disability (40.0%), and 1, persistent vegetative state (20.0%). No patients died. Although decompressive craniectomy and evacuation of hematoma may lead to contralateral acute epi- or subdural hematoma in patients with ASDH, this therapy is justified because hematoma irrigation with trephination therapy has a poor outcome for comatose patients. CONCLUSION: Awareness of intraoperative brain swelling is important, as it suggests the development of contralateral hematoma. Immediate computed tomography and a rapid return to the operating room are therefore critical.
BACKGROUND: Although rare, patients with acute subdural hematoma (ASDH) because of severe head injury can develop contralateral acute epi- or subdural hematoma, requiring consecutive surgical procedures. The choice of treatment strategies for such patients is clinically important. METHODS: Among 88 patients with ASDH who were surgically treated over 13 years, we encountered and studied 5 patients who developed contralateral acute epi- or subdural hematoma (5.7%). RESULTS: All 5 patients were male, ranging in age from 17 to 40. According to the Glasgow Coma Scale on admission, 1 patient was rated 3, 1 was 4, 1 was 5, and 2 were 6. All patients underwent consecutive surgical procedures for ASDH and contralateral ASDH and/or acute epidural hematoma, and were given postoperative supportive therapy with barbiturates and mild hypothermia. Patients' outcomes according to the Glasgow Outcome Scale were as follows: 1 patient, good recovery (20.0%); 1, mild disability (20.0%); 2, severe disability (40.0%), and 1, persistent vegetative state (20.0%). No patients died. Although decompressive craniectomy and evacuation of hematoma may lead to contralateral acute epi- or subdural hematoma in patients with ASDH, this therapy is justified because hematoma irrigation with trephination therapy has a poor outcome for comatosepatients. CONCLUSION: Awareness of intraoperative brain swelling is important, as it suggests the development of contralateral hematoma. Immediate computed tomography and a rapid return to the operating room are therefore critical.
Authors: David B Kurland; Ariana Khaladj-Ghom; Jesse A Stokum; Brianna Carusillo; Jason K Karimy; Volodymyr Gerzanich; Juan Sahuquillo; J Marc Simard Journal: Neurocrit Care Date: 2015-10 Impact factor: 3.210
Authors: J L Flordelís Lasierra; C García Fuentes; D Toral Vázquez; M Chico Fernández; S Bermejo Aznárez; E Alted López Journal: Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg Date: 2013-02-27 Impact factor: 3.693