Martin Köhrmann1, Stefan Schwab. 1. Department of Neurology, University of Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany. martin.koehrmann@uk-erlangen.de
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Space-occupying, malignant hemispheric infarction is one of the most devastating forms of ischemic stroke. Several case series had suggested decompressive hemicraniectomy as a life-saving therapy, but, until recently, there was no proof for this procedure from randomized controlled trials. RECENT FINDINGS: In 2007, results from a pooled analysis of three European trials as well as data from two of these trials were published and yield compelling evidence for the benefit of hemicraniectomy. SUMMARY: Data from the published trials leave no doubt about the benefit especially the life-saving character of hemicraniectomy for malignant hemispheric infarction. However, some open questions (i.e. timing of surgery, age limit for hemicraniectomy) remain to be answered in the future.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Space-occupying, malignant hemispheric infarction is one of the most devastating forms of ischemic stroke. Several case series had suggested decompressive hemicraniectomy as a life-saving therapy, but, until recently, there was no proof for this procedure from randomized controlled trials. RECENT FINDINGS: In 2007, results from a pooled analysis of three European trials as well as data from two of these trials were published and yield compelling evidence for the benefit of hemicraniectomy. SUMMARY: Data from the published trials leave no doubt about the benefit especially the life-saving character of hemicraniectomy for malignant hemispheric infarction. However, some open questions (i.e. timing of surgery, age limit for hemicraniectomy) remain to be answered in the future.
Authors: Bilal Kamal Alam; Ahmed S Bukhari; Salman Assad; Pir Muhammad Siddique; Haider Ghazanfar; Muhammad Junaid Niaz; Maryam Kundi; Saima Shah; Maimoona Siddiqui Journal: Cureus Date: 2017-01-26