J Korean Neurosurg Soc.  2012 Oct;52(4):293-299. 10.3340/jkns.2012.52.4.293.

The Clinical Efficacy of Decompressive Craniectomy in Patients with an Internal Carotid Artery Territory Infarction

• Yoo SH
• Kim TH
• Shin JJ
• Shin HS
• Hwang YS
• Park SK

• KMID: 2190643
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3340/jkns.2012.52.4.293

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the surgical efficacy of and factors associated with decompressive craniectomy in patients with an internal carotid artery (ICA) territory infarction.
METHODS
Seventeen patients (8 men and 9 women, average age 61.53 years, range 53-77 years) were treated by decompressive craniectomy for an ICA territory infarction at our institute. We retrospectively reviewed medical records, radiological findings, and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) at presentation and before surgery. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS).
RESULTS
Of the 17 patients, 15 (88.24%) achieved a poor outcome (Group A, GOS 1-3) and 2 (11.76%) a good outcome (Group B, GOS 4-5). The mortality rate at one month after surgery was 52.9%. Average preoperative NIHSS was 27.6+/-10.88% in group A and 10+/-4.24% in group B. Mean cerebral infarction fraction at the septum pellucidum level before surgery in group A and B were 33.67% and 23.72%, respectively. Mean preoperative NIHSS (p=0.019) and cerebral infarction fraction at the septum pellucidum level (p=0.017) were found to be significantly associated with a better outcome. However, no preexisting prognostic factor was found to be of statistical significance.
CONCLUSION
The rate of mortality after ICA territory infarction treatment is relatively high, despite positive evidence for surgical decompression, and most survivors experience severe disabilities. Our findings caution that careful consideration of prognostic factors is required when considering surgical treatment.

Keyword

Cerebral infarction; Decompressive craniectomy; Surgical efficacy

MeSH Terms

Carotid Artery, Internal
Cerebral Infarction
Decompression, Surgical
Decompressive Craniectomy
Female
Glasgow Outcome Scale
Humans
Infarction
Male
Medical Records
National Institutes of Health (U.S.)
Retrospective Studies
Septum Pellucidum
Stroke
Survivors

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Cerebral infarction fraction and decompression ratio on CT scan.

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