Background
Clinical observations indicated that vaccine-induced immune thrombosis with thrombocytopenia (VITT)-associated cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) often has a space-occupying effect and thus necessitates decompressive surgery (DS). While comparing with non-VITT CVST, this study explored whether VITT-associated CVST exhibits a more fulminant clinical course, different perioperative and intensive care unit management, and worse long-term outcome.
Methods
This multicenter, retrospective cohort study collected patient data from 12 tertiary centers to address priorly formulated hypotheses concerning the clinical course, the perioperative management with related complications, extracerebral complications, and the functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale) in patients with VITT-associated and non-VITT CVST, both with DS.
Results
Both groups, each with 16 patients, were balanced regarding demographics, kind of clinical symptoms, and radiological findings at hospital admission. Severity of neurological symptoms, assessed with the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale, was similar between groups at admission and before surgery, whereas more patients with VITT-associated CVST showed a relevant midline shift (≥ 4 mm) before surgery (100% vs. 68.8%, p = 0.043). Patients with VITT-associated CVST tended to undergo DS early, i.e., ≤ 24 h after hospital admission (p = 0.077). Patients with VITT-associated CVST more frequently received platelet transfusion, tranexamic acid, and fibrinogen perioperatively. The postoperative management was comparable, and complications were evenly distributed. More patients with VITT-associated CVST achieved a favorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale ≤ 3) at 3 months (p = 0.043).
Conclusions
Although the prediction of individual courses remains challenging, DS should be considered early in VITT-associated CVST because an overall favorable outcome appears achievable in these patients.
Introduction
Planning cranioplasty (CPL) in patients with suspected or proven post-traumatic hydrocephalus (PTH) poses a significant management challenge due to a lack of clear guidance.
Research question
This project aims to create a European document to improve adherence and adapt to local protocols based on available resources and national health systems.
Methods
After a thorough non-systematic review, a steering committee (SC) formed a European expert panel (EP) for a two-round questionnaire using the Delphi method. The questionnaire employed a 9-point Likert scale to assess the appropriateness of statements inherent to two sections: "Diagnostic criteria for PTH" and "Surgical strategies for PTH and cranial reconstruction."
Results
The panel reached a consensus on 29 statements. In the "Diagnostic criteria for PTH" section, five statements were deemed "appropriate" (consensus 74.2−90.3 %), two were labeled "inappropriate," and seven were marked as "uncertain."
In the "Surgical strategies for PTH and cranial reconstruction" section, four statements were considered "appropriate" (consensus 74.2−90.4 %), six were "inappropriate," and five were "uncertain."
Discussion and conclusion
Planning a cranioplasty alongside hydrocephalus remains a significant challenge in neurosurgery. Our consensus conference suggests that, in patients with cranial decompression and suspected hydrocephalus, the most suitable diagnostic approach involves a combination of evolving clinical conditions and neuroradiological imaging. The recommended management sequence prioritizes cranial reconstruction, with the option of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt when needed, preferably with a programmable valve. We strongly recommend to adopt local protocols based on expert consensus, such as this, to guide patient care.
Introduction
This international prospective multicenter cohort study investigates the long-term surgical complication rate and neurological outcomes in patients who underwent autologous or allogeneic cranioplasty (CP) after decompressive craniectomy (DC) for traumatic brain injury, stroke, aneurysmatic subarachnoid hemorrhage, and intracranial hemorrhage.
Research question
This study investigated the predictors of long-term outcomes and surgical revision after cranioplasty.
Materials and methods
Patients who underwent CP with a minimum follow-up of at least 12 months were included. Favorable long-term outcome (FLTO) was defined as a Glasgow Outcome Score (GOS) of 4 or 5 and a modified Rankin scale (mRS) score of <4. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed.
Results
A total of 200 patients with a median follow-up of 883.1
520.5 days were included. Ninety-nine patients (50.0 %) had a FLTO, and the surgical revision rate was 25.0 % (n = 50). Thirty-eight percent (37.7 %) and 27.5 % of patients showed improvement in the mRS and GOS scores, respectively. Simultaneous implantation of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt (OR 6.114) and a time interval of <90 days between DC and CP (OR 2.189) predicted an increase in reoperation rates. The use of subcutaneous drains with suction predicted a lower rate of reoperation (OR .410). Diabetes mellitus (OR .221) and reoperations during the initial stay (OR .347) were negative predictors of FLTO. Implants imbued with antibiotics predicted a positive FLTO (OR 2.973).
Discussion and conclusion
Suction drains were predicted to reduce reoperation rates. Simultaneous implantation of VPS and CP within 3 months of DC predicted an increased likelihood of surgical revision.
