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Objective To analyze clinical, surgical and outcome predictive factors of operated acute subdural hematoma (SDH) cases for prognostication and surgical outcome prediction. Material and Methods This retrospective study includes 114 patients operated for acute SDH in the Department of Neurosurgery of IMS BHU, Varanasi, India, a tertiary care center, between 1 August 2018 and 1 November 2019. Each patient was evaluated for age, sex, mode of injury, localization of hematoma, clinical presentation, comorbidity, severity of injury, best motor response, CT findings, and Glasgow outcome scale (GOS) at discharge. The outcome was also evaluated by further making a dichotomized group using GOS in death/dependent (1–3) versus independent (4–5). Statistical tests were done using the GraphPad Prism version 8.3.0. Results The most common age group operated upon in this study was the 40 to 60 years age group (n = 45, 39.48%). Males were 78% with male to female ratio of 3.56:1. The most common clinical presentation was altered sensorium (98.25%). The most common comorbidity was hypertension (n = 32, 28.07%). GCS at admission, severity of injury, pupillary changes, and best motor response (p < 0.0001) were significantly associated with surgical outcome. Conclusion GCS at admission, severity of injury, pupillary changes, and best motor response were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with surgical outcome. Age and gender of patients were not found to be significantly associated.

Background: Traumatic acute subdural hematoma (ASDH) is an oft encountered entity in neurosurgery. While resolution of such thick SDHs usually takes time, certain cases of rapid spontaneous resolution have also been reported. This article attempts to review the pathophysiology, clinical and radiological features of such cases, as well as provide an insight into decision making for their management. Methods: Electronic literature search was done to look for similar cases of spontaneous rapid resolution of ASDH. Five of authors cases have been described. Their clinical and radiological features along with those of cases from literature search were tabulated and analyzed. Results: A total of 44 relevant cases were included for analyses. Of these, 39 cases were from 33 articles found in existing literature and 5 cases were from author's collection. The M:F ratio was 25:19 with a mean age was 41.84(SD-4.094) years. Twenty -six patients showed “Rapid” neurological improvement (24 hours) occurred in 10 patients. The mean hematoma resolution time on CT scan was 13.78 hours (SD 16.46) ranging from 1- 72 hours. Twenty-nine patients showed redistribution of hematoma, most commonly to tentorium and falx cerebelli. CT scan findings were classified into 5 types as per the nature of hypodensity around hematoma. The geometric mean time to resolution of hematoma was least for type 2 (7.27 hours) and type 1(7.52 hours) patients. Conclusion: Selected patients of ASDH with rapid neurological improvement and specific CT findings may show spontaneous resolution of ASDH. Multicentric studies with larger study population may provide better insight into the nature and outcomes of such entities.

ZusammenfassungDas korrekte Management eines Schädel-Hirn-Traumas (SHT) am Unfallort und im Krankenhaus ist eng verknüpft mit einer besseren Prognose. Von großer Bedeutung für die Einschätzung der Schwere des SHT und die sich daraus ableitenden diagnostischen und therapeutischen Maßnahmen ist die Glasgow-Coma-Skala (GCS). Bei einem Skalenwert von 3 bis 8 wird von einem schweren SHT gesprochen; diese Patienten sind komatös. Bei einem Skalenwert von 9 bis 12 liegt ein moderates und bei einem Skalenwert von 13 bis 15 ein leichtes SHT vor. Eine kranielle Computertomografie (CT) muss stets bei einem moderaten bis schweren SHT durchgeführt werden, um über eine initial operative oder konservative Therapie zu entscheiden. Klare, sofortige Operationsindikationen sind das raumfordernde Epiduralhämatom, das akute Subduralhämatom sowie die Impressionsfraktur über Kalottenbreite. Bei schwerem SHT ohne Nachweis einer operationsbedürftigen Blutung liegt meist ein Hirnödem vor. Eine intrakranielle Hirndruckmessung ist in diesen Fällen notwendig, um die Hirndrucktherapie zu steuern. Kann der erhöhte Hirndruck nicht ausreichend kontrolliert werden, ist eine dekompressive Hemikraniektomie indiziert.

Objective To describe our experience with the occurrence of intracranial acute subdural hematoma (ASDH) following spinal anesthesia. Patients and Methods We reviewed our records from 2010 to 2017 to detect cases of nontraumatic ASDH following spinal anesthesia. All cases were analyzed for the etiological factors, time lag between the procedure and hematoma diagnosis, treatment, and outcome. Results Of 329 cases of nontraumatic ASDH, we identified 6 patients whose spontaneous ASDH developed following spinal anesthesia. All our patients were obstetrical and received spinal anesthesia for delivery. Patient ages ranged from 21 to 34 years. Two patients presented with deterioration of consciousness a few hours after delivery. Three patients presented with persistent headache and lethargy days after delivery. One patient presented 3 days after delivery with severe deterioration of consciousness. All patients had undergone surgical evacuation of a hematoma. Five patients recovered and one patient died 2 days after surgery. Records showed none of the six patients had coagulopathy or any other blood disorder. Conclusion Although uncommon, intracranial ASDH should be considered in patients following spinal anesthesia, especially those with a prolonged headache after the procedure.

Background In an aging society, traumatic head injuries, such as acute subdural hematomas (aSDHs), are increasingly common because the elderly are prone to falls and are often undergoing anticoagulation treatment. Especially in advanced age, cranial surgery such as craniotomies may put patients in further jeopardy. But if treatment is conservative, a chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) may develop, requiring surgical evacuation. Existing studies have reported a correlation between several risk factors contributing to the frequency of chronification. To improve the prediction of the course of disease and to aid counseling patients and relatives, this study aimed to determine the frequency and the main risk factors influencing the process of chronification of an aSDH following conservative treatment. Methods We identified patients presenting between January 2012 and September 2017 at our neurosurgical department with an aSDH. All patients treated conservatively were selected retrospectively, and the following parameters were documented: age, sex, chronification status, Glasgow Coma Scale score on admission and discharge, hematoma thickness and density, the degree of midline shift (MLS), prior anticoagulants and administration of procoagulants, thrombosis management, other coagulopathies, initial length of hospital stay, interval between discharge and readmission, and interval between initial injury and date of surgery and last follow-up. The cohort was divided into patients with complete resolution of their aSDH, and patients who needed surgery due to chronification. Results A total of 75 conservatively treated patients with aSDH were included. A chronification was observed in 24 cases (32%). The process of chronification takes an average of 18 days (range: 10–98 days). The following factors were significantly associated with the process of chronification: age (p = 0.001), anticoagulant medication (acetylsalicylic acid [ASA], Coumadin, and novel anticoagulants [NOACs]) before injury (p = 0.026), administration of procoagulants (p = 0.001), presence of other coagulopathies such as thrombocytopenia (p = 0.002), low hematoma density at discharge (p = 0.001), hematoma thickness on admission and discharge (p = 0.001), and the degree of MLS (p = 0.044). Conclusion Chronification occurred in a third of all patients with conservatively treated aSDH, on average within 3 weeks. The probability of developing a cSDH is 0.96 times higher with every yearly increase in age, resulting in 56% chronification in patients ≥ 70 years. Hematoma thickness and impairment of the coagulation system such as anticoagulant medication (ASA, Coumadin, and NOACs) or thrombocytopenia are further risk factors for chronification.

Atraumatic subdural bleed often presents with diagnostic and management dilemma. This is a case of a 36-year male who presented with acute onset headache while at rest without any focal neurodeficit. Computed Tomographic Scan of brain revealed subdural hematoma. Cerebral Digital Subtraction Angiography showed a same sided focal dye extravasation which corresponded exactly to the inner margin of the subdural bleed. Though the patient opted out for surgical management this imaging and DSA finding correlated with the “Ghost Aneurysm” concept in acute atraumatic subdural bleeds and its early recognition is an important imaging marker for caution for hematoma expansion.

The occurrence of extradural hematoma (EDH) after decompressive craniectomy (DC) for traumatic brain injury is uncommon. We report two cases, one developing ipsilateral EDH and another developing contralateral simultaneous EDH and subdural hematoma after DC. The strategies to anticipate the occurrence of such concurrent hematomas (CH) are highlighted. We propose a subclassification of CH into “immediate” and “delayed,” based on their difference in clinical presentation, image findings, pathogenesis, and surgical management.

Objective Compare 30 days mortality of patients harboring acute subdural hematomas in two series, one treated only by wide aspiration of hematoma and other with aspiration followed by decompressive craniectomy. Methods Comparing retrospectively two series of ASD with and without DC. Involved 81 TBI patients with acute subdural hematoma and GCS ≤ 8 (Jan 2000 to Nov 2014) arranged into two groups. Group 1 - 58 cases underwent to DC. Group 2 - 23 patients underwent only hematoma aspiration. Results Group 1 showed 44.8% mortality directly due to brain lesion within 30 days. The most frequent associated lesion were contusion in 37.2%. Group 2 the mortality within 30 days was 47.8%. The majority of deaths (82%) resulted from uncontrollable brain swelling, midline shift was present in 94.7% of patients. Conclusion High admission GCS and age less than 50 remain better outcome predictor in 30 days survival for patients undergoing surgery of traumatic ASDH.

We present a rare series of two cases of spontaneous intracranial aneurysmal hemorrhage associated with acute subdural hematoma. One patient was having ruptured anterior communicating artery aneurysm and acute subdural hematoma with no evidence of subarachnoid hemorrhage and the other patient presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage with bleeding in subdural, intraparenchymal, and intraventricular location with rupture of posterior communicating artery aneurysm. In this report, we are describing the pathophysiology and radiological features of subdural hematoma with aneurysm bleed.

Post-traumatic acute subdural hematoma (ASDH) requires immediate surgical evacuation in most cases. We present two cases of ASDH which resolved spontaneously. The first patient had 9 mm thick ASDH in left fronto-temporo-parietal region with initial GCS of E 1 V 1 M 3 which improved to E 2 V t M 4 within 7 h. Repeat CT of the brain showed a decrease in the size of ASDH. Hence, patient was conservatively managed with anti-edema measures and elective ventilation. The patient improved and ASDH also resolved completely. The second patient also had 8 mm thick ASDH in the right fronto-temporo-parietal region with GCS of E 1 V 2 M 5 which 5 h later improved to E 3 V 4 M 5. With conservative measures, there was clinical and radiological improvement. Based on previous reports, certain characteristic features have been shown to favor spontaneous resolution of ASDH; absence of underlying contusion and the presence of a low-density band between the skull and the hematoma on imaging were features common to our patients also.

Contralateral massive acute subdural hematoma (ASDH) developing acutely during decompressive craniectomy for severe head injury with ASDH evacuation is very rare occurrence. Till date about seven cases are published in the western literature with outcome varying from death, vegetative existence and severe disability. Interestingly all seven cases were operated at varying time-interval following first surgery varying from 0.5 to 3 h following initial surgery. Current case is the first case in the best of knowledge of authors in western literature, who was diagnosed even got operated in continuity with good neurological outcome. Awareness of intraoperative brain swelling is important. Author presents a case occurring in a 45-year old male, developed acute subdural hematoma on contralateral side during decompressive surgery, causing sudden brain bulge, refractory to medical management, however, wound was closed rapidly and urgent CT scan carried out, revealed massive acute subdural hematoma, requiring immediate decompressive surgical intervention. In the immediate postoperative period, he required ventilatory support and discharged after two weeks following surgery. High degree of suspicion, brain bulge during surgery not relieving with routine measure warrants immediate CT scan and a rapid return to the operating room for immediate surgical intervention for acute SDH evacuation can provide good outcome.

Context: The decompressive craniotomy alone or with dural flap opening to evacuate acute subdural hematoma with underlying brain edema in severe traumatic brain injury has proved either insufficient in the first place or has fatal complications secondly. Aims: To reduce the fatality of conventional procedures and to evacuate acute subdural hematoma with severe brain edema by a combination of decompressive craniotomy and multi-dural stabs (SKIMS-Technique) without brain pouting and lacerations in low Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score patients. Settings and Design: The prospective study was conducted in the Department of Neurosurgery, from June, 2006 to June 2011, under a uniform protocol. Materials and Methods: A total of 225 patients of severe brain trauma were admitted to the accident and emergency unit of Neurosurgery and after initial resuscitation a CT brain was performed. All patients had a GCS score of 8 and below. All patients were ventilated postoperatively and ICP was monitored. Statistical Analysis Used: The data was analyzed and evaluated by the statistical methods like student's T-test. The analysis of Variance was used where-ever applicable. Results: The survival of multi-dural stab group was 77.31% (92/119) with good recovery in 42.02% (50/119) and a mortality of 22.69% (27/119) as compared with 46.23% (49/106) survival in open dural flap (control) group with 15.09% (16/106) good recovery and mortality of 53.77% (57/106). Conclusions: This new approach, known as SKIMS-Technique or Combined Technique i.e., "decompressive craniectomy with multi-dural stabs", proved much effective in increasing survival of low GCS and severe traumatic brain edema patients with acute subdural hematoma.

Introduction Antithrombotic medication has proven efficacy in the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. A major disadvantage is the increased incidence of cerebral hemorrhages such as subdural hematomas (SDH). The impact of antithrombotic therapy on the outcome of subdural hematoma is not well characterized to date. Materials and Methods We retrospectively analyzed patients with subdural hematomas admitted to our hospital between 2005 and 2009. Antithrombotic medication, as well as other risk factors (age, sex, and preexisting diseases) were statistically analyzed in 476 consecutive patients for an independent association with inferior outcome, such as recurrent hematoma or in-hospital death. The patients had been evaluated and treated according to clinical standards for the management of severe head injury and were divided into groups with chronic SDH (cSDH) and acute SDH (aSDH), respectively. Results Of 312 patients with aSDH, 71 (22.8%) patients had at least one recurrence and 41 (13.1%) patients died in hospital. In the aSDH group, both the recurrence and the mortality were associated with anticoagulant therapy and with platelet aggregation inhibition. In the group of 163 patients with cSDH, 40 (24.5%) patients had a recurrence and 13 (7.9%) patients died within 9 weeks. Neither the application of platelet aggregation inhibitors nor the anticoagulant therapy were associated with recurrence or in-hospital mortality in this group. Conclusion Our results clearly indicate that prehospital antithrombotic therapy was independently associated with inferior outcome of patients with aSDH, while no association for patients with cSDH was observed.

The Department of Neurosurgery Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) Srinagar, a single neurosurgical centre in Kashmir valley, assessed prospectively, under a uniform protocol, 120 patients of severe traumatic brain edema with acute subdural hematoma by wide decompressive craniectomy with dural-stabs in 60(cases) patients as against conventional dural opening (open dural flap) and removal of acute subdural hematoma in 60(controls) patients during a period of 3 years (June 2006 to June 2009). A free bone flap was elevated and preserved. All patients had GCS (Glassgow Coma Scale) score of 8 and less. The elective ventilation and ICP monitoring was carried out in all patients. Most patients were young and males with a mean age of 30 years in both groups. The overall survival of the dural-stab group (case-study) was 78.3% with good recovery in 43.3% and a mortality of 21.6% (13/60) as compared to 40% survival in open dural flap (control) group with 11.6% good recovery and a mortality of 60% (36/60). The conventional (open dural flap) procedure to remove the clot proved dangerous in a traumatic “vent-searching” and edematous brain, restricted in a rigid cranial vault. This midway-approach, known in SKIMS as “dural-stabs”, between the only decompressive craniectomy and removal of acute subdural clot by open dural flap (conventional) method, proved much effective in increasing survival of low GCS and severe traumatic brain edema with acute subdural hematoma. In conclusion decompressive craniectomy alone is not sufficient and open dural flap is full of risk in such patients.

The incidence of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) has been increasing recently due to increased detection. The occurrence following evacuation of an acute subdural hematoma (SDH) is extremely rare. The exact mechanism of traumatic IVH in these cases has not been well documented; the erosion of the ventricular wall by adjacent hematoma has been described as the most plausible cause. The rupture of unsuspected vascular malformation following head injury has also been suggested.A case with a delayed IVH following evacuation of acute SDH is reported and the underlying pathophysiology is discussed. This entity needs to recognized and kept in mind as a potential cause of post surgical deterioration in such patients.

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“The Indian Journal of Neurotrauma is now published by Thieme Medical Publishers. Please contact Thieme publishers for further details.” The full Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal can be found at http://www.elsevier.com/locate/withdrawalpolicy .

Acute spontaneous subdural hematoma in a patient of multiple myeloma receiving chemotherapy is an unknown event, needing an urgent neurosurgical management. We report this patient who presented with progressive neurological deterioration and a low platelet count. She was successfully managed by craniotomy and evacuation of subdural hematoma with intraoperative transfusion of platelets. The acute spontaneous subdural hematoma in her was probably related to the bleeding diathesis due to thrombocytopenia associated with chemotherapy.

Acute traumatic subdural hematoma is a common condition. Cases of rapid resolution of acute subdural hematoma have seldom been reported in the literature. We are reporting one such case of 53 year-old-male admitted after road traffic accident. Patient became unconscious immediately after the accident. Computed Tomography (CT) done after one hour of accident showed an acute hyperdense subdural hematoma with low density area between skull and hematoma and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). He improved quite rapidly during transportation and became conscious at the time of admission in our hospital. Repeat CT scan done after 7 hours showed marked resolution of hematoma but there was evidence of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Another CT scan done after 72 hours of injury showed complete resolution of hematoma with evidence of SAH. Possible mechanism of spontaneous resolution of the hematoma in our case was dilution and washing-out of hematoma by the cerebrospinal fluid due to an arachnoid tear. Clinician should suspect possibility of resolving hematoma if CT scan shows presence of SAH and hypodensity between hematoma and skull. Such patients who do not deteriorate while awaiting surgery because of delay due to any reason should get a repeat CT scan before planning any surgical intervention.

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis is a rare type of stroke primarily affecting young women. Diagnosis is generally delayed or overlooked due to a wide spectrum of clinical symptoms. Subdural hematoma secondary to cerebral venous sinus thrombosis is very rare. We report a case of 40-year-old female with cerebral venous sinus thrombosis who presented to us with an acute subdural hematoma and subarachnoid hemorrhage besides venous infarct. Management of such patients is complicated due to the rarity of the condition and contraindication for the use of anticoagulation. We conducted a thorough literature search through PubMed and could find only nine cases of spontaneous subdural hematoma secondary to cerebral venous sinus thrombosis.

Rapidly resolving acute subdural hematoma is a rare condition reported infrequently in the literature. A 52 year old man presented with head injury following a road traffic accident. He was drowsy arousable with a GCS score of 13/15. His initial CT brain showed a 0.7mm thick right frontoparietal acute SDH which was managed conservatively. A repeat CT done after an interval of 48 hours showed complete resolution of the Acute SDH with bilateral subdural hypodense collections. He also had associated facial bone and ACF base fractures along with CSF rhinorrhea. Brief review of the literature and possible mechanisms of resolution are discussed.