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Introduction: Cerebrovascular reactivity imaging (CVR) is a diagnostic method for assessment of alterations in cerebral blood flow in response to a controlled vascular stimulus. The principal utility is the capacity to evaluate the cerebrovascular reserve, thereby elucidating autoregulatory functioning. In CVR, CO 2 gas challenge is the most prevalent method, which elicits a vascular response by alterations in inspired CO 2 concentrations. While several systems have been proposed in the literature, only a limited number have been devised to operate in tandem with mechanical ventilation, thus constraining the majority CVR investigations to spontaneously breathing individuals., Methods: We have developed a new method, denoted Additional CO 2 , designed to enable CO 2 challenge in ventilators. The central idea is the introduction of an additional flow of highly concentrated CO 2 into the respiratory circuit, as opposed to administration of the entire gas mixture from a reservoir. By monitoring the main respiratory gas flow emanating from the ventilator, the CO 2 concentration in the inspired gas can be manipulated by adjusting the proportion of additional CO 2 . We evaluated the efficacy of this approach in (1) a ventilator coupled with a test lung and (2) in spontaneously breathing healthy subjects. The method was evaluated by assessment of the precision in attaining target inspired CO 2 levels and examination of its performance within a magnetic resonance imaging environment., Results and Discussion: Our investigations revealed that the Additional CO 2 method consistently achieved a high degree of accuracy in reaching target inspired CO 2 levels in both mechanical ventilation and spontaneous breathing. We anticipate that these findings will lay the groundwork for a broader implementation of CVR assessments in mechanically ventilated patients., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Magnusson, Engström, Georgiopoulos, Cedersund, Tobieson and Tisell.)

Objective: Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) along the perivascular space (ALPS) (DTI-ALPS)-by calculating the ALPS index, a ratio accentuating water diffusion in the perivascular space-has been proposed as a noninvasive, indirect MRI method for assessing glymphatic function. The main aim of this study was to investigate whether DTI-ALPS would reveal glymphatic dysfunction in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) and whether the ALPS index was associated with disease severity., Methods: Thirty iNPH patients (13 men; median age 77 years) and 27 healthy controls (10 men; median age 73 years) underwent MRI and clinical assessment with the Timed Up and Go test (TUG) and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE); only the patients were evaluated with the Hellström iNPH scale. MRI data were analyzed with the DTI-ALPS method and Radscale screening tool., Results: iNPH patients showed significantly lower mean ALPS index scores compared with healthy controls (median [interquartile range] 1.09 [1.00-1.15] vs 1.49 [1.36-1.59], p < 0.001). Female healthy controls showed significantly higher ALPS index scores than males in both hemispheres (e.g., right hemisphere 1.62 [1.47-1.67] vs 1.33 [1.14-1.41], p = 0.001). This sex difference was not seen in iNPH patients. The authors found a moderate exponential correlation between mean ALPS index score and motor function as measured with time required to complete TUG (r = -0.644, p < 0.001), number of steps to complete TUG (r = -0.571, p < 0.001), 10-m walk time (r = -0.637, p < 0.001), and 10-m walk steps (r = -0.588, p < 0.001). The authors also found a positive linear correlation between mean ALPS index score and MMSE score (r = 0.416, p = 0.001). Simple linear regression showed a significant effect of diagnosis (B = -0.39, p < 0.001, R2 = 0.459), female sex (B = 0.232, p = 0.002, R2 = 0.157), and Evans index (B = -4.151, p < 0.001, R2 = 0.559) on ALPS index. Multiple linear regression, including diagnosis, sex, and Evans index score, showed a higher predictive value (R2 = 0.626) than analysis of each of these factors alone., Conclusions: The ALPS index, which was significantly decreased in iNPH patients, could serve as a marker of disease severity, both clinically and in terms of neuroimaging. However, it is important to consider the significant influence of biological sex and ventriculomegaly on the ALPS index, which raises the question of whether the ALPS index solely reflects glymphatic function or if it also encompasses other types of injury. Future studies are needed to address potential confounding factors and further validate the ALPS method.

Introduction: One of the major goals of neurointensive care is to prevent secondary injuries following aSAH. Bed rest and patient immobilization are practiced in order to decrease the risk of DCI., Research Question: To explore the current practices in place concerning the management of patients with aSAH, specifically, protocols and habits regarding restrictions of mobilization and HOB positioning., Material and Methods: A survey was designed, modified, and approved by the panel of the Trauma & Critical Care section of the EANS to cover the practice of restrictions of patient mobilization and HOB positioning in patients with aSAH., Results: Twenty-nine physicians from 17 countries completed the questionnaire. The majority (79.3%) stated that non-secured aneurysm and the presence of an EVD were the factors related to the establishment of restriction of mobilization. The average duration of the restriction varied widely ranging between 1 and 21 days. The presence of an EVD (13.8%) was found to be the main reason to recommend restriction of HOB elevation. The average duration of restriction of HOB positioning ranged between 3 and 14 days. Rebleeding or complications related to CSF over-drainage were found to be related to these restrictions., Discussion and Conclusion: Restriction of patient mobilization regimens vary widely in Europe. Current limited evidence does not support an increased risk of DCI rather the early mobilization might be beneficial. Large prospective studies and/or the initiative of a RCT are needed to understand the significance of early mobilization on the outcome of patients with aSAH., Competing Interests: The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests:Iftakher Hossain reports financial support was provided by The 10.13039/100008723Finnish Medical Foundation, The 10.13039/501100004212Päivikki and Sakari Sohlberg Foundation, The 10.13039/501100007417Paulo Foundation, The 10.13039/501100003125Finnish Cultural Foundation. Lovisa Tobiesson reports financial support was provided by The 10.13039/501100008590Swedish Stroke Association, Swedish State Support for Clinical Research. Elham Rostami reports financial support was provided by Wallenberg Clinical Fellow, Swedish government and the County Councils, The ALF agreement., (© 2023 The Authors.)

Objective: To investigate long-term survival, neurologic outcome, and quality of life in patients with spontaneous supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) treated with craniotomy and hematoma evacuation., Methods: A nationwide multicenter retrospective analysis of 341 patients who underwent craniotomy and evacuation of supratentorial ICH between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2015, was performed. Baseline characteristics associated with 6-month mortality and long-term mortality were investigated. Survivors received a questionnaire about their state of health from which EuroQol 5D (EQ-5D) and modified Rankin scale (mRS) were obtained. Predictors of mortality, unfavorable outcome, and life quality were analyzed., Results: The mean follow-up time was 55.2 months. Predictors of 6-month mortality in multiple regression analysis were age ≥75 years, previous myocardial infarction, lower level of consciousness, and mechanical ventilation. Predictors of long-term mortality were higher age and mechanical ventilation. At follow-up, 49.5% of survivors had a favorable neurologic outcome (mRS ≤3). Predictors of an unfavorable functional outcome were higher age and ICH volume ≥50 mL. The mean EQ-5D health index was 0.719, and the mean EQ-5D visual analog scale score was 53.9. In multiple regression, only a higher mRS score was significantly associated with worse life quality., Conclusions: Knowledge about survival, functional outcome, and life quality as well as their predictors in this specific patient group is previously primarily described in short-term follow-up. This multicenter study provides novel information in the long-term perspective, which is important for improved surgical decision-making and prognostication., (Copyright © 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Conditions involving intracranial vascular anomalies are increasingly diagnosed, not least incidentally, with the increasing availability of neuroradiological investigations. Acute deterioration and development of symptoms due to a vascular condition could require neurosurgical intervention depending on the nature of the condition and status of the patient. On the other hand, asymptomatic patients with incidental findings require careful consideration and risk assessment when deciding on whether or not to treat the condition, and if so, how. In this review article we provide a summary of some of the most common neurosurgical vascular conditions and outline management considerations in both the acute and elective setting.

Introduction: Cranioplasty (CP) after decompressive craniectomy (DC) is a common neurosurgical procedure. Implementation of European Union (EU) directives recommending bacterial cultures before cryopreservation, lead to increased number of autologous bone flaps being discarded due to positive cultures. A new method for handling bone flaps prior to cryopreservation, including the use of pulsed lavage, was developed., Research Question: The aim was to evaluate the effect of a new method on proportion of positive bacterial cultures and surgical site infection (SSI) following CP surgery., Material and Methods: Sixty-one bone flaps from 53 consecutive DC surgery patients were retrospectively included and the study period was divided into before and after method implementation. Patient demographics, laboratory and culture results, type of CP and occurrence of SSI were analyzed., Results: Twenty-six and 18 bone flaps were available for analysis during the first and second period, respectively. The proportion of positive bacterial cultures was higher in the first period compared to the second (n ​= ​9(35%) vs 0(0%); p ​= ​0.001), and thus the use of custom made implants was considerably higher in the first study period (p ​= ​0.001). There was no difference in the frequency of post-cranioplasty SSI between the first and second study period (n ​= ​3 (11.5%) vs 1 (4.8%), p ​= ​0.408)., Discussion and Conclusion: The new method for handling bone flaps resulted in a lower frequency of positive bacterial cultures, without increased frequency of post-cranioplasty SSI, thus demonstrating it is safe to use, allows compliance with the EU-directives, and may reduce unnecessary discarding of bone flaps., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2022 The Authors.)

Background: Treatment options for spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) are limited. A possible inflammatory response in the brain tissue surrounding an ICH may exacerbate the initial injury and could be a target for treatment of subsequent secondary brain injury. The study objective was to compare levels of inflammatory mediators in the interstitial fluid of the perihemorrhagic zone (PHZ) and in seemingly normal cortex (SNX) in the acute phase after surgical evacuation of ICH, with the hypothesis being that a difference could be demonstrated between the PHZ and the SNX., Methods: In this observational study, ten patients needing surgical evacuation of supratentorial ICH received two cerebral microdialysis catheters: one in the PHZ and one in the SNX that is remote from the ICH. The microdialysate was analyzed for energy metabolites (including lactate pyruvate ratio and glucose) and for inflammatory mediators by using a multiplex immunoassay of 27 cytokines and chemokines at 6-10 h, 20-26 h, and 44-50 h after surgery., Results: A metabolic crisis, indicated by altered energy metabolic markers, that persisted throughout the observation period was observed in the PHZ when compared with the SNX. Proinflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL) 8, tumor necrosis factor α, IL-2, IL-1β, IL-6 and interferon γ, anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-13, IL-4, and vascular endothelial growth factor A were significantly higher in PHZ compared with SNX and were most prominent at 20-26 h following ICH evacuation., Conclusions: Higher levels of both proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in the perihemorrhagic brain tissue implies a complex role for inflammatory mediators in the secondary injury cascades following ICH surgery, suggesting a need for targeted pharmacological interventions., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

Introduction: Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is becoming an increasingly widespread treatment for hydrocephalus, but research is primarily based on paediatric populations. In 2009, Kulkarni et al created the ETV Success score to predict the outcome of ETV in children. The purpose of this study is to create a prognostic model to predict the success of ETV for adult patients with hydrocephalus. The ability to predict who will benefit from an ETV will allow better primary patient selection both for ETV and shunting. This would reduce additional second procedures due to primary treatment failure. A success score specific for adults could also be used as a communication tool to provide better information and guidance to patients., Methods and Analysis: The study will adhere to the Transparent Reporting of a multivariable prediction model for Individual Prognosis Or Diagnosis reporting guidelines and conducted as a retrospective chart review of all patients≥18 years of age treated with ETV at the participating centres between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2018. Data collection is conducted locally in a standardised database. Univariate analysis will be used to identify several strong predictors to be included in a multivariate logistic regression model. The model will be validated using K-fold cross validation. Discrimination will be assessed using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) and calibration with calibration belt plots., Ethics and Dissemination: The study is approved by appropriate ethics or patient safety boards in all participating countries., Trial Registration Number: NCT04773938; Pre-results., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2022. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is the most devastating form of stroke. To refine treatments, improved understanding of the secondary injury processes is needed. We compared energy metabolic, amyloid and neuroaxonal injury biomarkers in extracellular fluid (ECF) from the perihemorrhagic zone (PHZ) and non-injured (NCX) brain tissue, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma. Patients (n = 11; age 61 ± 10 years) undergoing ICH surgery received two microdialysis (MD) catheters, one in PHZ, and one in NCX. ECF was analysed at three time intervals within the first 60 h post- surgery, as were CSF and plasma samples. Amyloid-beta (Aβ) 40 and 42, microtubule associated protein tau (tau), and neurofilament-light (NF-L) were analysed using Single molecule array (Simoa) technology. Median biomarker concentrations were lowest in plasma, higher in ECF and highest in CSF. Biomarker levels varied over time, with different dynamics in the three fluid compartments. In the PHZ, ECF levels of Aβ40 were lower, and tau higher when compared to the NCX. Altered levels of Aβ peptides, NF-L and tau may reflect brain tissue injury following ICH surgery. However, the dynamics of biomarker levels in the different fluid compartments should be considered in the study of pathophysiology or biomarkers in ICH patients., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

Background: Cerebral microdialysis (CMD) is a minimally invasive technique for sampling the interstitial fluid in human brain tissue. CMD allows monitoring the metabolic state of tissue, as well as sampling macromolecules such as proteins and peptides. Recovery of proteins or peptides can be hampered by their adsorption to the CMD membrane as has been previously shown in-vitro , however, protein adsorption to CMD membranes has not been characterized following implantation in human brain tissue., Methods: In this paper, we describe the pattern of proteins adsorbed to CMD membranes compared to that of the microdialysate and of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). We retrieved CMD membranes from three surgically treated intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) patients, and analyzed protein adsorption to the membranes using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) in combination with nano-liquid mass spectrometry. We compared the proteome profile of three compartments; the CMD membrane, the microdialysate and ventricular CSF collected at time of CMD removal., Results: We found unique protein patterns in the molecular weight range of 10-35 kDa for each of the three compartments., Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of analyzing the membranes in addition to the microdialysate when using CMD to sample proteins for biomarker investigation., Competing Interests: Competing interestsThe authors declare that they have no competing interests., (© The Author(s) 2020.)

Objective: The authors aimed to develop the first clinical grading scale for patients with surgically treated spontaneous supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH)., Methods: A nationwide multicenter study including 401 ICH patients surgically treated by craniotomy and evacuation of a spontaneous supratentorial ICH was conducted between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2015. All neurosurgical centers in Sweden were included. All medical records and neuroimaging studies were retrospectively reviewed. Independent predictors of 30-day mortality were identified by logistic regression. A risk stratification scale (the Surgical Swedish ICH [SwICH] Score) was developed using weighting of independent predictors based on strength of association., Results: Factors independently associated with 30-day mortality were Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score (p = 0.00015), ICH volume ≥ 50 mL (p = 0.031), patient age ≥ 75 years (p = 0.0056), prior myocardial infarction (MI) (p = 0.00081), and type 2 diabetes (p = 0.0093). The Surgical SwICH Score was the sum of individual points assigned as follows: GCS score 15-13 (0 points), 12-5 (1 point), 4-3 (2 points); age ≥ 75 years (1 point); ICH volume ≥ 50 mL (1 point); type 2 diabetes (1 point); prior MI (1 point). Each increase in the Surgical SwICH Score was associated with a progressively increased 30-day mortality (p = 0.0002). No patient with a Surgical SwICH Score of 0 died, whereas the 30-day mortality rates for patients with Surgical SwICH Scores of 1, 2, 3, and 4 were 5%, 12%, 31%, and 58%, respectively., Conclusions: The Surgical SwICH Score is a predictor of 30-day mortality in patients treated surgically for spontaneous supratentorial ICH. External validation is needed to assess the predictive value as well as the generalizability of the Surgical SwICH Score.

Background: We hypothesized that reduced cerebral blood flow (CBF) and/or energy metabolic disturbances exist in the tissue surrounding a surgically evacuated intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). If present, such CBF and/or metabolic impairments may contribute to ongoing tissue injury and the modest clinical efficacy of ICH surgery., Objective: To conduct an observational study of CBF and the energy metabolic state in the perihemorrhagic zone (PHZ) tissue and in seemingly normal cortex (SNX) by microdialysis (MD) following surgical ICH evacuation., Methods: We evaluated 12 patients (median age 64; range 26-71 yr) for changes in CBF and energy metabolism following surgical ICH evacuation using Xenon-enhanced computed tomography (n = 10) or computed tomography perfusion (n = 2) for CBF and dual MD catheters, placed in the PHZ and the SNX at ICH surgery., Results: CBF was evaluated at a mean of 21 and 58 h postsurgery. In the hemisphere ipsilateral to the ICH, CBF improved between the investigations (36.6 ± 20 vs 40.6 ± 20 mL/100 g/min; P < .05). In total, 1026 MD samples were analyzed for energy metabolic alterations including glucose and the lactate/pyruvate ratio (LPR). The LPR was persistently elevated in the PHZ compared to the SNX region (P < .05). LPR elevations in the PHZ were predominately type II (pyruvate normal-high; indicating mitochondrial dysfunction) as opposed to type I (pyruvate low; indicating ischemia) at 4 to 48 h (70% vs 30%) and at 49 to 84 h (79% vs 21%; P < .05) postsurgery., Conclusion: Despite normalization of CBF following ICH evacuation, an energy metabolic disturbance suggestive of mitochondrial dysfunction persists in the perihemorrhagic zone., (© Congress of Neurological Surgeons 2018.)

Background: Supratentorial intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) carries an excessive mortality and morbidity. Although surgical ICH treatment can be life-saving, the indications for surgery in larger cohorts of ICH patients are controversial and not well defined. We hypothesised that surgical indications vary substantially among neurosurgical centres in Sweden., Objective: In this nation-wide retrospective observational study, differences in treatment strategies among all neurosurgical departments in Sweden were evaluated., Methods: Patient records, neuroimaging and clinical outcome focused on 30-day mortality were collected on each operated ICH patient treated at any of the six neurosurgical centres in Sweden from 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2015., Results: In total, 578 consecutive surgically treated ICH patients were evaluated. There was a similar incidence of surgical treatment among different neurosurgical catchment areas. Patient selection for surgery was similar among the centres in terms of patient age, pre-operative level of consciousness and co-morbidities, but differed in ICH volume, proportion of deep-seated vs. lobar ICH and pre-operative signs of herniation (p < .05). Post-operative patient management strategies, including the use of ICP-monitoring, CSF-drainage and mechanical ventilation, varied among centres (p < .05). The 30-day mortality ranged between 10 and 28%., Conclusions: Although indications for surgical treatment of ICH in the six Swedish neurosurgical centres were homogenous with regard to age and pre-operative level of consciousness, important differences in ICH volume, proportion of deep-seated haemorrhages and pre-operative signs of herniation were observed, and there was a substantial variability in post-operative management. The present results reflect the need for refined evidence-based guidelines for surgical management of ICH.

Background: Traumatic acute subdural hematomas (ASDHs) are associated with high rate of morbidity and mortality, especially in elderly individuals. However, recent reports indicate that the morbidity and mortality rates might have improved., Objective: To evaluate postoperative (30-d) mortality in younger vs elderly (≥70 yr) patients with ASDH. Comparing younger and elderly patients, the secondary objectives are morbidity patterns of care and 6 mo outcome according to Glasgow outcome scale (GOS). Finally, in patients with traumatic ASDH, we aim to provide prognostic variables., Methods: This is a large-scale population-based Scandinavian study including all neurosurgical departments in Denmark and Sweden. All adult (≥18 yr) patients surgically treated between 2010 and 2014 for a traumatic ASDH in Denmark and Sweden will be included. Identification at clinicaltrials.gov is NCT03284190., Expected Outcomes: We expect to provide data on potential differences between younger vs elderly patients in terms of mortality and morbidity. We hypothesize that elderly patients selected for surgery have a similar pattern of care as compared with younger patients. We will provide functional outcome in terms of GOS at 6 mo in younger vs elderly patients undergoing ASDH evacuation. Finally, clinical useful prognostic factors for favorable (GOS 4-5) vs unfavorable (GOS 1-3) will be identified., Discussion: An improved understanding of the clinical outcome, treatment and resource allocation, clinical course, and the prognostic factors of traumatic ASDH will allow neurosurgeons to make better treatment decisions., (Copyright © 2018 by the Congress of Neurological Surgeons.)

The secondary injury cascades exacerbating the initial brain injury following intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) are incompletely understood. We used dual microdialysis (MD) catheters placed in the perihaemorrhagic zone (PHZ) and in seemingly normal cortex (SNX) at time of surgical ICH evacuation in ten patients (range 26-70 years). Routine interstitial MD markers (including glucose and the lactate/pyruvate ratio) were analysed and remaining microdialysate was analysed by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) and nano-liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (nLC-MS/MS). Two time intervals were analysed; median 2-10 hours post-surgery (time A) and median 68-76 hours post-ICH onset (time B). Using 2-DE, we quantified 232 ± 31 different protein spots. Two proteins differed between the MD catheters at time A, and 12 proteins at time B (p < 0.05). Thirteen proteins were significantly altered between time A and time B in the SNX and seven proteins in the PHZ, respectively. Using nLC-MS/MS ca 800 proteins were identified out of which 76 were present in all samples. At time A one protein was upregulated and two downregulated, and at time B, seven proteins were upregulated, and four downregulated in the PHZ compared to the SNX. Microdialysis-based proteomics is feasible for study of secondary injury mechanisms and discovery of biomarkers after ICH.

Introduction: Patients with thalamic hemorrhage, depressed level of consciousness and/or signs of elevated intracranial pressure may be treated with neurocritical care (NCC) and external ventricular drainage (EVD) for release of cerebrospinal fluid., Methods: Forty-three patients with thalamic hemorrhage treated with NCC from 1990 to 1994 (n = 21) and from 2005-2009 (n = 22) were evaluated. Outcome was assessed using the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score at discharge from our unit and the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) for long-term outcome., Results: Patients' age was 59.5 ± 7 years in 1990-1994, and 58.2 ± 9 years in 2005-2009. The median (25th and 75th percentile) GCS score on admission for the two time periods was 9 (6-12) and 9 (4-14), respectively. Long-term follow-up was assessed at a mean of 37.1 (range 19-65) months after disease onset for the 1990-1994 cohort and at 37.4 (range 14-58) months for the 2005-2009 cohort. Compared to patients from 1990 to 1994, patients from 2005 to 2009 had a significantly better outcome (median mRS [25th and 75th percentile]: 5 [4-6] vs. 4 [2-4.5]; p < 0.01). Most patients (13/21, 62 %) treated from 1990 to 1994 had unchanged or lower GCS scores during their NCC stay in contrast to 7/22 (32 %) from 2005 to 2009. At the last follow-up, 13/21 (62 %) patients from 1990 to 1994 were dead in comparison to 4/21 (19 %) from 2005 to 2009 (p < 0.05). Negative prognostic factors were the 120 h post-admission GCS score in the 1990-1994 patient cohort (p = 0.07) and high age in the recent cohort (p = 0.04)., Conclusions: Patients with thalamic hemorrhage and depressed level of consciousness on admission had a worse outcome in the early 1990s compared with the late 2000s, which may at least be partially attributed to refined neurocritical care.

Background: Although large spontaneous cerebellar haematomas are associated with high mortality, surgical treatment may be life-saving. We evaluated the clinical outcome and identified prognostic factors in 76 patients with cerebellar haematoma, all treated with suboccipital decompression, haematoma evacuation and external ventricular drainage., Methods: Patients receiving surgical and neurocritical care treatment within a 10-year period were included. Level of consciousness during hospitalisation was evaluated using the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score. Outcome was assessed with the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Predictive prognostic factors were analysed using univariate and multivariate regression analysis., Results: Prior to surgery, the median GCS score was 8.6 (range 3-13). At discharge it had improved to 12.1 (4-15) (p < 0.05). The median long-term follow-up period was 70.5 (22-124) months. At 6 months post-surgery, 19 patients were dead and 28 patients had a good outcome (mRS < 3). In the long term (70.5 months), 31 patients (41.9 %) were dead and the outcome was good in 27 patients (37.8 %). Although approximately 25 % of patients >65 years old had a favourable outcome, age was the strongest negative predictor for a bad outcome at 6 months and long term (p = 0.02 and p = 0.01, respectively). The level of consciousness before surgery did not influence the 6-month or long-term outcome (p = 0.39 and p = 0.65, respectively)., Conclusions: Although mortality was high, significant complications from the treatment were rare and most survivors had a good outcome, reaching functional independence. High age was the strongest prognostic factor for an unfavourable outcome.

Background: There are limited data on the long-term outcome and on factors influencing the prognosis in patients with cerebellar infarcts treated with surgical decompression., Methods: Thirty-two patients (age 64.3 ± 9.9 years) with expansive unilateral cerebellar infarcts were retrospectively evaluated. All patients were treated with ventriculostomy, suboccipital decompressive craniectomy and removal of the necrotic tissue. The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and the Reaction Level Scale (RLS) scores evaluated the level of consciousness during hospitalization, while the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) was used for the 6-month and long-term outcome. Predicting factors were analyzed using a univariate logistic regression model., Results: The median time from ictus to surgery was 48.4 h (range 8-120 h). Before surgery, the median GCS score was 9 (3-13). At discharge, the GCS score improved to 13.6 (7-15) (p < 0.05 compared to preoperative scores). At the long-term follow-up (median 67.5 months), ten patients were dead, and 77% of survivors had a good outcome (mRS score of ≤2). The number of days on a ventilator and the GCS score prior to surgery and at discharge were strong predictors of clinical outcome (p < 0.05), although one third of patients with a GCS ≤ 8 at the time of surgery had a good long-term outcome. In patients ≥70 years old, 50% had a good long-term outcome, and advanced age was not associated with a bad result (p > 0.05)., Conclusions: Our results imply that surgical evacuation of significant cerebellar infarctions may be considered also in patients with advanced age and/or a decreased level of consciousness.