Clinical evaluation of post-operative cerebral infarction in traumatic epidural haematoma

Abstract

Background: Patients with traumatic epidural haematoma, undergoing the prompt and correct treatment, usually have favourable outcomes. However, secondary cerebral infarction may be life-threatening condition, as it is difficult to be identified before neurological impairment occurs.

Objective: To evaluate the clinical data of patients with traumatic EDH and assess potential risk factors for post-operative cerebral infarction.

Methods: The clinical data of patients with traumatic EDH were collected and analysed retrospectively.

Results: The univariate analysis revealed 10 potential risk factors (the haematoma location, volume, the largest thickness and mid-line shift, basal cisterns compression, traumatic subarachnoid haemorrhage, pupil dilatation, pre-operative Glasgow Coma Scale score, ∆GCS and intraoperative brain pressure) for cerebral infarction with statistically significant difference. Of these factors, haematoma volume and basal cistern compression turned out to be the most significant risk factors through final multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Conclusion: The findings of this study can provide predictive factors for development of cerebral infarction and information for clinical decision-making and future studies.

Keywords: Traumatic brain injuries; cerebral infarction; decompressive craniectomy; epidural haematoma; vasospasm.