Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Decompressive hemicraniectomy after malignant middle cerebral artery infarction: rationale and contr

Neurosurgical FOCUS, Volume 30, Issue 6, Page E18, June 2011.

Omar M. Arnaout, M.D., Salah G. Aoun, M.D., H. Hunt Batjer, M.D., and Bernard R. Bendok, M.D. Malignant middle cerebral artery stroke carries a very poor prognosis. Significant retrospective data support the hypothesis that decompressive hemicraniectomy decreases mortality rates due to this disease entity. Recently, 3 randomized controlled studies have been published and shed light on these issues and enhance the quality of evidence revolving around this procedure. In this review, the rationale, risks, benefits, and unanswered questions related to hemicraniectomy for acute ischemic stroke are reviewed with an emphasis on how 3 randomized trials have influenced knowledge on this life-saving yet controversial procedure. Further randomized studies are needed to clarify lingering questions regarding age indications and impact on quality of life.





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