Decompressive hemicraniectomy in acute ischemic stroke

INTRODUCTION: Cerebral edema is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in ischemic stroke patients. Decompressive hemicraniectomy may be beneficial to patients that fail to respond to medical treatment. In this study, clinical features and prognostic factors of patients that underwent decompressive hemicraniectomy due to acute ischemic stroke were evaluated. METHODS: We examined 21 ischemic stroke patients who underwent decompressive hemicraniectomy. Demographic features and neuroimaging findings were recorded. Functional status of patients were evaluated with modified Rankin Scale. Clinical features and neuroimaging findings of the patients who died were compared with the survivors during hospitalization. RESULTS: Twenty-one patiens were included in this study. Twelve of the patients were male, 9 were female. The mean age of these patiens was 58.7±8.2 (46 - 78). The main initial NIHSS score was 12.5±4.5. Territory of infarctions were supplied by middle cerebral arter in 17 patients, internal carotis arter in 4 patients. The mean time of decompressive hemicraniectomy was 2.9±2.5 days, hospitalization duration was 42.6±39.2 days. Five (% 23.8) patiens died in-hospital. There were no relation between clinical features, neuroimaging findings and mortality. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Decompressive hemicraniectomy is a significant treatment option for ischemic stroke patients who deteriorate despite receiving medical treatment.