TITLE:
Conservative Plan for Post Traumatic Extradural Hematoma: Risk Factors Favouring Conversion to Surgery
AUTHORS:
Ahmed El-Fiki, Ehab Abdel Halem
KEYWORDS:
Traumatic Brain Injury, Extradural, Hematoma, Conservative, Conversion, Surgery
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Modern Neurosurgery,
Vol.8 No.3,
July
25,
2018
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Extradural hematoma (EDH) is considered one of the most serious and recognized secondary insults of traumatic brain injury (TBI). We will analyse the data of cases required conversion from a conservative to a surgical management and identify the possible patient and disease related risk factors in such cases. Patients and Methods: This prospective study included 90 patients with traumatic EDH, admitted to the Neurotrauma department in Cairo University hospitals from March 2014 to August 2016. Their CT scans reveal EDH alone or with associated cerebral lesions initially fitting the criteria of conservative management. Results: The commonest site is frontal in 21 patients (23.3%), followed by parietotemporal in 18 patients (20%). While Posterior fossa hematomas occurred in 3 cases, which was the least common site (3.3%). The mean size of the EDH was 17.02 ml, with a standard deviation of 6.29 ml. The minimum size was 2 ml and a maximum of 28 ml. The cut off value of the size of the hematoma requiring conversion to a surgical management was 19 ml. Conclusion: Clear indications of EDH evacuation have been well known, however studying which risk factors are more liable to convert conservative management plan to evacuation is important. Increased caution and closer monitoring are required when the size of the hematoma is >19 ml or the hematoma is overlying a venous sinus. Unlike coagulopathy which was found to be a potential risk factor, but larger number study is needed.