Abstract TP137: Increased Survival of Malignant Middle Cerebral Artery Stroke Patients with Midline Shift and High Glasgow Coma Scale Undergoing Decompressive Hemicraniectomy

Intro: Ischemic stroke of the middle cerebral artery often results in malignant cerebral edema leading to rapid clinical decline and midline shift. Decompressive hemicraniectomy (DHC) has been shown to improve clinical outcome in cases of malignant infarct but indications of when to perform it have not been well classified. This study focuses on patients who suffered malignant middle cerebral artery (MMCA) infarct and entered with mild brain injury (initial Glasgow Coma Scale≥13). Survival rates were compared among patients who received DHC versus medical treatment with a focus on midline shift. Hypothesis: Patients entering for MMCA with a Glascow Coma Scale ≥13who develop midline shift will have reduced mortality due to DHC relative to those with an entirely medical treatment. Methods: Retrospective review was performed on all cases consulted for neurological surgery from 2007-2012 at University Hospital. Patients were selected on the criteria of MMCA infarct. Midline shifts used were recorded prior to surgery or in the absence of surgery, 2-4 days post infarct. The primary endpoint was mortality at discharge. Multiple regression analysis was performed comparing the patient outcome to the degree of midline shift and if DHC occurred. Results: In total, 91 patients were referred to neurological surgery and 34 qualified with an initial Glasgow Coma Scale ≥13. Of those, 10 received a DHC, all with a midline shift and a survival rate of 70% (7/10). Exclusively medical treatment was done on 24 patients, 7 had midline shift reported with a survival rate of 29% (2/7) and 17 with no shift had a survival rate of 100% (17/17).The total medical survival rate was 79% (19/24). Regression analysis showed statistical significance (p<0.05) with mortality as the dependent variable and degree of midline shift (mm) and if DHC occurred as independent variables with GraphPad InStat 3.10. Conclusion: A statistically significant increase in survival has been found with use of DHC for MMCA infarct patients with a high Glasgow Coma Scale who have midline shift.