Few investigators have used robust analytic methods to assess risk factors and outcomes for surgical site infections (SSIs) after craniotomy and craniectomy (CRANI) procedures. We performed a retrospective study among patients undergoing CRANI procedures between 2006 and 2010 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (UIHC) to assess the effect of an intervention (e.g., limiting Gliadel wafer use among patients with malignant brain tumors) on the trend of SSI rates, to identify independent risk factors for SSIs, and to evaluate one-year postoperative patient outcomes associated with these SSIs. We abstracted demographic data and clinical data from medical records or from the UIHC's Health information Management System. We identified 104 patients with SSIs and selected 312 controls. Of SSIs, 88% were deep incisional or organ space infections, 70% were identified after patients were discharged from their initial hospitalizations, 32% were caused by Staphylococcus aureus alone or in combination with other organisms, and 27% were caused by Gram-negative organisms alone or in combination with other organisms. Significant independent risk factors for SSIs were: previous chemotherapy (odds ratio [OR], 10.0; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1, 92.1), preoperative length of stay ≥ 1 day (OR, 2.1; 95% CI 1.3, 3.5), preoperative serum glucose ≥ 100 mg/dL (OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.0, 3.0), Gliadel® wafer use (OR, 8.6; 95% CI 3.2, 23.1), and postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak (OR, 4.0; 95% CI, 1.6, 10.3). Gliadel® wafer use was the strongest risk factor; however, limiting Gliadel® wafer use did not decrease SSI rate significantly among patients with brain tumors. Perioperative ventricular drains or lumbar drains were not independently associated with an increased risk of SSIs, but drains may have clinical significance. An SSI risk index that included the significant preoperative patient-related risk factors had a better predictive power than the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) risk index. After adjusting for preoperative length of stay, age, comorbidity score, severity of illness score, the reason for the procedure, and procedure month, patients with SSIs were hospitalized longer postoperatively than were controls during their readmissions (2.3 days; P < 0.0001). After controlling for the same covariates and treating SSI as a time-varying factor, patients with SSIs were more likely than controls to: die (hazard ratio [HR], 3.3; 95% CI, 1.8, 5.8), be readmitted (HR, 4.1; 95% CI, 2.9, 5.8), and have reoperations (HR, 56.6; 95% CI, 38.1, 84.0). In conclusion, surgeons could predict patients' risk of SSIs based on their preoperative risk factors and surgeons could modify some processes of care to lower the SSI risk. Preventing SSIs after CRANI procedures could improve patient outcomes and decrease healthcare utilization.

Severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI) is a cause of death and disability worldwide and requires treatment at specialized neuro-intensive care units (NICU) with a multimodal monitoring approach. The CT scan imaging supports the monitoring and diagnostics. The level of S100B and neuron specific enolase (NSE) reflects the severity of the injury. The therapy resistant intracranial hypertension requires decompressive craniectomy (DC). After DC, the cranium must be reconstructed to recreate the normal intracranial physiology as well as to address cosmetic issues. The evolution of the pathological intracranial changes was analyzed in accordance with the three CT classifications: Marshall, Rotterdam and Morris-Marshall. The Rotterdam scale was best in describing the dynamics of the pathological evolution. Both the Rotterdam score and Morris- Marshall classification showed strong correlation with the clinical outcome, a finding that suggests that they could be used for prognostication. We demonstrated a clear correlation between the CT classifications and concentrations of S100B and NSE. The results revealed a concomitant correlation between NSE and S100B and clinical outcome. We found that the interaction between the ICP, Rotterdam CT classification, and concentrations of biochemical biomarkers are all associated with DC. We found a high percentage of complications following cranioplasty. Our results call into question whether custom-made allograft should be considered the best material for cranioplasty. It is concluded that both the Rotterdam and Morris-Marshall classification contribute to clinical evaluation of intracranial dynamics after sTBI, and might be used in combination with biochemical biomarkers for better assessment. The decision to perform DC should include a re-assesment of ICP evolution, CT scan images and concentration of the biochemical biomarkers. Furthermore, when determining whether DC treatment should be used, surgeon should also consider the risks of the following cranioplasty.

Submitted by Fabio Sobreira Campos da Costa (fabio.sobreira@ufpe.br) on 2017-07-25T12:32:10Z No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 811 bytes, checksum: e39d27027a6cc9cb039ad269a5db8e34 (MD5) Angelo-tese doutorado.pdf: 2038180 bytes, checksum: be401d99f221bbdf4a8d892feb579538 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-07-25T12:32:10Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 811 bytes, checksum: e39d27027a6cc9cb039ad269a5db8e34 (MD5) Angelo-tese doutorado.pdf: 2038180 bytes, checksum: be401d99f221bbdf4a8d892feb579538 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-11-24 / Introdução: A incidência de hidrocefalia pós craniectomia descompressiva(CD) em pacientes com traumatismo cranioencefálico(TCE) é entre 0-45% segundo a literatura. A hidrocefalia traz prejuízos ao prognóstico neurológico e demanda reconhecimento clínico precoce. Existem diversas variáveis radiológicas e clínicas descritas com associação ao risco de hidrocefalia. Para estudar a influência desses fatores conduzimos um estudo retrospectivo, observacional em um centro terciário de atendimento a pacientes com TCE com foco principal na análise do volume de herniação transcraniana (VHTC) após CD. Métodos: selecionamos 50 pacientes que realizaram CD para TCE entre janeiro de 2014 e janeiro de 2015. Hidrocefalia foi reconhecida e definida na presença de critérios radiológicos de Gudeman, indicação de derivação ventricular, e na mensuração do Índice de Evans modificado maior que 33%. Analisamos as seguintes variáveis: Idade, Sexo, Escala de Coma de Glasgow à admissão, reatividade pupilar, índice de Zunkeller, presença de higroma, VHCE, diâmetro da craniectomia e distância da craniectomia em relação à linha média. Regressão logística foi utilizada definindo o desfecho com ou sem hidrocefalia como medida de análise. Resultados: 17 pacientes desenvolveram hidrocefalia (34%). VHCE após CD (p<0.001), Higroma subdural (p<0.001) ), Escala de coma de Glasgow abaixo de 6( p=0.015), sinais de herniação uncal(p=0.042) e maior valor no índice de Zumkeller(p=0.04) foram associados com o desenvolvimento de hidrocefalia pós-CD. Regressão logística demonstrou que entre essas variáveis as que foram consideradas como fatores de risco independente são o VHTC (OR 11.08; 95%IC 2.10,58.4; p=0.004) e a presença de higroma (OR 49.59; 95%IC 4.1,459;p=0.002). Conclusões: Observamos uma forte associação entre a severidade do TCE, o volume de herniação cerebral transcraniana e presença de higroma subdural com o desenvolvimento de hidrocefalia. Pacientes com esses achados devem ser acompanhados rigorosamente visando evitar prejuízo clínico. / In patients undergoing decompressive craniectomy(DC) for traumatic brain injury(TBI) there has been reported an incidence of hydrocephalus between 0-45%. Hydrocephalus affects long term survival and needs a prompt and correct diagnosis. There are several radiological and clinical features described in association with development of hydrocephalus. For study the influence of these factors we conducted a retrospective observational single-center cohort study in a tertiary care center with special attention to the transcalvarial brain herniation volume(TCH) after DC. Methods: We selected 50 patients that underwent DC after closed head injury between january 2014 and January 2015. Hydrocephalus was defined as a modified frontal horn index greater than 33%, Gudeman CT scan criteria or insertion of ventriculoperitoneal Shunt. Variables we analyzed were: age, post-resuscitation Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, pupil reactivity, Zunkeller index, presence of hygroma, TCH volume, craniectomy diameter and distance of craniectomy from midline. Logistic regression was used with hydrocephalus as the primary outcome measure. Results: 17 patients developed hydrocephalus(34%). TCH volume after decompression ( p<0.001), subdural hygroma ( p ), lower admission Glasgow Coma Scale score ( p=0.015), unilateral pupil reactivity(p=0.042) and higher Zumkeller index(p=0.044) were significant risk factors for hydrocephalus after decompressive craniectomy. Logistic regression analysis showed that factors independently associated with the development of hydrocephalus was the TCH volume (odds ratio 11.08; 95%CI 2.10, 58.4; p = 0.0046), and presence of hygroma (odds ratio 49.59; 95%IC 4.1, 459; p=0.002). Conclusions: There is a clear association between severity of TBI, TCH volume and subdural hygroma with the development of hydrocephalus. Clinicians should follow closely patients with those findings in order to avoid late deterioration.

Introdução e Objetivos: A craniectomia descompressiva com duroplastia (CDD) reduz a mortalidade e melhora o prognóstico funcional em doentes com acidente vascular encefálico isquêmico (AVEi) hemisférico e proporciona a redução da pressão intracraniana. Entretanto, pouco se sabe sobre sua repercussão na hemodinâmica cerebral. O objetivo do presente trabalho é o de avaliar com a tomografia computadorizada com estudo de perfusão (TCP) as alterações hemodinâmicas nos doentes com AVEi após a CDD e identificar possíveis marcadores prognósticos substitutos. Métodos: Foram avaliados 27 doentes com AVEi com indicação de CDD. Os parâmetros hemodinâmicos da TCP estudados no período pré-operatório e em até 24h após a cirurgia foram: duração média de trânsito (DMT), volume sanguíneo encefálico (VSE) e fluxo sanguíneo encefálico (FSE). O desfecho primário utilizado foi a melhora ou a ausência de melhora hemodinâmica. Os desfechos secundários foram a escala de Rankin modificada em seis meses, dicotomizada como favorável (0-3) ou desfavorável (4-6); casos fatais em um mês e em seis meses. Resultados: 18 (70,3%) doentes eram do sexo feminino e 12 (44,4%) tinham idade superior a 55 anos. Houve melhora da DMT (queda de 8,74 para 8,24, p=0,01) e tendência a melhora do FSE (aumento de 22,37 para 25,26, p=0,06) após a CDD. Não houve diferença estatística em relação ao VSC (aumento de 2,14 para 2,26, p=0,33). A idade superior a 55 anos foi o preditor independente de prognóstico desfavorável (p=0,03) e a DMT pré-operatória, foi preditora hemodinâmica para mortalidade em seis meses (8,20 vs 9,23, p=0,04). Conclusões: A craniectomia descompressiva com expansão dural determinou melhora hemodinâmica na maioria dos doentes com AVEi hemisférico. A DTM préoperatória é um bom marcador substituto para a possibilidade de óbito em seis meses / Background and Objectives: Decompressive craniectomy (DC) reduces the mortality and improves the functional outcome in patients with malignant cerebral infarction (MCI). This procedure causes a decrease of the intracranial pressure, however, little is known about its impact in brain hemodynamics. Therefore, our goal is to study through CT perfusion the hemodynamics changes that may occur in patients with MCI after the DC. Methods: 27 patients with MCI treated with DC were studied. The CT perfusion hemodynamic parameters - the mean transit time (MTT), the cerebral blood volume (CBV) and cerebral blood flow (CBF) - were evaluated preoperatively and within the first 24 hours after the DC. The primary outcome measure was improvement or lack of improvement in cerebral hemodynamics. Secondary outcomes were the modified Rankin scale in 6 months, classified as favorable (0-3) and unfavorable (4-6); and, fatal cases at 1 month and 6 months. Results: 18 (70.3%) patients were female and 12 (44.4%) were older than 55 years. There was improvement of MTT (decrease from 8.74 to 8.24, p = 0.01) and a trend towards improvement of the CBF (increase from 22.37 to 25.26, p = 0.06) after DC. There was no statistical difference in the CBV before and after DC (increase from 2.14 to 2.26, p = 0.33). Patients over 55 years had poorer prognosis (p=0.03) and preoperative MTT was an independent hemodynamic predictor of mortality at 6 months (8.20 vs 9.23, p=0.04). Conclusions: DC improved cerebral hemodynamics in most patients with malignant ischemic stroke. Preoperative MTT seems to be a good marker for case fatality in 6 months

Introdução e Objetivos: A craniectomia descompressiva com duroplastia (CDD) reduz a mortalidade e melhora o prognóstico funcional em doentes com acidente vascular encefálico isquêmico (AVEi) hemisférico e proporciona a redução da pressão intracraniana. Entretanto, pouco se sabe sobre sua repercussão na hemodinâmica cerebral. O objetivo do presente trabalho é o de avaliar com a tomografia computadorizada com estudo de perfusão (TCP) as alterações hemodinâmicas nos doentes com AVEi após a CDD e identificar possíveis marcadores prognósticos substitutos. Métodos: Foram avaliados 27 doentes com AVEi com indicação de CDD. Os parâmetros hemodinâmicos da TCP estudados no período pré-operatório e em até 24h após a cirurgia foram: duração média de trânsito (DMT), volume sanguíneo encefálico (VSE) e fluxo sanguíneo encefálico (FSE). O desfecho primário utilizado foi a melhora ou a ausência de melhora hemodinâmica. Os desfechos secundários foram a escala de Rankin modificada em seis meses, dicotomizada como favorável (0-3) ou desfavorável (4-6); casos fatais em um mês e em seis meses. Resultados: 18 (70,3%) doentes eram do sexo feminino e 12 (44,4%) tinham idade superior a 55 anos. Houve melhora da DMT (queda de 8,74 para 8,24, p=0,01) e tendência a melhora do FSE (aumento de 22,37 para 25,26, p=0,06) após a CDD. Não houve diferença estatística em relação ao VSC (aumento de 2,14 para 2,26, p=0,33). A idade superior a 55 anos foi o preditor independente de prognóstico desfavorável (p=0,03) e a DMT pré-operatória, foi preditora hemodinâmica para mortalidade em seis meses (8,20 vs 9,23, p=0,04). Conclusões: A craniectomia descompressiva com expansão dural determinou melhora hemodinâmica na maioria dos doentes com AVEi hemisférico. A DTM préoperatória é um bom marcador substituto para a possibilidade de óbito em seis meses / Background and Objectives: Decompressive craniectomy (DC) reduces the mortality and improves the functional outcome in patients with malignant cerebral infarction (MCI). This procedure causes a decrease of the intracranial pressure, however, little is known about its impact in brain hemodynamics. Therefore, our goal is to study through CT perfusion the hemodynamics changes that may occur in patients with MCI after the DC. Methods: 27 patients with MCI treated with DC were studied. The CT perfusion hemodynamic parameters - the mean transit time (MTT), the cerebral blood volume (CBV) and cerebral blood flow (CBF) - were evaluated preoperatively and within the first 24 hours after the DC. The primary outcome measure was improvement or lack of improvement in cerebral hemodynamics. Secondary outcomes were the modified Rankin scale in 6 months, classified as favorable (0-3) and unfavorable (4-6); and, fatal cases at 1 month and 6 months. Results: 18 (70.3%) patients were female and 12 (44.4%) were older than 55 years. There was improvement of MTT (decrease from 8.74 to 8.24, p = 0.01) and a trend towards improvement of the CBF (increase from 22.37 to 25.26, p = 0.06) after DC. There was no statistical difference in the CBV before and after DC (increase from 2.14 to 2.26, p = 0.33). Patients over 55 years had poorer prognosis (p=0.03) and preoperative MTT was an independent hemodynamic predictor of mortality at 6 months (8.20 vs 9.23, p=0.04). Conclusions: DC improved cerebral hemodynamics in most patients with malignant ischemic stroke. Preoperative MTT seems to be a good marker for case fatality in 6 months

Introdução e Objetivos: Falha óssea craniana após craniectomia descompressiva (CD) causa alterações neurológicas que podem estar associadas a modificações da anatomia cortical e hemodinâmica encefálica. Nosso objetivo foi avaliar se essas alterações ocorrem e se estão associadas ao prognóstico neurológico. Métodos: Avaliamos prospectivamente doentes com falha craniana após CD pelo método de Tomografia com estudo de perfusão (TCP) e Doppler Transcraniano (DTC) antes e entre 15 e 30 dias após a cranioplastia. O exame neurológico sistematizado e avaliação de escalas prognósticas (mRs, MEEM, índice de Barthel) foi realizado antes e seis meses após a operação. Resultados: Nós avaliamos 30 doentes, 15 (50%) com CD relacionada a traumatismo cranioencefálico (TCE) e 15 (50%) devido a doença cerebrovascular (DCV). Observamos que houve melhora satisfatória de queixas neurológicas, além de melhora significativa da mRs (p=0,003), MEEM (p < 0,001) e índice de Barthel (p=0,002). Houve reestruturação significativa da superfície cortical, tanto anterior (p < 0,001) quanto posterior (p=0,045). A diferença cortical posterior mostrou correlação com melhora do MEEM (p=0,03; r=-0,4) e índice de Barthel (p=0,035; r=-0,39). As alterações da anatomia encefálica foram mais evidentes em doentes com antecedente de DCV do que TCE. A relação entre a radiodensidade da substância cinzenta (SC) e branca (SB) apresentou elevação (p=0,007), sem correlação com prognóstico. A TCP demonstrou redução da duração média de trânsito (DMT) de 8,23 ± 1,30 segundos(s) para 7,50 ± 1,21 s (p=0,02) e do volume sanguíneo cerebral de 2,29 ± 0,58 ml/100g para 2,00±0,59 ml/100g (p=0,037) apenas no lado operado. O fluxo sanguíneo cerebral (FSC) não demonstrou alterações significativas em nenhum dos lados. Observamos correlação moderada entre DMT (diferença entre lado operado e não operado) com força muscular contralateral (r=-0,4, p =0,034). Na divisão entre grupos, a redução da DMT ocorreu no TCE e DCV mas, foi significativa apenas no primeiro grupo. Houve aumento significativo da velocidade de fluxo na artéria cerebral média tanto homolateral de 49,89±14,79 para 62,32±14,29 (p < 0,001) quanto contralateral de 53,95 ± 11,65 para 58,84±14,17 (p < 0,002) no exame de DTC. Observamos correlação com prognóstico neurológico tanto homolateral (MEEM; p=0,033, r= 0,55) quanto contralateral (mRs; p=0,031, r= -0,48) além de evidência de aumento da velocidade de fluxo em doentes com TCE e DCV mas, significativa apenas em doentes com DVC. Conclusões: As alterações do DTC e DMT apresentam correlação com prognóstico neurológico, representam possível recuperação da hemodinâmica encefálica mas, com comportamento diferente entre doentes com TCE e DCV. Após a cranioplastia ocorre melhora neurológica que se correlaciona com as alterações da anatomia cortical / Introduction and Objectives: Cranial vault defects after decompressive craniectomy (DC) causes neurological disorders that may be associated with changes in brain anatomy and hemodynamics. Our objective was to evaluate whether these changes occur and if they were associated with neurological prognosis. Methods: We prospectively evaluated patients with bone defect after DC with computed tomography perfusion (CTP) and transcranial Doppler Sonography (TCD) before and between 15 and 30 days after cranioplasty . We performed neurological examination and prognostic scales (mRs, MMSE and Barthel index) before and after six months. Results: We studied 30 patients, 15 (50%) had DC related to traumatic brain injury (TBI) and 15 (50%) due to cerebrovascular disease (CVD). We observed a satisfactory improvement of neurological complaints, as well as significant improvement in mRs (p= 0.003), MMSE (p < 0.001) and Barthel index (p=0.002). Significant anatomical expansion of both cerebral hemispheres, including anterior (p < 0.001), posterior (p=0.045), and cortical surface. The posterior measurements was correlated with improvement in the MMSE (p=0.03; r=-0.4) and Barthel index (p=0.035; r=-0.39). Brain anatomy changes were more evident in patients with history of CVD than TBI. Increase in radiodensity relationship between gray and white matter by CT scan (p=0.007) were observed without correlation with prognosis. TCP showed mean transit time (MTT) decrease from 8.23 ± 1.30 seconds (s) to 7.50 ± 1.21 s (p=0.02) and cerebral blood volume (CBV) from 2.29 ± 0.58 ml/100g to 2.00 ± 0.59 ml/100g (p=0.037) both in operated side. Cerebral blood flow (CBF) did not show significant changes in either side. We verified moderate correlation between MTT and contralateral muscle strength (r=-0.4; p=0.034). In the sub groups analysis, MTT decrease in TBI and CVD but was significant only in TBI patients. TCD showed a significant increase in middle cerebral artery flow velocity from 49.89±14.79 to 62.32±14.29 (p < 0.001) ipsilateral and from 53.95 ± 11.65 to 58.84 ± 14.17 (p < 0.002) contralateral to cranioplasty side. There was correlation between TCD changes and neurological prognosis ipsilateral (MMSE; p=0.033, r=0.55) and contralateral (MRS; p=0.031, r=-0.48) to operated side, besides flow velocity increased in TBI and CVD but was significant only in CVD patients. Conclusions: The TCD and MTT changes were correlated with neurological prognosis, represent recovery of brain hemodynamic condition but different behavior between TBI and CVD patients. After cranioplasty occurs neurological improvement that also correlates with anatomical changes in cortical surface

Abstract This thesis evaluated the factors affecting bone flap survival and bone flap resorption after primary cranial reparation surgery, cranioplasty, conducted to repair a cranial bone defect with an autologous cryopreserved bone flap. Emphasis is put on the predictors, progression, and definition of an important yet poorly understood postoperative complication, bone flap resorption. Study I assessed the rates and predictors of bone flap removal and bone flap resorption in a Finnish retrospective multicentre setting. 40% of patients developed complications of whom half required bone flap removal. Bone flap resorption and surgical site infections were the underlying cause in 90% of bone flap removal surgeries. The prevalence of both surgical site infections and bone flap resorption was 9%. In summary, young age was found to predict bone flap resorption and smoking predisposed patients to infections requiring bone flap removal. Study II applied computed tomography-based volumetry to evaluate the prevalence of subclinical bone flap resorption and to monitor its progression. In the follow-up, 90% of patients were found to have decreased bone flap volumes indicating varying degrees of resorption. However, the progression of bone flap resorption as a function of follow-up time was non-linear on the cohort level, and thus routine radiological follow-up seems unjustified. Most bone flaps do not appear to resorb enough to require removal even in the long-term follow-up. Study III addressed the unclarity in the definition of bone flap resorption. The computed tomography-based Oulu Resorption Score was developed to standardise the interpretation of radiological bone flap resorption and to guide follow-up interventions. The score values range from 0 to 9 with increasing values implying more severe bone flap resorption. Coupled with radiological evaluation conducted by independent neurosurgeons, an Oulu Resorption Score of ≥5 was defined to be clinically relevant. Further, the scores were divided into four grades based on the recommended follow-up procedures. Grades 0 (score 0) and I (scores 1 to 4) require no additional follow-up, but those with a grade II (score 5 to 8) or III (score 9) should be referred to neurosurgical consultation with reoperation considered at least in cases of grade III bone flap resorption. / Tiivistelmä Tässä väitöstyössä selvitettiin potilaan omalla kylmäsäilytetyllä luuistutteella tehtyjen kallon luupuutosten ensikertaisten korjausleikkausten tuloksiin vaikuttavia tekijöitä. Erityisesti tarkasteltiin luuistutteen liukenemisen, erään tärkeän, joskin heikosti ymmärretyn komplikaation ennustavia tekijöitä, etenemistä ja määritelmää. Tutkimuksessa I selvitettiin luuistutteen poiston ja liukenemisen yleisyyttä ja näihin vaikuttavia tekijöitä suomalaisessa takautuvassa monikeskusaineistossa. Potilaista 40 %:lle kehittyi komplikaatio. Komplikaatioista puolet johti istutteen poistoon. Luuistutteen liukeneminen ja leikkausalueinfektiot muodostivat 90 % poistoon johtaneista komplikaatioista. Sekä infektioiden että istutteen liukenemi¬sen esiintyvyys oli 9 %. Nuori ikä altisti istutteen liukenemiselle ja tupakointi leikkausalueinfektiolle. Tutkimuksessa II sovellettiin tietokonetomografiaan perustuvaa tilavuusmittausta luuistutteen oireettoman liukenemisen esiintyvyyden ja etenemistaipumuksen selvittämiseksi. Seurannassa 90 %:lla potilaista todettiin alentunut luuistutteen tilavuus viitaten asteeltaan vaihtelevaan istutteen liukenemiseen. Koko tutkimusjoukon tasolla istutteiden liukeneminen ei kuitenkaan edennyt lineaarisesti seuranta-ajan funktiona, joten rutiininomainen seuranta kuvantamistutkimuksin ei vaikuta perustellulta. Suurin osa luuistutteista liukeni niin vähän, ettei uutta leikkausta tarvittu pitkässäkään seurannassa. Tutkimuksessa III käsiteltiin luuistutteen liukenemisen nykyisellään epäselvää määritelmää ja kehitettiin uusi tietokonetomografiaan perustuva pisteytysjärjestelmä (Oulu resorption score) tarkoituksena vakioida radiologisten luuistutteen liukenemislöydösten tulkinta ja ohjata hoitolinjan valintaa. Pisteytysarvot vaihtelevat välillä 0-9. Kasvava arvo kuvaa luuistutteen liukenemisen vaikeusasteen kasvua. Luokitus yhdistettiin riippumattomien neurokirurgien radiologisiin arvioihin, joiden perusteella pistemäärä ≥5 määriteltiin kliinisesti merkitykselliseksi. Pistemäärät jaettiin neljään luokkaan suositeltujen jatkotoimenpiteiden mukaisesti. Luokkia 0 (0 pistettä) ja I (1–4 pistettä) vastaava luuistutteen liukeneminen ei vaadi jatkotoimenpiteitä. Luokkia II (5–8 pistettä) ja III (9 pistettä) vastaavasta luuistutteen liukenemisesta suositellaan konsultoitavan neurokirurgia. Uusintaleikkausta suositellaan harkittavan ainakin luokan III tapauksissa.

Introdução e Objetivos: Falha óssea craniana após craniectomia descompressiva (CD) causa alterações neurológicas que podem estar associadas a modificações da anatomia cortical e hemodinâmica encefálica. Nosso objetivo foi avaliar se essas alterações ocorrem e se estão associadas ao prognóstico neurológico. Métodos: Avaliamos prospectivamente doentes com falha craniana após CD pelo método de Tomografia com estudo de perfusão (TCP) e Doppler Transcraniano (DTC) antes e entre 15 e 30 dias após a cranioplastia. O exame neurológico sistematizado e avaliação de escalas prognósticas (mRs, MEEM, índice de Barthel) foi realizado antes e seis meses após a operação. Resultados: Nós avaliamos 30 doentes, 15 (50%) com CD relacionada a traumatismo cranioencefálico (TCE) e 15 (50%) devido a doença cerebrovascular (DCV). Observamos que houve melhora satisfatória de queixas neurológicas, além de melhora significativa da mRs (p=0,003), MEEM (p < 0,001) e índice de Barthel (p=0,002). Houve reestruturação significativa da superfície cortical, tanto anterior (p < 0,001) quanto posterior (p=0,045). A diferença cortical posterior mostrou correlação com melhora do MEEM (p=0,03; r=-0,4) e índice de Barthel (p=0,035; r=-0,39). As alterações da anatomia encefálica foram mais evidentes em doentes com antecedente de DCV do que TCE. A relação entre a radiodensidade da substância cinzenta (SC) e branca (SB) apresentou elevação (p=0,007), sem correlação com prognóstico. A TCP demonstrou redução da duração média de trânsito (DMT) de 8,23 ± 1,30 segundos(s) para 7,50 ± 1,21 s (p=0,02) e do volume sanguíneo cerebral de 2,29 ± 0,58 ml/100g para 2,00±0,59 ml/100g (p=0,037) apenas no lado operado. O fluxo sanguíneo cerebral (FSC) não demonstrou alterações significativas em nenhum dos lados. Observamos correlação moderada entre DMT (diferença entre lado operado e não operado) com força muscular contralateral (r=-0,4, p =0,034). Na divisão entre grupos, a redução da DMT ocorreu no TCE e DCV mas, foi significativa apenas no primeiro grupo. Houve aumento significativo da velocidade de fluxo na artéria cerebral média tanto homolateral de 49,89±14,79 para 62,32±14,29 (p < 0,001) quanto contralateral de 53,95 ± 11,65 para 58,84±14,17 (p < 0,002) no exame de DTC. Observamos correlação com prognóstico neurológico tanto homolateral (MEEM; p=0,033, r= 0,55) quanto contralateral (mRs; p=0,031, r= -0,48) além de evidência de aumento da velocidade de fluxo em doentes com TCE e DCV mas, significativa apenas em doentes com DVC. Conclusões: As alterações do DTC e DMT apresentam correlação com prognóstico neurológico, representam possível recuperação da hemodinâmica encefálica mas, com comportamento diferente entre doentes com TCE e DCV. Após a cranioplastia ocorre melhora neurológica que se correlaciona com as alterações da anatomia cortical / Introduction and Objectives: Cranial vault defects after decompressive craniectomy (DC) causes neurological disorders that may be associated with changes in brain anatomy and hemodynamics. Our objective was to evaluate whether these changes occur and if they were associated with neurological prognosis. Methods: We prospectively evaluated patients with bone defect after DC with computed tomography perfusion (CTP) and transcranial Doppler Sonography (TCD) before and between 15 and 30 days after cranioplasty . We performed neurological examination and prognostic scales (mRs, MMSE and Barthel index) before and after six months. Results: We studied 30 patients, 15 (50%) had DC related to traumatic brain injury (TBI) and 15 (50%) due to cerebrovascular disease (CVD). We observed a satisfactory improvement of neurological complaints, as well as significant improvement in mRs (p= 0.003), MMSE (p < 0.001) and Barthel index (p=0.002). Significant anatomical expansion of both cerebral hemispheres, including anterior (p < 0.001), posterior (p=0.045), and cortical surface. The posterior measurements was correlated with improvement in the MMSE (p=0.03; r=-0.4) and Barthel index (p=0.035; r=-0.39). Brain anatomy changes were more evident in patients with history of CVD than TBI. Increase in radiodensity relationship between gray and white matter by CT scan (p=0.007) were observed without correlation with prognosis. TCP showed mean transit time (MTT) decrease from 8.23 ± 1.30 seconds (s) to 7.50 ± 1.21 s (p=0.02) and cerebral blood volume (CBV) from 2.29 ± 0.58 ml/100g to 2.00 ± 0.59 ml/100g (p=0.037) both in operated side. Cerebral blood flow (CBF) did not show significant changes in either side. We verified moderate correlation between MTT and contralateral muscle strength (r=-0.4; p=0.034). In the sub groups analysis, MTT decrease in TBI and CVD but was significant only in TBI patients. TCD showed a significant increase in middle cerebral artery flow velocity from 49.89±14.79 to 62.32±14.29 (p < 0.001) ipsilateral and from 53.95 ± 11.65 to 58.84 ± 14.17 (p < 0.002) contralateral to cranioplasty side. There was correlation between TCD changes and neurological prognosis ipsilateral (MMSE; p=0.033, r=0.55) and contralateral (MRS; p=0.031, r=-0.48) to operated side, besides flow velocity increased in TBI and CVD but was significant only in CVD patients. Conclusions: The TCD and MTT changes were correlated with neurological prognosis, represent recovery of brain hemodynamic condition but different behavior between TBI and CVD patients. After cranioplasty occurs neurological improvement that also correlates with anatomical changes in cortical surface