Middle meningeal artery embolization for chronic subdural hematoma case series
2024
Patients underwent either surgical evacuation or MMAE with simple coiling for CSDH were reviewed. Clinical and radiographic outcomes were assessed at admission, 1-month, and 6-month intervals. Two treatment groups were matched with inverse probability of treatment weighting.
Results: One hundred twelve patients were included, with 27 patients in MMAE group and 87 patients in surgery group. In MMAE group, significant reductions were observed in hematoma width (admission vs. 1-month, 2.04 [1.44-2.60] cm vs. 0.62 [0.37-0.95] cm, p < 0.001). The adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of surgical rescue rate (0.77 95%CI 0.13-4.47, p = 0.77), hematoma reduction (>50%) (0.21 95%CI 0.04-1.07, p = 0.06), and midline shift improvement rate (3.22, 95%CI 0.84-12.4, p = 0.09) had no substantial disparities between two groups at 1-month follow-up. In addition, no significant difference was noted between two groups in terms of hematoma reduction (>50%) at 6-month follow-up (aOR 1.09 95%CI 0.32-3.70, p = 0.89). No procedure-related complications were found in MMA embolization group.
Conclusion: Simple coiling for MMA had comparable outcomes with surgical evacuation for CSDH. Our findings suggest that simple coiling can be an alternative choice for liquid agents or particles in MMA embolization for CSDH with acceptable safety 1).
2023
A single-center retrospective analysis was performed of patients who underwent MMAE for chronic SDH with coil embolization alone.
Forty-five patients were included in the study. All underwent successful stand-alone coil MMAE, of which 51.1% were bilateral. Indications for MMAE were varied, but 13.3% of patients required ongoing anticoagulation and another 11.1% had severe thrombocytopenia. Conscious sedation or no sedation was used in 73.2% of patients; 10 patients (22.2%) were scheduled electively and discharged same day. There were no severe or minor procedural complications identified. Of the 45 patients, only 3 (6.6%) underwent unplanned repeat surgical intervention: one patient developed a large recurrence at eight weeks after MMAE and underwent burr hole drainage; the second patient received burr hole drainage prior to MMAE but needed repeat burr hole drainage two weeks later due to residual; the third patient received two burr hole drainages at two and three weeks post MMAE due to persistent disease.
Stand-alone MMAE with coiling can be performed under conscious sedation as an outpatient procedure and may be sufficient to prevent cSDH recurrence in most cases without the need for particle penetration of cSDH microvascular beds. Larger confirmatory studies are necessary 2).
Twenty patients underwent MMAE with planned adjuvant surgical drainage (ASD), while 15 patients had MMAE only; these groups had an average cSDH size reduction (measured at its greatest width) of 74% and 69% of cSDH, respectively. Of the 15 patients who were initially treated only with MMAE, three (20%) required a rescue craniotomy. Twenty patients (57%) who had initially presented while receiving oral anticoagulants had an average of 71% size reduction with ASD compared to 74% reduction in those without ASD. Patients not using anticoagulants had an 84% and 78% average reduction in size, respectively. Twelve patients presented with bilateral cSDH; patients who received ASD had an average size reduction of 58%; those without ASD had 63%. Patients with unilateral cSDH had 85% and 83% reduction in size, respectively.
Middle meningeal artery embolization, with or without ASD, can be a useful alternative or adjunct to standard surgical treatment for cSDH. The study found that only three of 35 patients (9%) treated with this method required any further surgical intervention. No patient who received ASD had a recurrence of their cSDH. Further investigation, including prospective randomized studies, would be useful to better identify which patients can benefit and variables that impact the outcome of patients undergoing MMAE 3).
Aggipothu et al. retrospectively reviewed the endovascular management for chronic SDH in 29 patients between 2018 to 2022. The parameters analyzed were clinical history, radiologic imaging findings, procedure details, and angiographic and clinical outcomes. Results Twenty-nine MMA embolization procedures were done. Follow-up MRI or CT done in 28 subjects, showed complete resolution in 25 patients and a significant reduction in bilateral SDH in three patients. One patient died due to renal failure and aspiration pneumonia-related complications. Ninety days mRS (modified Rankin scale) was 0 in 25 patients (86%), one in two patients, and two in one patient. Conclusions MMA embolization for chronic SDH is a feasible, safe, and effective technique in patients with chronic and recurrent SDH 4).
In this retrospective large database study, adult patients in the National Inpatient Sample from 2012-2019 with a diagnosis of cSDH were identified. Cost of admission, length of stay (LOS), discharge disposition, and complications were analyzed. Propensity score matching (PSM) was utilized.
Results: A total of 123,350 patients with cSDH were identified: 63,450 without intervention, 59,435 surgery only, 295 MMAe only, and 170 surgery plus MMAe. On PSM analysis, MMAe did not increase the risk of inpatient complications or prolong the length of stay compared to conservative management (p>0.05); MMAe had higher cost ($31,170 vs. $10,768, p<0.001) than conservative management, and a lower rate of nonroutine discharge (53.8% vs. 64.3%, p=0.024). Compared to surgery, MMAe had shorter LOS (5 vs. 7 days, p<0.001), and lower rates of neurological complications (2.7% vs. 7.1%, p=0.029) and nonroutine discharge (53.8% vs. 71.7%, p<0.001). There was no significant difference in cost (p>0.05).
Conclusions: MMAe had similar LOS and decreased odds of adverse discharge with a modest cost increase compared to conservative management. There was no difference in inpatient complications. Compared to surgery, MMAe treatment was associated with decreased LOS and rates of neurological complications and nonroutine discharge. This nationwide analysis supports the safety of MMAe to treat cSDH 5).
A retrospective analysis of cSDHs managed via MMA embolization from January 1, 2018 to March 30, 2021 was performed at a large quaternary center. Pre- and postoperative cSDH volume and midline shift were quantified with CT. Postoperative CT was obtained 12 to 36 hours after embolization. Paired t-tests were used to determine significant reduction. Multivariate analysis was performed using logistic and linear regression for percent improvement from baseline volume.
In total, 80 patients underwent Middle meningeal artery embolization for 98 cSDHs during the study period. The mean (SD) initial cSDH volume was 66.54 (34.67) mL, and the mean midline shift was 3.79 (2.85) mm. There were significant reductions in mean cSDH volume (12.1 mL, 95% CI 9.32 to 14.27 mL, P<0.001) and midline shift (0.80 mm, 95% CI 0.24 to 1.36 mm, P<0.001). In the immediate postoperative period, 22% (14/65) of patients had a>30% reduction in cSDH volume. A multivariate analysis of 36 patients found that preoperative antiplatelet and anticoagulation use was significantly associated with an expansion in volume (OR 0.028, 95% CI 0.000 to 0.405, P=0.03).
MMA embolization is safe and effective for the chronic subdural hematoma treatment and is associated with significant reductions in hematoma volume and midline shift in the immediate postoperative period 6).
The use of coils to assist embolization by preventing reflux through eloquent collaterals, we de- scribe the use of coils to further open the MMA, allowing the administration of greater amounts of embolisate for a more robust embolization. The objective of this study was to demonstrate that helical coils can safely open the MMA following the administration of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) particles. This allows for more embolisate to be administered into the MMA for more effective treatment. A retrospective review was conducted at our institution including intraoperative images and postoperative clinical and radiographic follow up. Failure rates using MMA embolization with PVA and helical coil augmentation were compared to failure rates in the literature of MMA embolization with PVA or ethylene vinyl-alcohol copolymer alone. A total of 8 cases were reviewed in which this technique was implemented. There were no immediate complications after treatment. All patients that underwent helical coil embolization following the administration of PVA had increased amount of embolisate delivered into the MMA. All patients at follow up had resolution of the subdural hematoma on outpatient imaging. Helical coil embolization allows for more embolisate administration into the MMA and provides a technical advantage for patients that fail traditional techniques of embolization. Case series are taking place to further test this hypothesis and identify the ideal patient population that may gain maximal yield from this novel technique 7)
2022
A total of 71 patients underwent 97 middle meningeal artery embolization overall with 65 (67%) in trans-femoral access group, 11 (11.3%) in trans-radial access without use of Simmons 2 Guide catheter group and 21 (21.6%) in trans-radial access with use of Simmons 2 Guide catheter group. There were no direct access-related complications in either group. One patient had thromboembolic stroke in trans-femoral group. There was no difference in average procedure-related total fluro time or radiation dose among all three groups.
Trans-radial approach using 6F-SIM2 guide catheter coupled with 5F Sofia intermediate catheter is safe and effective. It provides an alternative approach to access distal branches of bilateral anterior circulation in elderly patients with difficult anatomy undergoing MMA embolization 8).
Majidi et al. from the Mount Sinai Hospital, retrospectively reviewed consecutive cases of Chronic subdural hematoma recurrence treated with middle meningeal artery embolization using diluted n-Butyl cyanoacrylate with the “sugar rush” technique. In brief, a 2.1-Fr microcatheter was used to selectively catheterize the frontal and posterior branches of the middle meningeal artery. Dextrose 5% in water (D5W) was injected through an intermediate catheter while injecting n-BCA through the microcatheter. Complete obliteration of MMA and lack of SDH recurrence in a 3-6 months follow-up computed tomography scan were defined as efficacy outcomes. Cranial nerve palsy,vision loss, transient neurological deficit, and stroke were defined as safety outcomes.
A total of 61 patients were identified with a mean (±standard deviation) age of 62.5 ± 9 years. In 6 patients (10%), coil embolization of the origin of the frontal or posterior branch was performed because super-selective catheterization of the branch was unsuccessful because of tortuous anatomy. Complete obliteration of frontal and posterior branches was achieved in 100% of the cases. Recurrent SDH was seen in 3 patients (5%). No incidence of cranial nerve palsy, vision loss, or stroke occurred. One patient suffered a transient neurological deficit.
Middle meningeal artery embolization using diluted n-Butyl cyanoacrylate with concomitant Dextrose 5% injection is associated with a high degree of distal penetration and complete branch occlusion and minimal risk of cranial nerve palsy or other thromboembolic complications 9).
2021
Middle meningeal artery embolization for chronic subdural hematoma and/or surgical treatment were retrospectively recruited to a single-center Vogtareuth study. The outcome variables were defined as treatment-related complications, the clinical outcome at discharge, rate of revision surgery, and CT findings during the follow-up period.
A total of 132 patients with CSDH were included in the study. The use of antiplatelet/anticoagulant medication was significantly higher in the combined treatment and embolization group (p<0.001). A trend towards fewer revision surgeries was found in the group of patients who received MMA embolization combined with burr hole irrigation (p=0.083). Follow-up was available for 73 patients (55.3%) with a mean follow-up period of 3.4±2.2 months. Eight patients (15.1%) of the surgery group showed hematoma re-accumulation and needed surgical rescue, whereas only one patient (5.0%) of the combined treatment group needed revision surgery. In all patients treated with only MMA embolization, complete hematoma resolution was found.
MMA embolization is a safe and efficacious minimal invasive adjuvant and/or alternative procedure for chronic subdural hematoma treatment with a reduced recurrence rate 10).
Symptomatic cSDHs were evacuated using a subdural evacuating port system (SEPS) with 5-mm twist-drill craniostomy in an intensive care unit or by performing a craniotomy in the operating room, using either a small (silver dollar, < 4 cm) or large (≥ 4 cm) craniotomy. MMA embolization was performed perioperatively using angiography, selective catheterization of the MMA, and infusion of polyvinyl particles. Outcomes were assessed clinically and radiographically with interval head CT imaging.
Results: There were 44 symptomatic cSDHs in 41 patients, with 3 patients presenting with bilateral symptomatic cSDH. All cSDHs were evacuated using an SEPS (n = 18), a silver-dollar craniotomy (n = 16), or a large craniotomy (n = 10). Prophylactic MMA embolization was performed successfully in all cSDHs soon after surgical evacuation. There were no deaths and no procedural complications. There was an overall reduction of greater than 50% or resolution of cSDH in 40/44 (90.9%) cases, regardless of the evacuation procedure used. Of the 44 prophylactic cases, there were 2 (4.5%) cases of cSDH recurrence that required repeat surgical evacuation at the 1-year follow-up. These 2 cSDHs were initially evacuated using an SEPS and subsequently required a craniotomy, thereby representing an overall 4.5% recurrence rate of treated cSDH requiring repeat evacuation. Most notably, of the 26 patients who underwent surgical evacuation with a craniotomy followed by MMA embolization, none had cSDH recurrence requiring repeat intervention.
Perioperative prophylactic MMA embolization in the setting of surgical evacuation, via either craniotomy or SEPS, may help to lower the recurrence rate of cSDH 11).
A total of 138 patients were included (mean age: 69.8, 29% female). A total of 15 patients underwent bilateral interventions for 154 total embolizations (66.7% primary treatment). At presentation, 30.4% and 23.9% of patients were on antiplatelet and anticoagulation therapy, respectively. Median admission cSDH thickness was 14 mm. A total of 46.1% of embolizations were performed under general anesthesia, and 97.4% of procedures were successfully completed. A total of 70.2% of embolizations used particles, and 25.3% used liquid embolic with no significant outcome difference between embolization materials (P > .05). On the last follow-up (mean 94.9 d), median cSDH thickness was 4 mm (71% median thickness reduction). A total of 70.8% of patients had >50% improvement on imaging (31.9% improved clinically), and 9 patients (6.5%) required further cSDH treatment. There were 16 complications with 9 (6.5%) because of continued hematoma expansion. The mortality rate was 4.4%, mostly unrelated to the index procedure but because of underlying comorbidities.
MMA embolization may provide a safe and efficacious minimally invasive alternative to conventional surgical techniques 12).
2020
Of 35 patients, surgery had failed for 9 (26%) and initial conservative treatment had failed for 6 (17%). Of 41 MMA embolizations, including those in six patients with bilateral cSDH who underwent bilateral MMA embolization, 29 (72%) were performed using ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (Onyx), 7 (17%) using particles, and 5 (12%) using n-butyl cyanoacrylate. Both the anterior and posterior MMA divisions were embolized in 29 cases (71%); distal penetration of these branches was achieved in 25 embolizations (61%). Twenty-six (63%) cSDHs completely resolved. Complete resolution was seen in 22 of 29 hematomas (76%) in which both anterior and posterior MMA branches were occluded versus 4 of 12 (33%) following single-branch embolization (p=0.014). Embolization of one cSDH (2%) failed.
Conclusion: MMA embolization of cSDHs appears to be both safe and efficacious. Furthermore, embolization of both the anterior and posterior MMA branches may be associated with increased odds of complete resolution 13).
A total of 138 patients were included (mean age: 69.8, 29% female). A total of 15 patients underwent bilateral interventions for 154 total embolizations (66.7% primary treatment). At presentation, 30.4% and 23.9% of patients were on antiplatelet and anticoagulation therapy, respectively. Median admission cSDH thickness was 14 mm. A total of 46.1% of embolizations were performed under general anesthesia, and 97.4% of procedures were successfully completed. A total of 70.2% of embolizations used particles, and 25.3% used liquid embolics with no significant outcome difference between embolization materials (P > .05). On last follow-up (mean 94.9 d), median cSDH thickness was 4 mm (71% median thickness reduction). A total of 70.8% of patients had >50% improvement on imaging (31.9% improved clinically), and 9 patients (6.5%) required further cSDH treatment. There were 16 complications with 9 (6.5%) because of continued hematoma expansion. Mortality rate was 4.4%, mostly unrelated to the index procedure but because of underlying comorbidities.
Conclusion: MMA embolization may provide a safe and efficacious minimally invasive alternative to conventional surgical techniques 14).
In a retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database across 15 US academic centers, Joyce et al. identified patients aged ≥ 65 years who underwent Middle meningeal artery embolization for chronic subdural hematoma between November 2017 and February 2020. Patient demographics, comorbidities, clinical and radiographic factors, treatment factors, and clinical outcomes were abstracted. Subgroup analysis was performed comparing elderly (age 65-79 years) and advanced elderly (age > 80 years) patients.
MMA embolization was successfully performed in 98% of NASHs (in 148 of 151 cases) in 121 patients. Seventy elderly patients underwent 87 embolization procedures, and 51 advanced elderly patients underwent 64 embolization procedures. Elderly and advanced elderly patients had similar rates of embolization for upfront (46% vs 61%), recurrent (39% vs 33%), and prophylactic (i.e., with concomitant surgical intervention; 15% vs 6%) NASH treatment. Transfemoral access was used in most patients, and the procedure time was approximately 1 hour in both groups. Particle embolization with supplemental coils was most common, used in 51% (44/87) and 44% (28/64) of attempts for the elderly and advanced elderly groups, respectively. NASH thickness decreased significantly from initial thickness to 6 weeks, with additional decrease in thickness observed in both groups at 90 days. At longest follow-up, the treated NASHs had stabilized or improved in 91% and 98% of the elderly and advanced elderly groups, respectively, with > 50% improvement seen in > 60% of patients for each group. Surgical rescue was necessary in 4.6% and 7.8% of cases, and the overall mortality was 8.6% and 3.9% for elderly and advanced elderly patients, respectively.
MMA embolization can be used safely and effectively as an alternative or adjunctive minimally invasive treatment for NASHs in elderly and advanced elderly patients 15).
A review was registered with the International prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO). Public/Publisher Medline (PubMed), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Excerpta Medica dataBASE (EMBASE) and the Cochrane Library were searched using Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms for MMA embolization and CSDH from January 2000 through November 2018. All articles in the English language literature describing MMA embolization for CSDH were included, irrespective of study design. Consecutive patients who underwent MMA embolization at our hospital from January 2017 through June 2018 comprised our clinical experience.
Fifteen studies with 193 procedures were included in the review. Ninety-five (49.2%) cases involved primary MMA embolization; 88(45.6%) embolization for recurrent CSDH, and 10(5.2%) were performed for prophylaxis after surgical evacuation. Recurrence after MMA embolization requiring further treatment occurred in 7(3.6%) cases. All other patients had symptomatic relief with no further recurrence. No procedure-related complications were reported. Polyvinyl alcohol was the most commonly used material. Our series included 8 patients treated with Onyx (Medtronic). All had symptom relief and significant reduction in hematoma size; no recurrences or procedure-related complications were observed 16).
Nakagawa et al., retrospectively assessed data from 381 consecutive patients who underwent burr hole irrigation for CSDH between 2009 and 2017. Recurrent symptomatic ipsilateral CSDH in 71 (18%) patients was treated by a second burr-hole irrigation and 20 of them had a further symptomatic CSDH recurrence thereafter. Those with persistent ipsilateral CSDH recurrence were treated by MMA embolization. Before the MMA embolization procedures, the amount of hematoma membrane enhancement determined using superselective MMA angiography-DynaCT imaging was classified into three stages.
Embolization of the MMA proceeded without perioperative complications or further CSDH recurrence. The interval between recurrence and the amount of hematoma membrane enhancement significantly correlated (first to second and second to third treatments: p = 0.012 and p = 0.017, respectively). The frequency of bilateral CSDH was significantly higher and the recurrence interval between the first and second treatments was significantly shorter in repeated recurrences group compared with recurrence group (p = 0.023 and p = 0.006, respectively).
Repeatedly recurrent CSDH can be safely treated and cured by MMA embolization. Hematoma membrane enhancement pattern using DynaCT images can predict repeated recurrences CSDH. 17)
Five patients with symptomatic chronic SDHs underwent MMA embolization using PVA microparticles. Size of SDH was recorded in maximum diameter and total volume.
Four patients underwent unilateral and 1 underwent bilateral MMA embolization successfully. All cases had significant reduction in total volume of SDH at longest follow-up scan: 81.4 to 13.8 cc (7 wk), 48.5 to 8.7 cc (3 wk), 31.7 and 88 to 0 and 17 cc (14 wk, bilateral), 79.3 to 24.2 cc (8 wk), and 53.5 to 0 cc (6 wk). All patients had symptomatic relief with no complications. Histologic analysis of the chronic SDH membrane in a separate patient that required surgery revealed rich neovascularization with many capillaries and few small arterioles.
MMA embolization could present a minimally invasive and low-risk initial treatment alternative to surgery for symptomatic chronic SDH when clinically appropriate 18).
MMA embolization was performed using angiography, selective microcatheterization of the MMA, and infusion of polyvinyl alcohol particles. Outcomes were assessed clinically and with interval imaging studies at 1 d, 2 wk, and 6 wk postprocedure, and additional intervals as indicated.
MMA embolization was performed successfully on 60 total SDHs in 49 patients. This includes upfront treatment for new (not previously treated) SDH in 42, for recurrence in 8, and prophylaxis (soon after surgical evacuation) in 10. There were 3 mortalities (unrelated to the procedure), and no procedural complications. Of the 50 nonprophylactic cases, there were 4 (8.9%) cases of recurrence requiring surgical evacuation, and 31 (68.9%) that had resolution or reduction in size >50% of SDH at longest follow-up. Overall, 41 (91.1%) were stable or decreased in size and able to avoid surgery.
MMA embolization may represent a minimally-invasive alternative to surgery for new or recurrent chronic SDH, or as prophylaxis to reduce the risk of recurrence after surgery. Given our encouraging results with a 91% long-term success rate, a large scale clinical trial is warranted 19).
Link TW, Schwarz JT, Paine SM, Kamel H, Knopman J. Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization for Chronic subdural hematoma recurrence: A Case Series. World Neurosurg. 2018 Oct;118:e570-e574. doi: 10.1016/j.wneu.2018.06.241. Epub 2018 Jul 6. PubMed PMID: 30257310.
Five patients with symptomatic chronic SDHs underwent MMA embolization using PVA microparticles at our institution. Size of SDH was recorded in maximum diameter and total volume.
Four patients underwent unilateral and 1 underwent bilateral MMA embolization successfully. All cases had significant reduction in total volume of SDH at longest follow-up scan: 81.4 to 13.8 cc (7 wk), 48.5 to 8.7 cc (3 wk), 31.7 and 88 to 0 and 17 cc (14 wk, bilateral), 79.3 to 24.2 cc (8 wk), and 53.5 to 0 cc (6 wk). All patients had symptomatic relief with no complications. Histologic analysis of the chronic SDH membrane in a separate patient that required surgery revealed rich neovascularization with many capillaries and few small arterioles.
MMA embolization could present a minimally invasive and low-risk initial treatment alternative to surgery for symptomatic chronic SDH when clinically appropriate 20).
Seventy-two prospectively enrolled patients with CSDH underwent MMA embolization (embolization group; as the sole treatment in 27 [37.5%] asymptomatic patients and with additional hematoma removal for symptom relief in 45 [62.5%] symptomatic patients). For comparison, 469 patients who underwent conventional treatment were included as a historical control group (conventional treatment group; close, nonsurgical follow-up in 67 [14.3%] and hematoma removal in 402 [85.7%] patients). Primary outcome was treatment failure defined as a composite of incomplete hematoma resolution (remaining or reaccumulated hematoma with thickness > 10 mm) or surgical rescue (hematoma removal for relief of symptoms that developed with continuous growth of initial or reaccumulated hematoma). Secondary outcomes included surgical rescue as a component of the primary outcome and treatment-related complication for safety measure. Six-month outcomes were compared between the study groups with logistic regression analysis. Results Spontaneous hematoma resolution was achieved in all of 27 asymptomatic patients undergoing embolization without direct hematoma removal. Hematoma reaccumulation occurred in one (2.2%) of 45 symptomatic patients receiving embolization with additional hematoma removal. Treatment failure rate in the embolization group was lower than in the conventional treatment group (one of 72 patients [1.4%] vs 129 of 469 patients [27.5%], respectively; adjusted odds ratio [OR], 0.056; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.011, 0.286; P = .001). Surgical rescue was less frequent in the embolization group (one of 72 patients [1.4%] vs 88 of 469 patients [18.8%]; adjusted OR, 0.094; 95% CI: 0.018, 0.488; P = .005). Treatment-related complication rate was not different between the two groups (0 of 72 patients vs 20 of 469 patients [4.3%]; adjusted OR, 0.145; 95% CI: 0.009, 2.469; P = .182). Conclusion MMA embolization has a positive therapeutic effect on CSDH and is more effective than conventional treatment 21).
Gobran Taha Alfotih reported 14 cases http://www.roneurosurgery.eu/atdoc/AlfotihGobran_Embolization.pdf