Decompressive craniectomy for malignant middle cerebral artery infarction: evidence and controversies

Malignant middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarction (MMI) is associated with a mortality rate of 80%. Decompressive craniectomy is considered a life-saving procedure for patients with this devastating condition. Preclinical and clinical data suggest that this procedure should be undertaken as early as possible, prompting increasing demand for emergency surgery. This article reviews the pathophysiology of MMI, and the experimental and clinical evidence supporting this procedure. We consider some of the controversies surrounding patient selection for this procedure and discuss the role of intracranial pressure monitoring in MMI.