Experimental models of chronic subdural hematoma

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Translational Medicine
• Animal Models

Background:

• Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is a prevalent neurosurgical condition.
• Understanding CSDH pathogenesis and treatment can be advanced through animal studies.
• Existing literature lacks a comprehensive review of CSDH animal models.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and analyze existing animal models of CSDH.
• To identify the results, conclusions, and limitations of these models.
• To establish a baseline for future experimental research on CSDH.

Main Methods:

• Searched PubMed, Medline, Embase, and ISI Web of Knowledge for 'chronic subdural hematoma' and 'hematoma, subdural, chronic'.
• Reviewed all selected publications involving animal models of CSDH.
• Summarized findings and conclusions without formal meta-analysis due to study heterogeneity.

Main Results:

• CSDH models were attempted in mice, rats, cats, dogs, and monkeys.
• Methods included blood product injection/implantation; no intracranial model produced progressive CSDH.
• Some subcutaneous models showed transient hematoma expansion; spontaneous CSDH occurred in hydrocephalic mice.
• Hematoma membrane histology in some models resembled human CSDH.
• No reported model has been replicated since its initial description.

Conclusions:

• No reproducible and well-described animal model for human chronic subdural hematoma was identified.
• Current animal models have significant limitations in replicating human CSDH.
• Further development is needed to create a suitable animal model for CSDH research.