The influence of decompressive craniectomy for major stroke on early cerebral perfusion

Multiple trials have shown improved survival and functional outcome in patients treated with decompressive craniectomy (DC) for brain swelling following major stroke. It has been assumed that decompression induces an improvement in cerebral perfusion. This observational study directly measured cerebral perfusion before and after decompression.

Sixteen patients were prospectively examined with perfusion CT within 6 hours prior to surgery and 12 hours after surgery. Preoperative and postoperative perfusion measurements were compared and correlated.

Following DC there was a significant increase in cerebral blood flow in all measured territories and additionally an increase in cerebral blood volume in the penumbra (p = 0.03). These changes spread as far as the contralateral hemisphere. No significant changes in mean transit time or Tmax (time-to-peak residue function) were observed.

The presurgical perfusion abnormalities likely reflected local pressure-induced hypoperfusion with impaired autoregulation. The improvement in perfusion after decompression implied an increase in perfusion pressure, likely linked to partial restoration of autoregulation. The increase in perfusion that was observed might partially be responsible for improved clinical outcome following decompressive surgery for major stroke. The predictive value of perfusion CT on outcome needs to be evaluated in larger trials.