Simultaneous decompressive craniectomy and caesarean section

A 24-year-old primigravid woman at 29-weeks gestation presented with headache, hypertension and proteinuria. A diagnosis of pre-eclampsia was made. Later that day she developed a left hemiparesis and neuroimaging demonstrated an intracerebral haemorrhage in the right frontal lobe as well as thrombosis of the superior sagittal sinus. She was commenced on an IV heparin infusion to manage the sinus thrombosis, and nifedipine and labetalol to treat the hypertension. GCS remained 15/15. However, 12 hours later, she became progressively agitated. Her GCS decreased to 10/15 (E3V2M5). Repeat imaging demonstrated enlargement of the haematoma, causing significant mass effect and midline shift. A decision was made to perform decompressive hemicraniectomy to save the life of the mother, and caesarean section to protect the foetus as well as providing definitive treatment of pre-eclampsia. Due to further neurological deterioration of the mother it became necessary to perform the two procedures simultaneously. We present the first reported case of decompressive craniectomy and caesarean section performed simultaneously. After discussing the case, we consider why this clinical scenario is rare and why it became necessary in this patient to perform the two procedures simultaneously.