Pediatric middle meningeal artery embolization for chronic subdural hematoma: A case report

The most common neuroradiological finding in pediatric nonaccidental trauma (NAT) is subdural hematoma (SDH). Management options for pediatric SDH range from conservative clinical surveillance to craniotomy or decompressive craniectomy. The middle meningeal artery (MMA) indirectly feeds the hematoma; thus, MMA embolization is an alternative or adjunct to current surgical treatments in adults. Herein, we present, to the best of our knowledge, the first reported case of successful MMA embolization in a pediatric patient as an adjunct to current standard treatment for chronic SDH (cSDH).

An 18-month-old male with a history of NAT presented at 5 months of age with an acute right parietal skull fracture and bilateral SDH treated with burr hole drainage. He was lost to follow-up until 15 months of age with an increased head circumference and new dysconjugate gaze. Imaging revealed a right-sided cSDH and underwent craniotomy. Six-week follow-up revealed significant improvement in the SDH but cSDH remained at the periphery of the craniotomy's reach. The patient symptoms continued. The right-sided MMA embolization was offered as option to avoid repeat craniotomy. Follow-up CTs at 2 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months postprocedure revealed decrease of cSDH size and density. At 8-month follow-up, the patient continued to meet developmental milestones with near resolution of his dysconjugate gaze.

This case report details the first successful use of MMA embolization in the treatment of pediatric cSDH as an adjunct to standard treatment. Further investigation of MMA embolization in pediatrics should be made to expand options available for cSDH in this patient population.