[Middle meningeal artery embolization for chronic subdural hematomas]

The treatment of chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) represents a challenge due to high recurrence rates (2-37%). One possible treatment option is middle meningeal artery (MMA) embolization as an alternative to surgery. In contrast to acute SDH, which is caused by a rupture of the bridging veins, cSDH has a different pathomechanism. Injury to the so-called dural boundary cell layer results in an intermittent or continuous cycle of cell proliferation, angiogenesis, secretion, and bleeding due to rupture of newly formed vessels within the SDH membrane. This membrane is supplied by the MMA. Embolization of the MMA leads to resorption of the cSDH. The results published so far regarding MMA embolization as sole therapy or in combination with surgical treatment are encouraging with a long-term success rate of up to 90%.