Remote Site Delayed Extradural Hematoma Secondary to Decompressive Craniectomy for Traumatic Brain Injury: Incidence, Predictors, Characteristics, and Outcomes

Remote site delayed extradural hematoma (RDEDH) is an uncommon but serious complication that can occur after decompressive craniectomy (DC) in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). This study aims to clarify the incidence, predictors, clinical and radiological characteristics, and outcomes of RDEDH to improve the authors' understanding and management of this complication.

This study identified 36 patients with TBI who developed RDEDH after DC. The incidence, predictors, clinical and radiological characteristics, and outcomes were analyzed retrospectively. Continuous variables were compared using the student t test, whereas categorical variables were assessed using the χ 2 test. Variables with a P value of <0.05 in univariable analysis were included in the multivariable logistic regression analysis.

The incidence of RDEDH after DC was 14.6%. Preoperative pupillary dilation [bilaterally; odds ratio (OR): 8.797; 95% CI: 1.969-39.297; P = 0.004], intraoperative acute brain swelling (OR: 33.696; 95% CI: 5.073-227.005; P < 0.001), and pupillary abnormalities after DC (OR: 8.141; 95% CI: 2.117-31.307; P = 0.002) were identified as independent risk factors for the development of RDEDH after DC. The average length of hospitalization in the RDEDH group was significantly longer than that in the non-RDEDH group ( P = 0.018). The Glasgow Outcome Scale score at 6 months in the RDEDH group was significantly lower than that in the non-RDEDH group ( P = 0.01). The incidence of poor prognosis in the RDEDH group (80.6%) was significantly higher than that in the non-RDEDH group (59.8%; P = 0.017).

Preoperative bilateral pupillary dilation, intraoperative brain swelling, and pupillary abnormalities after surgery were independent risk factors for the development of RDEDH after DC in patients with TBI. The occurrence of RDEDH in patients with TBI after DC did not significantly increase mortality, it was associated with a prolonged length of stay and an increased incidence of poor prognosis.