Middle meningeal artery embolization for chronic subdural hematoma
Perioperative prophylactic Middle meningeal artery embolization in the setting of surgical evacuation, via either craniotomy or subdural evacuating port system (SEPS), may help to lower the recurrence rate of cSDH 1).
It can be used safely and effectively as an alternative or adjunctive minimally invasive chronic subdural hematoma treatment in elderly and advanced elderly patients 2).
It has been proposed as a curative treatment for chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH), but evidence for the indication and timing is not definitive.
Trials
Given the encouraging results with a 91% long-term success rate in the series of Link et al., a large scale clinical trial is warranted 3).
https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03307395
Systematic Reviews
Middle meningeal artery embolization for chronic subdural hematoma systematic reviews.
Case series
Middle meningeal artery embolization for chronic subdural hematoma case series
Case reports
A case of a 74-year-old male on aspirin with a history of recurrent symptomatic chronic right-sided subdural hematoma treated successfully with a SEPS and right middle meningeal artery embolization with poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) microparticles. The patient initially presented to the emergency department with headaches, difficulty walking, and left sided hemiparesis. CT Head showed a large chronic right-sided subdural hematoma measuring 2.7 cm thick with 1 cm of leftward shift. Patient underwent placement of a right-sided SEPS and the subdural hematoma decreased in size to 1.0 cm with 2 mm of leftward shift. The patient had resolution of headaches and neurological symptoms and was discharged home. Three months later, the patient returned to the emergency department with headache and left hand numbness. CT Head showed an acute on chronic right-sided subdural hematoma measuring 1.4 cm with 3 mm of leftward shift. Patient underwent right-sided SEPS placement. Repeat CT Head showed reduction in the subdural hematoma to 1.2 cm. The SEPS was removed and the patient had resolution of neurological symptoms. The patient then had a diagnostic cerebral angiogram with PVA microparticle embolization of the right middle meningeal artery. A SEPS was placed at the time of the angiogram to further reduce the size of the subdural hematoma.
Repeat CT Head after SEPS and middle meningeal artery embolization showed decrease in size of the subdural hematoma. Follow-up CT Head showed stability of the subdural hematoma and patient had no further neurological symptoms. Patient was discharged home.
Middle meningeal artery embolization is a useful endovascular technique for reducing the arterial supply to the membranes in chronic subdural hematomas. Middle meningeal artery embolization can reduce the recurrence rate of subdural hematomas 4).
In 1994 a rare case of chronic subdural hematoma associated with a middle meningeal arteriovenous fistula was treated by a combination of embolization and burr hole drainage. This clinical situation might be missed in this era of computed tomography, when cerebral angiography is seldom indicated for the diagnosis of neuro-traumatic diseases. We should bear in mind the possibility of this clinical situation of a chronic subdural hematoma associated with a linear skull fracture crossing the middle meningeal groove in order to avoid possible hemorrhagic complications during surgery for chronic subdural hematoma 5)