Correlation Between Low-Density Hematoma at 1-Week Post-Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization and Rapid Resolution of Chronic Subdural Hematoma.

BACKGROUND

Temporal changes in the volume of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) following middle meningeal artery (MMA) embolization vary. We aimed to determine whether CSDH density on computed tomography is related to hematoma resolution following particle MMA embolization.

METHODS

Patients who underwent MMA embolization for CSDH were enrolled. The CSDHs were quantitatively divided into 2 hematoma groups based on the hematoma density at 1-week postembolization: low-density or high-density. The temporal change in the volume of CSDHs was then analyzed between the groups.

RESULTS

Thirty patients were enrolled in this study. Three patients with high-density hematomas required rescue surgery. The hematoma volume was significantly lower in low-density hematomas than in high-density hematoma at 1-week (P = 0.006), 1-month (P = 0.003), and 2-month (P = 0.004) postembolization; although the volume converged to a similar value at 3-month (P > 0.05). There was a positive correlation between hematoma density at 1-week postembolization and percentage hematoma volume at 1-week and 1-month postembolization (P = 0.004 and P < 0.001, respectively), but no correlation was observed between hematoma density before MMA embolization and percentage hematoma volume at 1-week and 1-month postembolization (P = 0.54 and P = 0.17, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Rapid resolution of CSDH following MMA embolization was associated with low hematoma density at 1-week postembolization. Based on hematoma density on computed tomography at 1-week postembolization, a 1-month follow-up would be sufficient in cases of low density, but a 3-month follow-up would be required in cases of high-density hematoma. Larger studies and clinical trials are needed to confirm our findings.