A visual mining analysis of middle meningeal embolization and other factors associated with recurrence requiring re-operation in subdural hematomas: a single-center series - Scorecard - MDSpire

A visual mining analysis of middle meningeal embolization and other factors associated with recurrence requiring re-operation in subdural hematomas: a single-center series

  • By

  • Marco Battistelli

  • Marika Vezzoli

  • Iacopo Valente

  • Massimo Benenati

  • Giuseppe Garignano

  • Andrea Alexandre

  • Ludovico Agostini

  • Samuele Santi

  • Ottavia Giovinazzo

  • Leonardo Nardini

  • Federico Costa

  • Giorgio Quintino D’Alessandris

  • Manuela D’Ercole

  • Alessandro Izzo

  • Alessandro Rapisarda

  • Francesco Signorelli

  • Nicola Montano

  • Simona Gaudino

  • Alessandro Olivi

  • Alessandro Pedicelli

  • Filippo Maria Polli

  • Francesco Doglietto

  • December 20, 2025

  • 0 min

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Clinical Scorecard: Analysis of Visual Data on Middle Meningeal Embolization and Factors Linked to Recurrence Necessitating Reoperation in Subdural Hematomas: Insights from a Single-Center Study

At a Glance

CategoryDetail
ConditionChronic subdural hematoma (cSDH)
Key MechanismsRecurrence linked to hematoma internal architecture, volume, postoperative residual volume, pneumocephalus, brain atrophy, coagulation profile, and antiplatelet therapy; middle meningeal artery embolization (MMAE) as adjunct or stand-alone treatment
Target PopulationPredominantly individuals over 65 years with cSDH
Care SettingNeurosurgical care including surgical evacuation and adjunctive neurointerventional procedures

Key Highlights

  • cSDH recurrence rates post-surgery can reach up to 50%, independent of surgical technique.
  • Risk factors for recurrence include Nakaguchi hematoma type, pre/postoperative hematoma volumes, pneumocephalus, brain atrophy, bilateral hematomas, platelet count, and antiplatelet therapy.
  • MMA embolization is an emerging adjunctive treatment to reduce recurrence, performed via selective catheterization and PVA particle injection.

Guideline-Based Recommendations

Diagnosis

  • Use non-contrast brain CT scans with volumetric assessment for diagnosis and monitoring.
  • Classify hematoma internal architecture using Nakaguchi classification to assess recurrence risk.

Management

  • Standard surgical evacuation via burr hole or minicraniotomy with subdural drain placement.
  • Consider adjunctive MMA embolization starting October 2022 to reduce recurrence risk.
  • Manage antiplatelet and anticoagulation therapy carefully during perioperative period.

Monitoring & Follow-up

  • Postoperative CT within 24 hours to assess residual hematoma volume and pneumocephalus.
  • Follow-up imaging to monitor hematoma volume and neurological status.
  • Monitor coagulation parameters including platelet count, aPTT, and INR.

Risks

  • High recurrence risk with separated Nakaguchi hematoma type and large pre/postoperative volumes.
  • Increased recurrence associated with postoperative pneumocephalus, brain atrophy, bilateral hematomas.
  • Low platelet count (<157 × 10^9/L) and antiplatelet therapy increase recurrence risk.

Patient & Prescribing Data

Patients with chronic subdural hematoma undergoing surgical evacuation, predominantly elderly

Adjunctive MMA embolization introduced as standard care since October 2022; antiplatelet and anticoagulation therapies require careful management to mitigate recurrence risk.

Clinical Best Practices

  • Perform MMA embolization under local anesthesia or conscious sedation using standardized technique by experienced neurointerventionalists.
  • Use volumetric CT measurements pre- and postoperatively to stratify recurrence risk and guide management.
  • Apply Nakaguchi classification combined with volumetric parameters for risk assessment.
  • Maintain subdural drain placement post-surgery and remove within 24 hours.
  • Monitor and adjust antiplatelet and anticoagulation therapy perioperatively to balance bleeding and recurrence risks.

References

Original Source(s)

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