Early Decompressive Craniectomy for Extensive Cerebral Infarction Due to Occlusion of Chief Cerebral Artery: Report of Three Cases

Abstract

It is ideal for the occlusion of chief cerebral artery to perform revascularization safely by some means in the ultraacute stage. Unfortunately, when the revascularization cannot be carried out, massive cerebral edema often occurs. Massive cerebral edema often causes lethal transtentorial herniation. Three patients with extensive cerebral infarction underwent decompressive craniectomy at the moment low density area was found on the computed tomography, that is, before massive cerebral edema occurred. This avoided complications of not only lethal transtentorial herniation but also secondary neurological deficits due to cerebral edama. Early decompressive craniectomy may have positive therapeutic significance in prevention of secondary neurological deficits due to massive cerebral edema.