[Acute subdural hematoma associated with diffuse brain injury: analysis of 526 cases in Japan neurotrauma data bank].

OBJECTIVE: Traumatic acute subdural hematomas (ASDH) in Japan Neurotrauma Data Bank were categorized into focal brain injury (FBI) group and diffuse brain injury (DBI) group, and were analyzed to clarify the pathophysiological and therapeutic aspects of these injuries.

METHODS: Data in Japan Neurotrauma Data Bank were reviewed for 1,002 severely head-injured patients treated at hospitals between 1998 and 2001; 526 of these patients had ASDH. ASDH in this data bank were categorized into FBI group and DBI group on the findings of CT scan. The clinical variables in these injuries were evaluated.

RESULTS: Of 526 patients with ASDH, 246 (46.8%) were categorized into FBI group, 280, (53.2%) were DBI group. The patients with DBI group were younger, injured in traffic accident, lower Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), higher Injury Severity Score, poorer outcome, compared to those with FBI group. The patients in DBI group, who underwent decompressive craniectomy and craniotomy, had a significantly better outcome than those who underwent hematoma evacuation via burr hole. There were no relationship between the time from injury to operation and outcome in the patients with DBI group, whereas patients with early surgery in FBI group showed significantly poorer outcome. Hypothermia and the placement of intracranial pressure monitor improved outcome only in patients of DBI group.

CONCLUSION: It seems that the pathophysiological and therapeutic aspects of ASDH associated with DBI might differ from that with FBI alone.