Craniectomy in severe, life-threatening encephalitis: a report on outcome and long-term prognosis of four cases.
OBJECTIVE
To report the feasibility of craniectomy with duraplasty in four patients with life-threatening encephalitis and, in particular, their long-term outcome.


METHODS
Report of four cases, analysis of the acute clinical course and neurological long-term sequelae.


RESULTS
Generous craniectomy with duraplasty was performed in four patients with life-threatening encephalitis leading to decortication and decerebration. This treatment approach reduced intracranial pressure. The long-term sequelae (1.5-8 years after craniectomy) confirmed its appropriateness, having led to full neurological (cerebral) function, resocialization, and reintegration into their professional life in all four patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Craniectomy with dural augmentation is a treatment approach in cases of severe space-occupying encephalitis, not only saving the patient's life but also leading to favorable long-term outcome.
Taferner
E
E
Department of Neurology, Neurointensive Care Unit, University Hospital Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
Pfausler
B
B
Kofler
A
A
Spiss
H
H
Engelhardt
K
K
Kampfl
A
A
Schmutzhard
E
E
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001929:Brain Edema / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D003399:Craniotomy; D019299:Decompression, Surgical / Q000379:methods*; D018792:Encephalitis, Viral / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006566:Herpesviridae Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D004684:Leukoencephalitis, Acute Hemorrhagic / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male