title: Craniectomy in severe, life-threatening encephalitis: a report on outcome and long-term prognosis of four cases.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Neurointensive Care Unit, University Hospital Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Taferner
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Pfausler
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kofler
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Spiss
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Engelhardt
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kampfl
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Schmutzhard
mesh_terms: 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