Is decompressive craniectomy a risk factor for ventriculomegaly?

Abstract

Decompressive craniectomy (DC) is an established therapeutic option following severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, several delayed complications of DC have been reported, including ventriculomegaly, which can lead to poor patient outcomes. Nevertheless, ventriculomegaly can occur after TBI even without DC. The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of DC on ventriculomegaly. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (300-400 g) were subjected to lateral fluid percussion injury using a fluid percussion device. Rats were randomly divided into four groups: sham, craniectomized without trauma (D group), traumatized without DC (FPI group), and craniectomized immediately after trauma (FPI + D group). On day 28 of recovery, ventricular volumes were measured by image analysis. Results: There was no significant difference in ventricular size between the sham group and the D group animals or between the FPI group and the FPI + D group animals. These data suggest that DC may not be a risk factor for ventriculomegaly after TBI.