Preoperative Predictors of Reduction in Arterial Blood Pressure Following Dural Opening During Surgical Evacuation of Acute Subdural Hematoma

To determine preoperative predictors of blood pressure reduction following dural opening during surgical evacuation of hematoma, we retrospectively assessed preoperative variables including clinical profile, hemodynamic parameters, neurological findings, and computed tomography (CT) scan results in 56 patients with traumatic acute subdural hematoma (ASDH). Patients were divided into two groups according to the degree of changes in mean arterial pressure (MAP) in response to dural opening. Group A (n = 18) had a MAP reduction > 20%, and group B (n = 38) had a MAP change within +/- 20% of baseline values (5 min before opening the dura). Significant relationships were found between MAP reductions > 20% and Glasgow coma scale (GCS) scores, abnormalities of the mesencephalic cistern on CT scan, pupillary abnormalities, and degree of midline shift. Low GCS score, absence of the mesencephalic cistern on CT scan, and bilaterally dilated pupils were particularly strong predictors of this amount of blood pressure reduction. The clinical outcomes of patients with MAP reduction > 20% following dural opening during surgery were significantly poorer than those of patients without this amount of blood pressure reduction. Our findings suggest that blood pressure reduction following opening of the dura in patients undergoing surgical evacuation of hematoma for traumatic ASDH may be predicted by careful preoperative assessment of neurological and CT scan findings.