A Suitable Formula for Estimating the Volume Gained by Decompressive Craniectomy in Malignant Hemispheric Infarction

Decompressive craniectomy (DC) improves the survivability and functional outcome in patients with malignant hemispheric infarction (MHI). The decompressive effect of DC depends on the decompressive volume (DV). The value of the formulas for estimating DV has not been reported to date. We have investigated the value of the formulas to estimate DV in patients with MHI. We analyzed the head CTs of six patients who underwent DC for MHI. We examined 1/2ABC, 1/3ABC, π/6ABC, and 2/3Sh formulas to determine the formula that gives the closest estimation of DV compared with computer-assisted volumetric analysis (gold standard). The mean volume values of the gold standard, 1/2ABC, 1/3ABC, π/6ABC, and 2/3Sh formulas were 100.2, 102.4, 68.3, 105.2, and 109.2 mL respectively. Spearman’s correlation coefficient was assessed for DV obtained by each of the four different formulas relative to the gold standard. These were as follows: 1/2ABC = 0.8095 (p 0.05). In conclusion, the 1/2ABC formula is the most useful and the closest estimation of DV in patients with MHI after DC.