Abstract Number ‐ 102: Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization Failure Profile: A Single Institution Retrospective Study

Abstract

Introduction Middle Meningeal Artery (MMA) embolization has emerged as a qualitative treatment option for subdural hematomas (SDH). Multiple studies have compared MMA embolization to other alternatives, namely surgery, and conservative treatment, with some indicating that MMA embolization was as effective and safe as the other two options. This study aimed to identify predictors of failures in SDH patients undergoing an MMA embolization. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 52 patients receiving MMA embolization for subdural hematoma management at our institution from 2020 until July 5, 2022 either as primary or adjunctive management. Patients who were under the age of 18 were excluded. Our definition of failure was any MMA embolization requiring an additional surgical procedure to evacuate the hematoma or relieve persistent symptoms. Results 52 patients with mean age of 71±14 and male gender 36 (69.2%) were reviewed. Most common presenting symptom was headache27 (51.9%) followed by gait instability22 (42.3%).35 out of 52 patients underwent MMA embolization as primary management of chronic subdural hematoma without prior surgical treatment. Six out of the 35 patients (17.1%) required a rescue surgical treatment due to increased hematoma size or recurrence of symptoms. Our early trend shows that half of the patients whose MMA embolization failed had a possible onset of SDH between 2 to 4 weeks prior the embolization. This trend is similar to Khorasanizadeh et al. description in which they concluded that late‐stage SDH was more predicated to have a failure of MMA embolization compared to early‐stage SDH (1). Of the remaining three patients, one was diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer to the bones and kidney. This patient passed away 12 days after the procedure despite a craniotomy post‐embolization. Conclusions More clinical trials are needed to further establish MMA embolization as standard of care in the management of cSDH in a subset profile of patients with higher success rates.