Mayo Clinic proceedings
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Mayo Clinic proceedings · Sep 1998
Middle cerebral artery territory infarction and early brain swelling: progression and effect of age on outcome.
To determine the clinical course and outcome in patients with a middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion and early computed tomographic (CT) scan findings of infarction, particularly relative to age of the patient. ⋯ Deterioration from further brain swelling is common in patients with MCA occlusion and sulci effacement on early CT scan. The outcome is fatal in most patients who deteriorate. Mortality was significantly higher in deteriorating older patients than in younger patients. Clearly defined criteria for decompressive hemicraniotomy in young patients with complete MCA occlusion are needed, preferably derived from a randomized clinical trial.