Clinical and radiological factors predicting recurrence of chronic subdural hematoma: a retrospective cohort study

Abstract Background Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is commonly encountered in the elderly patients and the recurrence rate is still high, therefore, identifying risk factors for CSDH recurrence is essential. The present study aimed to identify clinical and radiological factors predicting the recurrence of CSDH. Methods We retrospectively identified 461 patients with CSDH who underwent surgical evacuation in our department. Univariable analyses were performed at first, variables with a P-value of Results Univariable analyses revealed that patients with the following characteristics have a higher recurrence rate, including age ≥ 80 years, antiplatelet and/or anticoagulant use, GOS = 3, the volume of drainage ≥ 100 ml, midline shift ≥ 10 mm, severe brain atrophy, severe postoperative pneumocephalus. Multivariable logistic regression demonstrated that midline shift ≥ 10 mm, severe brain atrophy, severe postoperative pneumocephalus, and volume of drainage ≥ 100 ml were independent risk factors for CSDH recurrence. Kendall's tau-b test revealed that there was no correlation between brain atrophy and postoperative pneumocephalus. Conclusions Midline shift ≥10 mm, severe brain atrophy, severe postoperative pneumocephalus, and volume of drainage ≥ 100 ml were independent risk factors for CSDH recurrence, CSDH patients with these characteristics should be taken precautions of recurrence and a closely follow-up should be carried out.