Predicting Functional Outcome After Decompressive Craniectomy for Malignant Hemispheric Infarction: Clinical and Novel Imaging Factors

Decompressive craniectomy (DC) is an established optional treatment for malignant hemispheric infarction (MHI). We analyzed relevant clinical factors and computed tomography (CT) measurements in patients with DC for MHI to identify predictors of functional outcome 3–6 months after stroke. This study was performed at 2 comprehensive stroke centers. The inclusion criteria required DC for MHI, no additional intraoperative procedures (strokectomy or cerebral ventricular drain placement), and documented functional status 3–6 months after the stroke. We classified functional outcome as acceptable if the modified Rankin Scale score was