Embolic Agent Choice in Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization as Primary or Adjunct Treatment for Chronic Subdural Hematoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Middle meningeal artery embolization is an emerging treatment option for chronic subdural hematomas.

PURPOSE: Our aim was to assess outcomes following middle meningeal artery embolization by different techniques, including in comparison with traditional surgical methods.

DATA SOURCES: We searched the literature databases from inception to March 2022.

DATA SELECTION: We selected studies reporting outcomes after middle meningeal artery embolization as a primary or adjunctive treatment for chronic subdural hematoma.

DATA ANALYSIS: We analyzed the risk of recurrence of chronic subdural hematoma, reoperation for recurrence or residual hematoma, complications, and radiologic and clinical outcomes using random effects modeling. Additional analyses were performed on the basis of whether middle meningeal artery embolization was used as the primary or adjunct treatment and by embolic agent type.

DATA SYNTHESIS: Twenty-two studies were included with 382 patients with middle meningeal artery embolization and 1373 surgical patients. The rate of subdural hematoma recurrence was 4.1%. Fifty (4.2%) patients underwent a reoperation for a recurrent or residual subdural hematoma. Thirty-six (2.6%) experienced postoperative complications. The rates of good radiologic and clinical outcomes were 83.1% and 73.3%, respectively. Middle meningeal artery embolization was significantly associated with decreased odds of subdural hematoma reoperation (OR = 0.48; 95% CI, 23.4–99.1; P = .047) compared with surgery. The lowest rates of subdural hematoma radiologic recurrence, reoperation, and complications were observed among patients receiving embolization with Onyx, whereas good overall clinical outcome occurred most commonly with combined polyvinyl alcohol and coils.

LIMITATIONS: A limitation was the retrospective design of studies included.

CONCLUSIONS: Middle meningeal artery embolization is safe and effective, either as a primary or adjunctive treatment. Treatment using Onyx seems to yield lower rates of recurrence, rescue operation, and complications whereas particles and coils produce good overall clinical outcomes.