Ultrasound measurements versus invasive intracranial pressure measurement method in patients with brain injury: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND: The invasive method for intracranial pressure measurement is ‘gold standard’ but not always feasible because the intraventricular catheter/ intraparenchymal micro transducer used in the measurement of intracranial pressure measurement may cause complications. Imaging modalities with clinical examination protocol have a lack of specificity and accuracy. The objective of the study was to compare the accuracy of diagnostic parameters of ultrasound measurements in patients with brain injury underwent invasive intracranial pressure measurement method. METHODS: Data of invasive intracranial pressure measurement method and ultrasound measurements of 185 patients with brain injury who required admission diagnosis were included in the analysis. Pearson correlation was tested for diagnostic parameters. Logistical regression analysis was performed for diagnostic parameters of death patients to evaluate independent parameter of mortality. RESULTS: Straight sinus flow velocities, middle cerebral artery flow velocities, and optic nerve sheath diameter were correlated with intracranial pressure (p < 0.0001 for all). Arterial blood pressure (p = 0.127) and middle cerebral artery pulsatility index (p = 0.06) were not correlated with intracranial pressure. A total of 47 patients died during the study period. Intracranial pressure (p = 0.015) and optic nerve sheath diameter (p = 0.035) were found to be independent predictor of mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound measurement especially optic nerve sheath diameter can be successfully used instead of invasive intracranial pressure measurement method in patients with brain injury. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.