Management of malignant middle cerebral artery infarction following a cardiac stab wound – the role of early decompressive craniectomy

Abstract

We report the presentation, investigation and management of a 22-year-old male who developed a right malignant middle cerebral artery infarct following a cardiac stab wound. This case exemplifies that early identification and timely decompression of young patients with embolic infarcts as a result of penetrating trauma can lead to a favourable clinical outcome.

Keywords::

• decompressive craniectomy
• delayed ischaemic neurological deficit
• raised intracranial pressure
• surgical decompression
• stroke
• trauma

Declaration of interest: The authors report no declarations of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.