Analysis of dynamic changes in optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) with ultrasound in post-craniotomy patients: Trends and correlation with computed tomography ONSD and Glasgow coma scale in post-operative period



Intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring in patients with intracranial tumors undergoing craniotomy is usually done in perioperative period in intensive care unit. Invasive measurement of ICP, though considered as the gold standard, has its own limitations such as availability of expertise, equipment, and associated complications. Period of raised ICP in post-operative period may impact patient outcomes. Post-craniotomy computed tomography (CT) assessment is done routinely and may need to be repeated if indicated during post-operative stay. Utility of sonographic serial optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) assessment in post-operative monitoring of patients who have undergone elective craniotomy was explored in this study. The primary objective of the study was to measure the dynamic change in ONSD as compared to baseline pre-operative measurement in the first 3 postoperative days after elective craniotomy. The secondary objective of the study was to evaluate correlation between ONSD value with Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and post-operative CT findings.



In this prospective, observational, and cohort study, we studied adult patients undergoing craniotomy for intracranial tumors. GCS assessment and sonographic measurement of ONSD were done preoperatively, immediate post-operative period, and 12, 24, and 48 h after surgery. CT scan to detect raised ICP was done at 24 h post-operative. Correlation of ONSD with GCS at respective period and correlation of CT scan finding with respective ONSD assessment were evaluated.



A total of 57 patients underwent elective craniotomy for intracranial tumors. Significant difference was observed in ONSD value depending on time of measurement perioperatively (χ2 = 78.9, P = 0.00). There was initial increase in the first 12 h followed by decrease in ONSD in the next 48 h. Negative correlation was observed between baseline ONSD and 12 h GCS (ρ = −0.345, P = 0.013). There was significant change in GCS scores based on the status of ONSD (raised or normal) at 12 h after surgery (P = 0.014). Significant correlation between USG ONSD and CT ONSD was observed (ρ = 0.928, P = 0.000). Optimal cutoff value of ONSD to detect raised ICP with reference to CT signs was 4.8 mm with 80% sensitivity and 95% specificity.



ONSD undergoes dynamic changes, correlates with CT scan, and has good diagnostic accuracy to detect raised ICP post-craniotomy for intracranial tumors. It may serve as a useful tool in monitoring in resource-limited setup.
