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OBJECTIVE To demonstrate that microvascular decompression of the left medulla oblongata is a safe and effective modality for treating elevated blood pressure in patients with severe medically refractory "essential" hypertension (HTN). METHODS Twelve patients with medically intractable HTN with or without autonomic dysreflexia underwent microvascular decompression of the left rostral ventrolateral medulla oblongata. Causes such as pheochromocytoma, carcinoid syndrome, and renal disease were ruled out before surgery. Indications for surgery included systolic blood pressures greater than 180 mm Hg refractory to three or more medications, severe blood pressure lability, or medically resistant HTN at systolic pressures greater than 160 mm Hg associated with autonomic dysreflexia and/or magnetic resonance images demonstrating left medullary compression. The median age and follow-up duration were 51 years and 4.1 years, respectively. RESULTS Ten of 12 patients experienced reductions in systolic blood pressure greater than 20 mm Hg. Of these 10 patients, pressure reductions were temporary (6 mo) in two. Seven of eight patients experienced improvement in blood pressure lability and/or autonomic dysreflexia, with five patients showing sustained improvements. CONCLUSIONS Microvascular decompression of the left rostral ventrolateral medulla oblongata may be an effective treatment modality for patients suffering from severe HTN and/or autonomic dysreflexia refractory to medical management.
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