Operative treatment of spontaneous spinal epidural hematomas: a study of the factors determining postoperative outcome

Thunderclap headache as a presentation of spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma with spontaneous recovery

BACKGROUND

Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma (SSEH) is a rare spinal cord compression disorder. Thunderclap headache mimicking subarachnoid hemorrhage as an initial manifestation of this disorder has been scarcely reported. Moreover, the neurological outcome of conservative treatment is satisfactory only in some clinical settings. The unusual presentation and mechanisms for spontaneous recovery of SSEH are discussed.

OBJECTIVE

To report a case of SSEH that presented with acute severe headache that mimicked subarachnoid hemorrhage. After a period of neurological deficit, spontaneous improvement was seen, which progressed to full recovery without neurosurgical intervention.

FINDINGS

A 62-year-old man presented with acute occipital headache and neck stiffness for which subarachnoid hemorrhage was initially suspected. An emergency computed tomographic brain scan and cerebrospinal fluid analysis excluded subarachnoid hemorrhage. Later, he developed acute paraparesis, hypoesthesia up to the fourth thoracic dermatomal level (T4) as well as bowel and bladder dysfunction. The magnetic resonance imaging eventually revealed spinal epidural hematoma, located anterior to C7 through T4 spinal level. He had no previous history of spinal injury, systemic, and hematological disorders. The neurological recovery began 20 hours after the onset and continued until complete recovery, 4 months after the onset without neurosurgical intervention.

CONCLUSION

SSEH could sometimes imitate subarachnoid hemorrhages when it located in the cervical region. Spontaneous recovery of SSEH without surgical intervention might be possible in cases with continuing neurological recovery, although the recovery began much later in the clinical course.

Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma and spinal cord infarction following orthotopic liver transplantation: Case report and review of the literature

Background:

Spinal epidural hematomas are rare conditions. Although the exact cause remains unknown in up to 40% of cases, anticoagulation therapy, neoplasm, thrombolytic therapy, internal jugular vein thrombosis, and prolonged Valsalva maneuvers associated with pregnancy may be contributing factors. The source of bleeding appears to be the dorsal internal vertebral venous plexus (IVVP).

Case Description:

A 65-year-old female patient with hepatitis C-related cirrhosis underwent orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). The patient developed SSEH due to congestion of the IVVP in the peri-transplant period. Concurrent spinal cord infarction occurred, likely secondary to hypoperfusion during a cardiac arrest.

Conclusion:

This case study should increase awareness of SSEH as a complication of OLT.

[Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma as cause of incomplete spinal cord injury]

Spontaneous spinal epidural hematomas are rare but are of differential diagnostic importance due to the potentially dramatic progression through to irreversible neurological deficits. At the beginning the clinical symptoms are non-specific and the development of neurological deficits leads to the diagnosis. We present the case of a 73-year-old female patient who initially reported uncharacteristic neck pain and developed incomplete quadriplegia during the next day as well as the case of a 78-year-old male patient, who complained of acute back pain and developed paraplegia a short time afterwards. Early microsurgery and spinal canal evacuation led to complete remission of the neurological deficits in both cases.

Spontaneous cervical epidural hematoma presenting as brown-sequard syndrome following repetitive korean traditional deep bows

Spontaneous cervical epidural hematoma (SCEH) is an uncommon cause of acute nontraumatic myelopathy. SCEH presenting as Brown-Sequard syndrome is extremely rare. A 65-year-old man had motor weakness in the left extremities right after his mother's funeral. He received thrombolytic therapy under the impression of acute cerebral infarction at a local hospital. However, motor weakness of the left extremities became aggravated without mental change. After being transferred to our hospital, he showed motor weakness in the left extremities with diminished pain sensation in the right extremities. Diagnosis of SCEH was made by cervical magnetic resonance imaging. He underwent left C3 to C5 hemilaminectomy with hematoma removal. It is important for physicians to be aware that SCEH can be considered as one of the differential diagnoses of hemiplegia, since early diagnosis and management can influence the neurological outcome. We think that increased venous pressure owing to repetitive Korean traditional deep bows may be the cause of SCEH in this case.

Clinical Outcomes of Spontaneous Spinal Epidural Hematoma : A Comparative Study between Conservative and Surgical Treatment

Objective

The incidence of spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma (SSEH) is rare. Patients with SSEH, however, present disabling neurologic deficits. Clinical outcomes are variable among patients. To evaluate the adequate treatment method according to initial patients' neurological status and clinical outcome with comparison of variables affecting the clinical outcome.

Methods

We included 15 patients suffered from SSEH. Patients were divided into two groups by treatment method. Initial neurological status and clinical outcomes were assessed by the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) impairment scale. Also sagittal hematoma location and length of involved segment was analyzed with magnetic resonance images. Other factors such as age, sex, premorbid medication and duration of hospital stay were reviewed with medical records. Nonparametric statistical analysis and subgroup analysis were performed to overcome small sample size.

Results

Among fifteen patients, ten patients underwent decompressive surgery, and remaining five were treated with conservative therapy. Patients showed no different initial neurologic status between treatment groups. Initial neurologic status was strongly associated with neurological recovery (p=0.030). Factors that did not seem to affect clinical outcomes included : age, sex, length of the involved spinal segment, sagittal location of hematoma, premorbid medication of antiplatelets or anticoagulants, and treatment methods.

Conclusion

For the management of SSEH, early decompressive surgery is usually recommended. However, conservative management can also be feasible in selective patients who present neurologic status as ASIA scale E or in whom early recovery of function has initiated with ASIA scale C or D.

Spontaneous cervical epidural hematoma causing brown-sequard syndrome

Spontaneous cervical epidural hematoma (SCEH) is a rare clinical entity and has a varied etiology. Urgent surgical decompression should be done to prevent serious permanent neurologic deficits. We describe a 59-year-old female who presented with Brown-Sequard syndrome due to spontaneous cervical epidural hematoma. Initially, she was misdiagnosed as cerebrovascular accident. Cervical magnetic resonance imaging revealed epidural hematoma to the right of the spinal cord extending from C3 to C6. She later underwent surgical evacuation and had complete restoration of neurologic function. The outcome in SCEH is essentially determined by the time taken from onset of the symptom to operation. Therefore, early and precise diagnosis such as careful history taking and MRI evaluation is mandatory.

Spontaneous spinal epidural hematomas associated with acute myocardial infarction treatment

Many studies have reported spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma (SSEH). Although most cases are idiopathic, several are associated with thrombolytic therapy or anticoagulants. We report a case of SSEH coincident with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), which caused serious neurological deficits. A 56 year old man presented with chest pain accompanied with back and neck pain, which was regarded as an atypical symptom of AMI. He was treated with nitroglycerin, aspirin, low molecular weight heparin, and clopidogrel. A spinal magnetic resonance image taken after paraplegia developed 3 days after the initial symptoms revealed an epidural hematoma at the cervical and thoracolumbar spine. Despite emergent decompressive surgery, paraplegia has not improved 7 months after surgery. A SSEH should be considered when patients complain of abrupt, strong, and non-traumatic back and neck pain, particularly if they have no spinal pain history.

Spontaneous Spinal Epidural Hematoma: A Retrospective Study on Prognostic Factors and Review of the Literature

Objectives

The spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma (SSEH) is a rare clinical entity. Patients typically present with sudden onset back pain followed by neurological deficits.

Methods

Diagnosis of SSEH is usually made with MRI and standard treatment is surgical evacuation. In 1996, Groen published the most comprehensive review on the SSEH in which he analyzed 333 cases. We review 104 cases of SSEH presented in the English literature since the last major review and add three of our own cases, for a total of 107 cases.

Results

Our patients presented with back pain and neurologic deficits. Two made excellent functional recovery with prompt surgical decompression while one continued to have significant deficits despite evacuation. Better postoperative outcome was associated with less initial neurological dysfunction, shorter time to operation from symptom onset and male patients.

Conclusion

We discuss the etiology of SSEH and report current trends in diagnosis, treatment, and outcome.

Hemiparesis caused by cervical spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma: a report of 3 cases

We report three cases of spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma (SSEH) with hemiparesis. The first patient was a 73-year-old woman who presented with left hemiparesis, neck pain, and left shoulder pain. A cervical MRI scan revealed a left posterolateral epidural hematoma at the C3–C6 level. The condition of the patient improved after laminectomy and evacuation of the epidural hematoma. The second patient was a 62-year-old man who presented with right hemiparesis and neck pain. A cervical MRI scan revealed a right posterolateral dominant epidural hematoma at the C6-T1 level. The condition of the patient improved after laminectomy and evacuation of the epidural hematoma. The third patient was a 60-year-old woman who presented with left hemiparesis and neck pain. A cervical MRI scan revealed a left posterolateral epidural hematoma at the C2–C4 level. The condition of the patient improved with conservative treatment. The classical clinical presentation of SSEH is acute onset of severe irradiating back pain followed by progression to paralysis, whereas SSEH with hemiparesis is less common. Our cases suggest that acute cervical spinal epidural hematoma should be considered as a differential diagnosis in patients presenting with clinical symptoms of sudden neck pain and radicular pain with progression to hemiparesis.

Complete motor recovery after acute paraparesis caused by spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma: case report

Background

Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma is a relatively rare but potentially disabling disease. Prompt timely surgical management may promote recovery even in severe cases.

Case presentation

We report a 34-year-old man with a 2-hour history of sudden severe back pain, followed by weakness and numbness over the bilateral lower limbs, progressing to intense paraparesis and anesthesia. A spinal magnetic resonance imaging scan was performed and revealed an anterior epidural hematoma of the thoracic spine. He underwent an emergency decompression laminectomy of the thoracic spine and hematoma evacuation. Just after surgery, his lower extremity movements improved. After 1 week, there was no residual weakness and ambulation without assistance was resumed, with residual paresthesia on the plantar face of both feet. After 5 months, no residual symptoms persisted.

Conclusions

The diagnosis of spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma must be kept in mind in cases of sudden back pain with symptoms of spinal cord compression. Early recognition, accurate diagnosis and prompt surgical treatment may result in significant improvement even in severe cases.

Spontaneous epidural hematoma of thoracic spine presenting as Brown-Séquard syndrome: report of a case with review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma (SSEH) is an uncommon clinical entity. It produces a severe neurological deficit and prompt decompression is usually the first choice of treatment. Brown-Séquard syndrome is commonly seen in the setting of spinal trauma or an extramedullary spinal neoplasm, but rarely caused by SSEH.

METHODS

Case report and literature review.

FINDINGS

A previously healthy man presented with Brown-Séquard syndrome below T5-T6 cord segment secondary to spontaneous epidural hematoma. He opted for conservative treatment, which was followed by rapid resolution.

CONCLUSIONS

Although Brown-Séquard syndrome as a presenting feature of SSEH is rare, it does exist in exceptional case, which should be taken into consideration for differential diagnosis. Prompt surgical decompression is an absolute surgical indication widely accepted for patient with progressive neurological deficit. However, SSEH presenting with incomplete neurological insult such as Brown-Séquard syndrome might have a benign course. Successful non-operative management of this problem does not make it a standard of care, and surgical decompression remains the standard treatment for SSEH.

Chronic Spinal Epidural Hematoma Related to Kummell's Disease

Chronic spinal epidural hematoma related to Kummell's disease is extremely rare. An 82-year-old woman who had been managed conservatively for seven weeks with the diagnosis of a multi-level osteoporotic compression fracture was transferred to our institute. Lumbar spine magnetic resonance images revealed vertebral body collapse with the formation of a cavitary lesion at L1, and a chronic spinal epidural hematoma extending from L1 to L3. Because of intractable back pain, a percutaneous vertebroplasty was performed. The pain improved dramatically and follow-up magnetic resonance imaging obtained three days after the procedure showed a nearly complete resolution of the hematoma. Here, we present the rare case of a chronic spinal epidural hematoma associated with Kummell's disease and discuss the possible mechanism.

Spontaneous spinal epidural haematoma due to arteriovenous malformation in a child

Spontaneous spinal epidural haematoma (SSEH) is a rare clinical entity, especially in infants, in whom only a few cases have been reported. In a paediatric emergency setting, SSEH should be considered as part of the differential diagnosis for acute extremity weakness and paraesthesia. Epidural vascular malformations are often suspected in these cases but have rarely been demonstrated. The authors report herein a case of SSEH in a 9-year-old boy arising from an epidural vascular malformation. He initially presented with sudden intense cervicodorsal pain followed by hypotonic lower extremities and progressive motor weakness, with no sensory change. The MRI showed an acute extradural haematoma extending from C7 to T4 with compression of the spinal cord. After submission to decompression surgery, he presented full recovery in 1 month. The histopathological analysis revealed a vascular malformation.

Chronic spontaneous cervicothoracic epidural hematoma in an 8-month-old infant

Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma is an uncommon cause of cord compression in children, especially in infants. An 8-month-old infant was admitted to our hospital for a 40-day history of paraparesis in the lower extremities. This rapidly progressed to paraparesis with an inability to move the lower extremities. MRI of the cervicothoracic spine revealed an epidural mass with compression of the spinal cord. The infant underwent C7-T3 total laminectomies. The pathology and postoperative MRI confirmed spinal epidural hematoma from a vascular malformation. We present the case to highlight the significance of recognizing this chronic spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma and discuss the diagnosis, treatment options and prognosis.

Spontaneous cervical epidural hematoma during pregnancy: case report and literature review

Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma (SSEH) during pregnancy is rare and may result in permanent damage if not promptly treated. There were few studies discussing the etiology, presentation and treatment of SSEH during pregnancy. The authors describe a case of spontaneous cervical epidural hematoma during pregnancy, which was diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and managed with surgical evacuation. A retrospective review of a case of spontaneous epidural hematoma of spine during pregnancy was performed. The clinical features, diagnoses, treatments and outcomes of all cases were analyzed. Precise diagnosis without delay and rapid surgical treatment are essential for the management of SSEH during pregnancy.

Spontaneous and idiopathic chronic spinal epidural hematoma: two case reports and review of the literature

Spinal epidural hematoma (SEH) represents the most frequent entity of acute or chronic spinal bleeding. Based upon pathogenesis, SEH can be classified as idiopathic, spontaneous, and secondary. The idiopathic forms are considered not to be attributed to any specific risk factors. Spontaneous SEH, accounting for 0.3–0.9% of all spinal epidural space occupying lesions, instead is associated with risk factors (such as substantial soft trauma or coagulation abnormalities). The chronic form, as our literature review revealed, is the rarest and its most frequent location is the lumbar spine. The pathophysiology of spontaneous and idiopathic SEH is still under debate: There are only a few reports in literature of chronically evolving SEH with progressively increasing pain and neurological impairment. Magnetic resonance imaging may be inconclusive for differential diagnosis. Here, we present two cases of lumbar chronic SEH with slow, progressive, and persistent lumbar radicular impairment. The first patient reported a minor trauma with slight back contusion and thus was classified as spontaneous SEH. In the second case not even a minor trauma was involved, so we considered it to be idiopathic SEH. In both cases preoperative blood and coagulation tests were normal and we did not find any other or co-factors in the patients’ clinical histories. MR imaging showed uncertain spinal canal obstructing lesions at L3 and L4 level in both cases. Surgical treatment allowed a correct diagnosis and resulted in full clinical and neuroradiological recovery after 1 year follow-up. Our aim is to discuss pathogenesis, clinical and radiological features, differential diagnosis and treatment options, on the background of relevant literature review.

Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma with unusual hemiparesis alternating from one side to the other side

A 59-year-old woman suffered from sudden onset of severe neck and back pain. She experienced right-side hemiparesis. Although the right-side hemiparesis soon disappeared, left-side hemiparesis developed. MRI of the brain was unremarkable. MRI of the cervical spine demonstrated hematoma in the left posterior epidural space at the C2/3 level. The spinal cord was compressed not only by a degenerative disc of the ventral region, but also by hematomas of the dorsal region. The unusual hemiparesis alternating from right-side to left-side in this case may have been caused by various factors, including cervical canal stenosis, the spread of hematoma, disturbance of blood flow, and distribution of stress and strain.

Misdiagnosis of spontaneous cervical epidural haemorrhage

Spontaneous spinal epidural haemorrhage is a rare condition. The initial clinical manifestations are variable. Nonetheless, most spinal cord lesions result in paraparesis or quadriparesis, but not hemi-paresis, if motor function is involved. We report on a 69-year-old man who presented initially with right-side limb weakness. He was initially misdiagnosed at emergency room with a cerebral stroke and treated inappropriately with heparin. One day after admission, correct diagnosis of acute spinal epidural haematoma was based on the repeated neurological examination and cervical magnetic resonance imaging study. The patient underwent emergency surgical decompression and hematoma removal. The pathogenesis of the haematoma could have been due to hypertension, increased abdominal pressure and anticoagulant therapy. We emphasize that patients with hemi-paresis on initial presentation could have an acute spinal epidural haemorrhage. We also draw the misdiagnosis to the attention of the reader because early recognition of spontaneous spinal epidural haematoma is very important for prompt and appropriate treatment to improve the overall prognosis.

Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma in an infant : a case report and review of the literature

Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma (SSEH) is rare in children, especially in infants, in whom only 12 cases have been reported. Because of the nonspecificity of presenting symptoms in children, the diagnosis may be delayed. We report herein a case of SSEH in a 20-month-old girl who initially presented with neck pain, and developed lower extremity motor weakness and symptoms of neurogenic bladder 2 weeks prior to admission. The magnetic resonance imaging showed an epidural mass lesion extending from C7 to T4, and the spinal cord was severely compressed by the mass. After emergency decompressive surgery the neurologic function was improved immediately. Two months after surgery, the neurological status was normal with achievement of spontaneous voiding. We suggest that surgical intervention can provide excellent prognosis in case of SSEH in infants, even if surgery delayed.

Myelopathy caused by chronic epidural hematoma associated with l1 osteoporotic vertebral collapse: a case report and review of the literature

Epidural hematoma associated with osteoporotic vertebral collapse has not been reported yet in the literature. We report a case of myelopathy caused by chronic epidural hematoma associated with L1 osteoporotic vertebral collapse and review the relevant literature.

Epidural Hematoma Presenting with Severe Neck Pain without Neurological Deficit - A Late Complication of Posterior Cervical Spine Surgery: Presentation of Three Unusual Cases

Postoperative epidural hematoma (EDH) usually present with neurological deficit. Massive EDH presenting with only severe pain without neurological deficit are rare. Atypical presentations of postoperative EDHs may lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment. We present three such cases after posterior cervical spine surgery. Three patients presented with severe neck pain and spasms without motor deficits several days after posterior cervical decompressive procedures. Imaging studies identified compressive EDHs at the surgical site with severe compression of the spinal cord. All were treated with emergent decompression, with resulting improvement of symptoms and pain relief without further neurological sequelae. In conclusion, postoperative EDHs after posterior cervical spine surgery may result in minimal neurological deficit. Our report reminds surgeons to keep this possibility in mind when patients complain of unusually severe neck pain and spasms after posterior cervical spine surgery.

Spontaneous cervical cord haemorrhage: an unusual presentation

Spontaneous haemorrhage within or compressing the spinal cord is a rare condition that requires emergency investigation and treatment. Such a case presenting with rapidly progressive flaccid quadriparesis, with subsequent ventilatory failure is reported. In this case the patient probably had an unfortunate complication of hypertension and over-anticoagulation.

Clopidogrel-induced spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma

The hemorrhagic side effects associated with the use of clopidogrel are within the acceptable range and occur mainly at skin or gastrointestinal sites. We report a case of spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma (SSEH) in a 60-yr-old woman who was treated with clopidogrel for frequent transient ischemic attacks. To our knowledge, this is the second reported case of clopidogrel-induced SSEH. The patient's symptoms and past history of clopidogrel use suggested the diagnosis and made the procedure proceed quickly to operate SSEH 9 hr after the onset of paraplegia. The outcome was excellent. Therefore, with the popularity of antiplatelet prescription, physicians should keep in mind and urgently treat this unusual but critical side effect.

[The spontaneous spinal epidural haematoma]

Spontaneous spinal epidural haematoma (SSEH) is a rare and serious condition. Four cases of SSEH are presented in this paper, three of which were in the cervical segment while one involved the entire spine. In two of these four cases the diagnosis was not made until late in the course, and persisting neurological deficits resulted; one case was diagnosed early and the neurological outcome was good; and in one the decompression achieved was inadequate, owing to intraoperative complications. Laminectomy was performed in all four cases for the purpose of decompression of the spinal cord but at different intervals after the onset of symptoms and with different neurological outcomes. The prognosis of SSEH depends heavily on the time that elapses between the onset of symptoms and the surgical treatment. The diagnostic procedure of choice is MRI.

Surgical management of spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma

Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma (SSEH) is a rare disease entity; its causative factors and the factors determining the outcome are still controversial. We reviewed our clinical experiences and analyzed the various factors related to the outcome for SSEH. We investigated 14 patients (11 men and 3 women) who underwent hematoma removal for SSEH from April 1998 to August 2004. We reviewed age, gender, hypertension, anticoagulant use and the preoperative neurological status using the Japanese Orthopaedics Association score by examining medical records, operative records, pathology reports, and radiographies, retrospectively. We were checking for factors such as the degree of cord compression owing to hematoma and the extent and location of the hematoma. Most patients included in the study were in their twenties or fifties. Four hematoma were located in the cervical region (29%), three were cervicothoracic (21%), four were thoracic (29%) and three were in the lumbar (21%) region and also 12 were located at the dorsal aspect of the spinal cord. In all cases, the neurological outcome improved after the surgical operation. There was a statistically significant difference between the incomplete and complete neurological injury for the preoperative status (P<0.05). The neurological outcome was good in those cases that had their hematoma removed within 24 h (P<0.05). The patients with incomplete neurological injury who had a surgical operation performed within 12 h had an excellent surgical outcome (P<0.01). Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma was favorably treated by the means of a surgical operation. The favorable factors for SSEH operations were incomplete neurological injury at the time of the preoperative status and the short operative time interval.

Pure cervical radiculopathy due to spontaneous spinal epidural haematoma (SSEH): report of a case solved conservatively

INTRODUCTION

Spontaneous spinal epidural haematoma (SSEH) is widely recognised throughout the literature as a cause of myelopathy, radicular compression being very rarely reported. Surgical management is almost always recommended, especially in the cases of spinal cord compression. Conservative treatment is reported as a curiosity and only in the case of spontaneous improvement. This report presents the particular case of a 64-year-old patient undergoing anticoagulant therapy that had a cervical radiculopathy due to a SSEH confirmed by MRI. The patient improved spontaneously and symptoms were solved with unconventional conservative treatment and without stopping the anticoagulant therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Spontaneous epidural haematoma must be kept in mind when patients undergoing anticoagulant therapy have a sudden onset of cervicobrachialgia. Even though most spinal surgeons advocate surgical treatment, a conservative approach may lead to a complete recovery and may be considered as a good option in the case of radicular involvement. Discontinuation of the anticoagulant therapy may not always be needed, especially when the clinical syndrome improves spontaneously.

Epidural haemorrhage of the cervical spinal cord: a post-mortem artefact?

Spinal epidural haemorrhage is a rare entity that occurs uncommonly in adults and rarely in children. It has a typical clinical presentation, although to date, the cause for the majority of cases remains unknown. We present a series of cases where epidural haemorrhage was identified at post-mortem, principly to the cervical cord, in cases outside the age range usually reported for clinical epidural haemorrhage, and with no underlying pathology to account for the finding. We present a hypothesis for a post-mortem cause for this finding and consider that, in the absence of any other identifiable causation, then this is a post-mortem occurrence similar to that of the Prinsloo-Gordon artefact of the soft tissues of the neck. This finding must be interpreted with care so as not to make the mistaken diagnosis of a nonaccidental head injury based on its finding, especially in the absence of intracranial, cranial nerve, optic nerve or eye pathologies.

The poor outcome of the delayed diagnosis of acute spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma: two cases report

We present two patients who had acute paraplegia with sensory loss due to spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma (SSEH). One had myocardial infraction and the other had deep vein thrombosis, and the former was treated with anticoagulants and the latter was treated with thrombolytic agent. We analyzed the neurological status of our two cases each between its preoperative and postoperative state. Postoperatively both showed no improvement of neurologic symptom, and on follow-up of 12 months, one showed no neurologic improvement and the other showed a insignificant improvement of lower extremity muscle power (trace knee extensor/ankle dorsi-flexor). We thought that this poor outcome was due to delayed operation, which was done more than 24 hr after the symptom onset. The outcome in SSEH is essentially determined by the time taken from symptom onset to operation. Therefore, early and precise diagnosis such as careful history taking and MRI evaluation is necessary.

Spinal epidural hematoma associated with oral anticoagulation therapy

Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma is an uncommon cause of spinal cord compression. It may be associated with various causative factors, but in many patients, anticoagulation can be implicated. It is noteworthy that many of the reported cases were anticoagulated in the therapeutic range. Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma should be suspected in any patient receiving anticoagulant agents who complains of local or referred spinal pain associated with limb weakness, sensory deficits, or urinary retention. Early diagnosis and treatment are very important for the functional recovery of the patient. Spinal magnetic resonance imaging is the most suitable neuroradiological method for early diagnosis. Although primary management is the surgical evacuation of the spinal epidural hematoma via laminectomy, rare cases in which the patient is improving rapidly and progressively could be treated conservatively. A 22-yr-old man with a spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma who was receiving warfarin treatment for a mechanical aortic valve is presented in this article.

Epidural hematoma after cervical spine surgery

The authors report an acute epidural hematoma after the surgical removal of a cervical C6-C7 disc herniation through an anterolateral approach of the cervical spine. Clinical history consisted of respiratory distress and flaccid tetraplegia that appeared 2.5 hours after surgery. Without any complementary radiologic investigation, the patient was immediately transferred to the operating room for a second look, which was unsuccessful. Magnetic resonance imaging performed after this second surgical procedure showed an anterior cervical hematoma extending from C3 to T3 without significant spinal cord compression. A cervical laminectomy was performed to evacuate the hematoma. The patient was extubated the next morning and discharged from the hospital after 5 days with no residual neurologic deficit. An extensive postoperative investigation revealed no coagulation disorder.

Recovery after high-dose methylprednisolone and delayed evacuation: a case of spinal epidural hematoma

Spinal epidural hematoma (SEH) is rare and not without serious sequelae. We report a patient who developed Brown-Séquard syndrome from SEH after fluoroscopic-guided cervical steroid injection and favorable response to methylprednisolone (MP). A 56-year-old man reported immediate sharp shooting pain to the upper extremities on introduction of epidural toughy needle. A total of 5 mL of 0.2% ropivacaine and 120 mg methylprednisolone acetate suspension was administered at the C6-7 interspace. Within half an hour, a neurologic deficit occurred at C7-8 and right Brown-Séquard syndrome developed. Once SEH was suspected (3 hours after onset of neurologic deficit), a protocol of high-dose MP intravenous infusion was initiated. Immediate incomplete recovery of motor, sensory, and sphincteric functions was noted within 30 minutes of infusion. Emergency spinal C6-T2 bilateral decompressive laminectomies and evacuation SEH were performed within an expected delay (10 hours from the onset of neurologic deficit). Fluoroscopic guidance does not take the place of adherence to meticulous technique. An unexplained neurologic deficit after invasive spinal procedures should raise the concern for SEH. Early recognition and emergent evacuation remain the mainstay management for SEH. This case suggests some neuroprotection from MP in cases of cervicothoracic cord compression secondary to traumatic SEH. When potential risks for SEH exist, it is advisable not to administer local anesthetic so as not to interfere with neurologic assessment and delaying the diagnosis.

Magnetic resonance imaging-monitored conservative management of traumatic spinal epidural hematomas

Spinal epidural hematomas (SEHs) are uncommon complications caused by traumatic injuries to the spine. Emergency surgical evacuation is the standard treatment. Although recognized in the literature, the possibility of nonsurgical treatment of traumatic SEHs is far from being codified. The authors report on the treatment of four patients whose traumatic SEHs were diagnosed by magnetic resonance (MRI) imaging and managed conservatively with excellent results.

All patients had suffered severe spine injury with fracture of a lumbar vertebral body, were admitted within 12 hours of trauma, and exhibited only minimal neurological disturbances on admission. Magnetic resonance imaging studies were performed within 24 hours of trauma. Hematomas appeared isointense/slightly hyperintense on T1- and heterogeneous on T2-weighted MR images. Clot thickness varied between 0.8 cm and 1 cm, width between 1 cm and 1.8 cm, and length between 2.7 and 9 cm. In light of each patient's fairly good neurological condition a conservative approach was taken. In all cases serial MR imaging documented progressive clot resolution, which was completed within 8 to 10 days of trauma. At discharge all patients were neurologically intact.

The conservative treatment option of traumatic SEH should be reserved for exceptional cases whose deficits are minimal, when neurological deterioration is followed by early and sustained spontaneous recovery, and when there are clear medical contraindications for surgery. The results of the present study confirm that nonsurgical treatment is feasible in a subgroup of minimally symptomatic patients who harbor moderate-sized SEHs. Although the authors' experience shows a good spontaneous outcome of some traumatic SEH, further studies are necessary to understand the real spectrum of nonsurgical treatment of such lesions.

Spinal epidural haematoma in haemophilia A

We report on a 27-year-old male Caucasian with severe haemophilia A who presented with acute onset of neck pain with cervical nerve root irritation, due to a spinal epidural haematoma. His past medical history revealed carrying of a moderate weight as a possible traumatic mechanism. Under immediate factor VIII replacement therapy complete remission of the symptoms was achieved within several days. The diagnosis of spinal epidural haematoma and complete resorption was revealed by initial and follow-up magnetic resonance imaging studies of the cervical spine. Having reviewed the literature on spinal epidural haematoma, we present an overview of the treatment and outcome as regards haemophilia.