Ghost Aneurysms in Acute Subdural Hematomas: A Report of Two Cases

Bleeding-Source Exploration in Subdural Hematoma: Observational Study on the Usefulness of Postmortem Computed Tomography Angiography

In a few cases, postmortem computed tomography angiography (PMCTA) is effective in postmortem detection of cortical artery rupture causing subdural hematoma (SDH), which is difficult to detect at autopsy. Here, we explore the usefulness and limitations of PMCTA in detecting the sites of cortical arterial rupture for SDH. In 6 of 10 cases, extravascular leakage of contrast material at nine different places enabled PMCTA to identify cortical arterial rupture. PMCTA did not induce destructive arterial artifacts, which often occur during autopsy. We found that, although not in all cases, PMCTA could show the site of cortical arterial rupture causing subdural hematoma in some cases. This technique is beneficial for cases of SDH autopsy, as it can be performed nondestructively and before destructive artifacts from the autopsy occur.

Acute subdural hematoma during sexual intercourse due to an aneurysm rupture on posterior communicating artery: a case report

Patients with an acute subdural hematoma (aSDH) usually have a history of head trauma, but some patients may present with spontaneous aSDH due to a ruptured aneurysm. Spontaneous aSDH is a rare manifestation of aneurysmal rupture. However, aneurysmal rupture remains a major cause of spontaneous aSDH. A 42-year-old man was brought to the emergency room because of a sudden loss of consciousness during sexual intercourse. The patient has seizures and weakness on the right side of his body. The patient has no history of trauma and has never taken anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs, sexual aphrodisiacs, or other drugs. Physical examination revealed the Glasgow Coma Scale of E2V1M3, ptosis on the left eye, left pupil mydriasis, right central facial palsy, and right hemiparesis. Laboratory results showed hypercoagulopathy. Noncontrast head computed tomography scan revealed subdural hematoma with no subarachnoid or intraparenchymal hemorrhage. The patient underwent an emergency craniotomy, and the hematoma was evacuated. Cerebral angiography was performed 1 week later, revealing a saccular aneurysm in the left posterior communicating artery. The patient has successfully undergone endovascular coiling and was discharged from the hospital in good condition, fully conscious, with no weakness in half side of the body, but there is still third nerve palsy. Patients with pure aSDH without a history of trauma should consider the possibility of aneurysm rupture and perform an angiographic examination to rule out vascular malformations so that the patient can receive appropriate treatment.

Detection and Morphological Analysis of Micro-Ruptured Cortical Arteries in Subdural Hematoma: Three-Dimensional Visualization Using the Tissue-Clearing Clear, Unobstructed, Brain/Body Imaging Cocktails and Computational Analysis Method

One of the causes of bleeding in subdural hematoma is cortical artery rupture, which is difficult to detect at autopsy. Therefore, reports of autopsy cases with this condition are limited and hence, the pathogenesis of subdural hematoma remains unclear. Herein, for the detection and morphological analysis of cortical artery ruptures as the bleeding sources of subdural hematoma, we used the tissue-clearing CUBIC (clear, unobstructed, brain/body imaging cocktails and computational analysis) method with light-sheet fluorescence microscopy and reconstructed the two-dimensional and three-dimensional images. Using the CUBIC method, we could clearly visualize and detect cortical artery ruptures that were missed by conventional methods. Indeed, the CUBIC method enables three-dimensional morphological analysis of cortical arteries including the ruptured area, and the creation of cross-sectional two-dimensional images in any direction, which are similar to histopathological images. This highlights the effectiveness of the CUBIC method for subdural hematoma analysis.

Ghost Aneurysm in Atraumatic Acute Subdural Hematoma: A Sign of Caution or a Mere Finding - A Case Report

Atraumatic subdural bleed often presents with diagnostic and management dilemma. This is a case of a 36-year male who presented with acute onset headache while at rest without any focal neurodeficit. Computed Tomographic Scan of brain revealed subdural hematoma. Cerebral Digital Subtraction Angiography showed a same sided focal dye extravasation which corresponded exactly to the inner margin of the subdural bleed. Though the patient opted out for surgical management this imaging and DSA finding correlated with the “Ghost Aneurysm” concept in acute atraumatic subdural bleeds and its early recognition is an important imaging marker for caution for hematoma expansion.