Interdural Hematoma Extending From the Clivus to the Spinal Epidural Space in an Intracranial Aneurysm Case

Traumatic Epidural and Subdural Hematoma: Epidemiology, Outcome, and Dating

Epidural hematomas (EDHs) and subdural hematomas (SDHs), or so-called extra-axial bleedings, are common clinical entities after a traumatic brain injury (TBI). A forensic pathologist often analyzes cases of traumatic EDHs or SDHs due to road accidents, suicides, homicides, assaults, domestic or on-the-job accidents, and even in a medical responsibility scenario. The aim of this review is to give an overview of the published data in the medical literature, useful to forensic pathologists. We mainly focused on the data from the last 15 years, and considered the most updated protocols and diagnostic-therapeutic tools. This study reviews the epidemiology, outcome, and dating of extra-axial hematomas in the adult population; studies on the controversial interdural hematoma are also included.

The Relationship Between Hematoma and Pachymeninges in an Interdural Hematoma: Diagnosis and Surgical Strategy

BACKGROUND

The exact location of a hematoma in relation to the pachymeninges contributes to typical radiographic presentations. However, because of the complexity of hematoma evolution and neomembrane formation, an unexpected intraoperative finding can lead to a change of surgical strategy. In addition, the concentration of hemoglobin and its degradation products, the integrity of red blood cells, and the infiltration of fibroblasts, polymorphonuclear neutrophils, and macrophages are factors that affect the imaging characteristics on computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging as the hematoma ages.

CASE DESCRIPTION

An interdural hematoma (IDH)-a hemorrhage that splits the periosteal dura mater from the meningeal dura mater-is an extremely rare occurrence, and the diagnosis requires confirmation by surgical or pathologic findings. By presenting a case of an IDH that was misdiagnosed as a chronic subdural hematoma before surgery, and reviewing the literature, we propose the radiologic characteristics of presenting both dural border sign and dural beak sign on magnetic resonance imaging as a specific indicator for IDH preoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

A careful evaluation of cerebral expansion before membranectomy was mandatory intraoperatively. For IDH, wide inner membranectomy (i.e., excision of meningeal dura mater) should not be necessary. An IDH should be considered as a distinct disease category when evaluating an extra-axial hematoma despite its rarity, because the characters of radiologic, histopathologic findings are different. In addition, surgical strategy varies for epidural or subdural hematoma in different hematoma stages.

The Lumbosacral Dural Venous Sinus: A New Discovery with Potential Clinical Applications

BACKGROUND

Traditionally, the dural venous sinuses have been described only in the cranium. However, anecdotally, during various neurosurgical intradural procedures in the lumbosacral spine, we noticed an intradural collection of blood. With no prior studies on this in the extant medical literature, the following anatomic investigation seemed warranted.

METHODS

Twenty fresh frozen adult cadavers were used for the study. The dural sac was exposed and removed. A 30-gauge needle was inserted into the dura mater while not traversing the full thickness of the dura mater. Once the needle was positioned halfway into the thickness of the dura mater, injection of black ink was attempted. Cross-sections of the dural sac were performed, and the sections were stained using hematoxylin and eosin and examined under a light microscope.

RESULTS

Spinal venous sinuses were identified between the L5 and S1 levels in 14 (70%) specimens. Transdural vessels were found through the thickness of the dural sac along its entire circumference, but the spinal venous sinus was only identified in the posterior region of the dural sac in the lumbosacral region (L3 to S1).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study identified a dural venous sinus located in the dorsal lumbosacral region and near the midline. We suggest this structure be called the lumbosacral venous sinus. Although the function of such a sinus is speculative, knowledge of its presence might benefit those interpreting imaging of this region, especially with regional pathology such as dural arteriovenous fistulas.

Spontaneous retroclival hematoma in pituitary apoplexy: case series

OBJECT

Pituitary apoplexy is a rare and potentially life-threatening disorder that is most commonly characterized by a combination of sudden headache, visual disturbance, and hypothalamic/hormonal dysfunction. In many cases, there is hemorrhagic infarction of an underlying pituitary adenoma. The resulting clinical symptoms are due to compression of the remaining pituitary, cavernous sinuses, or cranial nerves. However, there are only 2 case reports in the literature describing spontaneous retroclival expansion of hemorrhage secondary to pituitary apoplexy. Ten cases of this entity with a review of the literature are presented here.

METHODS

This is a single-institution retrospective review of 2598 patients with sellar and parasellar masses during the 10-year period between 1999 and 2009. The pituitary and brain MRI and MRI studies were reviewed by 2 neuroradiologists for evidence of apoplexy, with particular attention given to retroclival extension.

RESULTS

Eighteen patients (13 men and 5 women; mean age 54 years) were identified with presenting symptoms of sudden onset of headache and ophthalmoplegia, and laboratory findings consistent with pituitary apoplexy. Ten of these patients (8 men and 2 women; mean age 55 years) had imaging findings consistent with retroclival hematoma.

CONCLUSIONS

Retroclival hemorrhage was seen in the majority of cases of pituitary apoplexy (56%), suggesting that it is more common than previously thought.

Subdural hematoma of the posterior fossa due to posterior communicating artery aneurysm rupture

Background:

We describe an unusual presentation of a ruptured aneurysm of the posterior communicating artery with an acute subdural hematoma (SDH) located in the posterior fossa. We also reviewed the literature, focusing on the location of this intracranial hematoma.

Case Description:

An 83-year-old woman was admitted to our institution with recent sudden headache and dizziness. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a thin collection of blood in the subdural space adjacent to the clivus, along the wall of the posterior fossa, and at the cervical spine level. A right posterior communicating artery aneurysm was diagnosed using computed tomography angiography and digital subtraction angiography. The aneurysm had two lobes, one of which was attached to the right dorsum sellae. The aneurysm was occluded by stent-assisted coil embolization. The patient was discharged 3 weeks after admission with absence of neurological deficit.

Conclusion:

A ruptured aneurysm of the posterior communicating artery may cause an acute SDH.