Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma as the initial presentation of leukemia

Prognostic factors and surgical outcomes of spontaneous spinal epidural haematoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Spontaneous spinal epidural haematoma (SSEH) is a rare disease defined as blood accumulation within the vertebral epidural space without a cause identified, which can lead to severe neurological deficits. We aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the prognostic factors affecting surgical outcomes in true SSEH and propose a critical time frame for operative management. A systematic literature search was performed and registered, using OVID Medline and EMBASE, in line with the PRISMA guidelines. Relevant demographic, clinical, surgical, and outcome data were extracted. The ASIA scale was uniformly used throughout our systematic review. Statistical analysis was performed via logistic regression. Of the 1179 articles examined, we included 181 studies involving 295 adult patients surgically treated for SSEH. SSEH were most commonly found in the cervicothoracic spine, with 2-4 spinal segments most commonly involved. Multivariable logistic regression model showed that the following factors were statistically significant in the post-operative outcome: operation type (P = 0.024), pre-operative neurologic status (P < 0.001), use of warfarin (P = 0.039), and operative interval (P = 0.006). Our retrospective analysis confirms the reversibility of severe neurological deficits after surgical intervention, with a prognosis of post-operative outcomes determined by the use of warfarin, pre-operative ASIA grade, and above all surgical evacuation within 12 h.

Bleeding with negative coagulation screening test as initial presentation of chronic myelogenous leukemia managed by fresh frozen plasma: A case report

INTRODUCTION

Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), a clonal disorder of pluripotent stem cell, rarely presents with bleeding in chronic phase due to the function preservation of the platelets. Factor (F) XIII deficiency, an extremely rare hemorrhagic disease, can cause fatal bleeding, which has been previously described in autoimmune disorders and leukemias.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 38-year-old woman with a 20-day history of spontaneous subcutaneous hemorrhage visited our hospital, who presented with intracranial hemorrhage, hematuria, and delayed hematoma after a bone marrow puncture. Initial management included cytogenetics analysis, molecular analysis, and coagulation evaluation.

DIAGNOSIS

Bone marrow puncture, cytogenetics, and molecular analysis indicated the diagnosis of CML. With the normal results of clotting screening tests and platelet counting, as well as the relief of bleeding after infusion of fresh frozen plasma (FFP), acquired rare bleeding disorder probably associated with factor XIII (FXIII) deficiency.

INTERVENTIONS

Management with anti-hyperleukocytosis and chemotherapy, hydration, alkalization, diuresis, uric acid-lowering, molecular targeted drugs, and freshly frozen plasma transfusion therapy resolved the bleeding diathesis.

OUTCOMES

The patient survived from the initial bleeding, however, she died. Twenty six months later due to the progression of CML.

LESSONS

CML can initially present as unusual bleeding, possibly related to FXIII defect. It is essential to screen coagulopathy including FXIII activity and to supplement plasma for CML patients who present initially as bleeding, which cannot be deciphered by the routine clotting screening test.

Idiopathic and Chronic Epidural Hematoma in the Lumbar Spine: A Case Report and Review of Literatures

Spontaneous and chronic epidural hematoma (SSEH) in the lumbar spine is rare, and idiopathic and chronic SSEH in the lumbar spine is extremely rare disease. Most of lumbar SSEH were acute and secondary with trauma, hematologic disorders, drug, and surgical procedure. Only 20 cases of chronic SSEH in the lumbar spine have been reported and 14 cases among them were considered to be idiopathic. Definitive guidelines for management of this condition are not clear and surgical total evacuation was performed in most of the cases. Some authors reported the epidural bleeding originates in the rupture of Batson’s plexus due to a rise in intra-abdominal pressure, but the mechanism is not clearly clarified. We report a surgical case of idiopathic and chronic SSEH. A 61-year-old woman suffered a sudden onset of severe lumbar pain during sleep. She had no history of trauma, spinal surgery, or hypertension. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a lumbar chronic epidural hematoma which compressed the dural sac behind and extended from L2 to L5. This patient underwent the partial evacuation of the hematoma with partial hemilaminectomy on left at L2/3, resulting in immediate pain relief and resolution of symptoms and almost absorption of the hematoma within 1 week of the procedure. We presented this rare case and reviewed idiopathic and chronic epidural hematoma in the lumbar spine.

Spontaneous cervical epidural hematomas in mild cervical spondylotic myelopathy patients: An analysis of 8 cases

Spontaneous cervical epidural hematoms (SCEH) complicated with mild cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is a rare but emerging condition. Early diagnosis and treatment are important for good outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics of this condition and to discuss the optimal treatment. The clinical data from 8 patients with SCEH plus CSM who were divided into two groups by treatment methods were retrospectively analyzed. The neurological function of the patients was assessed by Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score before and after the surgical operations. Other factors were reviewed with medical records. Among them, 4 out of the 8 patients underwent emergency surgery, and the rest 3 patients experienced an initial conservative treatment and ultimately received a laminectomy. We found that the Frankel Scale scores in most of the surgical patients were increased after surgery (6/7, 85.7%). However, the JOA scores at the 6th month after onset were even lower than those before onset in 3 of the operative cases, and those in the patients who were given conservative treatment showed no significant change. It was concluded that some patients with SCEH and CSM treated with a timely operation may obtain relief from their previous CSM symptoms. However, the final neurological deficits of these patients were closely related to the progressive interval which refers to the hours between the initial onset and the occurrence of new neurological deficits or mild CSM deterioration, no matter whether they accept the operation. We found the crucial progressive interval may be in 9 h. Early MRI and prompt neurosurgical intervention are also important to improve the neurological deficits.

Antiplatelet Therapy and Spontaneous Retroperitoneal Hematoma: A Case Report and Literature Review

Patient: Male, 66

Final Diagnosis: Spontaneous retroperitoneal hematoma seconday dual antiplatelet therapy

Symptoms: Anemia • knee joint pain

Medication: —

Clinical Procedure: None

Specialty: Cardiology