Cerebellar hemorrhage after supratentorial craniotomy

Remote Pontine Hemorrhage After Left Frontal Lobe Meningioma Resection Presenting as Bilateral Internuclear Ophthalmoplegia

Postoperative hemorrhages are relatively common complications of surgical procedures including craniotomies, and these typically occur at or near the operative site. Bleeding in remote areas (e.g., posterior fossa) after supratentorial craniotomy can occur and may be associated with a high morbidity and mortality. Although remote cerebellar hemorrhage after craniotomy is well described, remote pontine hemorrhage is less common. We describe a bilateral internuclear ophthalmoplegia due to an RPH after otherwise uncomplicated resection of a frontal meningioma. Clinicians should be aware that neuro-ophthalmic findings can occur from hemorrhages remote from the operative site.

Remote Intracranial Hemorrhage Secondary to Brain Tumor Surgery

Postoperative remote intracranial hemorrhage (rICH) secondary to craniotomy surgery is an extremely rare but catastrophic complication. The present study aimed to investigate the incidence and the possible pathophysiological mechanism of rICH after brain tumor surgery. The clinical data from 9 rICH cases among 4588 patients undergoing brain tumor surgery were collected retrospectively. Remote intracranial hemorrhage occurred in 9 cases, including 6 cases of remote epidural hemorrhage (rEDH), 2 cases of remote subdural hemorrhage (rSDH), and 1 case of remote cerebellar hemorrhage (rCBH). Among the 9 cases, 2 were males and 7 were females, with an age range of 22 to 63 years (mean of 44.3 years). The incidence of rICH in the patients with ventricular system opening/drainage (4/258) was much higher than the patients without ventricular system opening/drainage (5/4330), and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.01). Hematoma evacuation was performed in 7 patients with serious neurological status or massive hematoma. The outcome for most of the rICH cases was good, and the Glasgow outcome scale scores of 4-5 were found in 8 cases with a 3-month-long follow-up. Our results suggest that brain tumor surgery with ventricular system opening/drainage was more susceptible to rICH. Paying particlular attention to gradual reduction of intracranial pressure and avoiding excessive loss of cerebrospinal fluid may aid to prevent the occurrence of rICH. The authors suggest that a high index of suspicion, a prompt diagnosis, and emergent management is of vital importance to achieve good prognosis for rICH patients secondary to brain tumor surgery.

Remote Cerebellar Hemorrhage Following Surgery for Supratentorial Lesions

BACKGROUND

Remote cerebellar hemorrhage (RCH) after intracranial surgery is a rare complication. Cerebellar hemorrhage is the most commonly described remote site hemorrhage after surgery for supratentorial pathologies. Although this is a rare complication 0.04% to 0.8%, it can be devastating in terms of patient outcome. There are various hypotheses to explain the occurrence of RCH. We report 6 cases of RCH after surgery for supratentorial lesions, discuss the pathophysiology, and review the pertinent literature.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed data of patients who underwent surgery for supratentorial lesions at our center between 2015 and 2017. We identified 6 patients who developed RCH among 1200 patients who underwent surgery and reviewed the demographic data, diagnosis, surgical procedure, and final outcome.

RESULTS

A total of 1200 patients underwent surgery for supratentorial pathologies between 2015 and 2017. Six patients developed RCH (incidence, 0.5%); 5 were male and 1 was female, with a mean age of 46.4 years. One patient underwent suboccipital decompression for RCH; the rest 5 were managed with close observation and serial imaging. The Glasgow outcome scale (GOS) of 5 was observed in 4 patients, GOS of 4 in 1 patient at discharge, and GOS of 1 in 1 patient who succumbed to severe pulmonary infection after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

RCH is a rare complication but can lead to catastrophic results. Loss of large volumes of cerebrospinal fluid or sudden alteration in intracranial pressure due to removal of a mass lesion is the likely etiology. Although majority of cases may be managed conservatively, in a subset of cases with neurologic deterioration, surgery may be required as a life-saving procedure.

Cerebral venous overdrainage: an under-recognized complication of cerebrospinal fluid diversion

Understanding the altered physiology following cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion in the setting of adult hydrocephalus is important for optimizing patient care and avoiding complications. There is mounting evidence that the cerebral venous system plays a major role in intracranial pressure (ICP) dynamics especially when one takes into account the effects of postural changes, atmospheric pressure, and gravity on the craniospinal axis as a whole. An evolved mechanism acting at the cortical bridging veins, known as the “Starling resistor,” prevents overdrainage of cranial venous blood with upright positioning. This protective mechanism can become nonfunctional after CSF diversion, which can result in posture-related cerebral venous overdrainage through the cranial venous outflow tracts, leading to pathological states. This review article summarizes the relevant anatomical and physiological bases of the relationship between the craniospinal venous and CSF compartments and surveys complications that may be explained by the cerebral venous overdrainage phenomenon. It is hoped that this article adds a new dimension to our therapeutic methods, stimulates further research into this field, and ultimately improves our care of these patients.

The cerebral venous system and the postural regulation of intracranial pressure: implications in the management of patients with cerebrospinal fluid diversion

Loss of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) occurs commonly in daily neurosurgical practice. Understanding the altered physiology following CSF loss is important for optimization of patient care and avoidance of complications. There is overwhelming evidence now that the cerebral venous system plays a major role in intracranial pressure (ICP) dynamics especially when one takes into account the effects of postural changes, atmospheric pressure, and gravity on the craniospinal axis as a whole. The CSF and cerebral venous compartments are tightly coupled in two important ways. CSF is resorbed into the venous system, and there is also an evolved mechanism that prevents overdrainage of venous blood with upright positioning known as the Starling resistor. With loss of CSF pressure, this protective mechanism could become nonfunctional which may result in posture-related venous overdrainage through the cranial venous outflow tracts leading to pathologic states. This review article summarizes the relevant anatomic and physiologic basis of the relationship between the craniospinal venous and CSF compartments in the setting of CSF diversion. It is hoped that this article improves our understanding of ICP dynamics after CSF loss, adds a new dimension to our therapeutic methods, stimulates further research into this field, and ultimately improves our care of these patients.

Remote cerebellar hemorrhage after supratentorial procedures (part 1): a systematic review

A remote cerebellar hemorrhage (RCH) is a spontaneous bleeding in the posterior fossa, which may rarely occurs as a complication of supratentorial procedures, and it shows a typical bleeding pattern defined "the zebra sign." However, its pathophysiology still remains unknown. We performed a comprehensive review collecting all cases of RCH after supratentorial craniotomies reported in literature in order to identify the most frequently associated procedures and the possible risk factors. We assessed percentages of incidence and 95 % confidence intervals of all demographic, neuroradiological, and clinical features of the patients. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to evaluate their association with outcome. We included 49 articles reporting 209 patients with a mean age of 49.09 ± 17.07 years and a male/female ratio 130/77. A RCH was more frequently reported as a complication of supratentorial craniotomies for intracranial aneurysms, tumors debulking, and lobectomies. In the majority of cases, RCH occurrence was associated with impairment of consciousness, although some patients remained asymptomatic or showed only slight cerebellar signs. Coagulation disorders, perioperative cerebrospinal fluid drainage, hypertension, and seizures were the most frequently reported risk factors. Zebra sign was the most common bleeding pattern, being observed in about 65 % out of the cases, followed by parenchymal hematoma and mixed hemorrhage in similar percentages. A multivariate analysis showed that symptomatic onset and intake of antiplatelets/anticoagulants within a week from surgery were independent predictors of poor outcome. However, about 75 % out of patients showed a good outcome and a RCH often appeared as a benign and self-limiting condition, which usually did not require surgical treatment, but only prolonged clinical surveillance, unless in the event of the occurrence of complications.

Remote Cerebellar Hemorrhage after Supratentorial Burr-Hole Trepanation for Unilateral Chronic Subdural Hematoma: Case Report

Remote cerebellar hemorrhage (RCH) after burr-hole evacuation for chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) is a rare and uncommon complication of minor supratentorial surgery with very few reports in the literature and an uncertain etiology. We present the case of a 62-year-old male who underwent single burr-hole trepanation for unilateral cSDH, revealing incidental RCH on routine postoperative computed tomography (CT) scan most likely resulting from overdrainage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the postoperative period. The patient recovered well without further neurosurgical intervention. Intra- and postoperative drainage of large volumes of CSF and the venous origin of the bleeding are accepted factors in the controversial concept of its pathophysiology. Alterations in transtentorial pressure and stretching of superficial cerebellar veins with consequent rupture seem to constitute a useful concept, although details on mechanical or hemodynamic changes still remain unknown. A multifactorial etiology with CSF-overdrainage as the major main factor seems reasonable. Neurosurgeons should be aware of the possibility of RCH even in minor supratentorial procedures such as simple burr-hole trepanation. There is a tendency towards more benign courses, but higher patient age and severity of RCH correlate with a poor outcome. Early diagnosis of RCH and close monitoring reduce unnecessary diagnostic and therapeutic interventions in these patients, probably affecting morbidity and mortality.

Remote cerebellar hemorrhage: Report of 2 cases and review of literature

Remote cerebellar hemorrhage (RCH) is an extremely rare and potentially devastating complication of supratentorial and spinal surgeries. While there are numerous postulates explaining the patho-physiology behind this phenomenon, including the most popular CSF over drainage theory, the exact cause for the same is still largely unknown. In this report, we present 2 cases of remote cerebellar hemorrhage encountered following 2 different surgical procedures. One patient had preceding pterional craniotomy for ruptured anterior communicating artery aneurysm while the other one developed RCH after placement of EVD. Both of them had history of poorly controlled hypertension, contrary to most reports where hypertension has not been found to be commonly associated with it. Moreover, while most cases have been reported to occur following supratentorial craniotomies and spinal surgeries, one of our patients developed the same after placement of the EVD, which, to the best of our knowledge, has not been reported earlier.

Bilateral acute epidural hematoma after evacuation of acute subdural hematoma: brain shift and the dynamics of extraaxial collections

Acute epidural hematoma following supratentorial decompressive craniectomy is a very seldom described but serious complication. The occurrence of intraoperative brain swelling may suggest the development of a contralateral hematoma. A unique case of bilateral acute epidural following decompressive craniectomy and evacuation of acute subdural hematoma is presented. Awareness of unexplained elevation of intracranial pressure is of paramount importance when routine immediate postoperative computed tomography is not performed. This case provides insight into the well-known but poorly understood dynamic process of brain shift and extraaxial collections.

Remote cerebellar hemorrhage following supratentorial cerebrovascular surgery

Three patients with remote cerebellar hemorrhage following supratentorial cerebrovascular surgery are presented. Remote cerebellar hemorrhage is a rare surgical complication that is most often associated with aneurysm clipping or temporal lobectomies. Bleeding occurs on the superior cerebellar cortex and is believed to be venous in origin. The precise pathogenesis of remote cerebellar hemorrhage has yet to be fully elucidated but is generally considered to be a consequence of intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid loss causing caudal displacement of the cerebellum with resultant stretching of the supracerebellar veins. This case series will hopefully shed further light on the incidence, presentation, workup, and treatment of this particular complication of supratentorial surgery.

Intracranial hemorrhage after spine surgery

OBJECT

The authors describe the largest case series of 8 patients with intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) after spinal surgery and identify associated pre-, intra-, and postoperative risk factors in relation to outcome.

METHODS

The authors retrospectively reviewed the cases of 8 patients treated over 16 years at a single institution and also reviewed the existing literature and collected demographic, treatment, and outcome information from 33 unique cases of remote ICH after spinal surgery.

RESULTS

The risk factors most correlated with ICH postoperatively were the presence of a CSF leak intraoperatively and the use of drains postoperatively with moderate hourly serosanguineous output in the early postoperative period.

CONCLUSIONS

Intracranial hemorrhage is a rare complication of spinal surgery that is associated with CSF leakage and use of drains postoperatively, with moderate serosanguinous output. These associations do not justify a complete avoidance of drains in patients with CSF leakage but may guide the treating physician to keep in mind drain output and timing of drain removal, while noting any changes in neurological examination status in the meantime. Additionally, continued and worsening neurological symptoms after spinal surgery may warrant cranial imaging to rule out intracranial hemorrhage, usually within the first 24 hours after surgery. The presence of cerebellar hemorrhage and hydrocephalus indicated a trend toward worse outcome.

Remote Cerebellar Hemorrhage after Removal of a Supratentorial Glioma without Perioperative CSF Loss: A Case Report

A 44-year-old man presented with the rare complication of remote cerebellar hemorrhage (RCH) after removal of a supratentorial glioma without the loss of a large volume of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). He presented with severe headache, nausea, and vomiting for a few days, then he developed neurological deterioration including progressive disturbance of consciousness and left hemiparesis. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a large tumor with intratumoral hemorrhage in the right frontal lobe that led to subfalcial and transtentorial herniation. The tumor was removed en bloc without excessive loss of CSF throughout the perioperative period. Although the level of consciousness remained unchanged from the preoperative level and no new neurological deficit was detected, routine postoperative computed tomography showed a bilateral RCH. Careful conservative therapy was provided and follow-up computed tomography demonstrated no further progression of hemorrhage. Compensatory acute engorgement of venous sinuses derived from the rapid decrease in intracranial pressure that occurred due to removal of the huge tumor might have caused cerebellar hemorrhagic venous infarction.

Cerebellar hemorrhage after resection of frontal meningioma. Case report

Introduction: Remote cerebellar hemorrhage is an infrequent complication, potentially harmful with an unclear etiologic mechanism.

There may be incriminated multiple risk factors: arterial hypertension, use of antiplatelet medication (Aspenter), CSF aspiration or drainage associated with intracranial hypotension.

Material and methods: We present a 69 year old woman with remote intracerebral hemorrhage that occurred after frontal parasagittal meningioma resection.

Results: An inadequate oral hydration was responsible for decreased level of consciousness, cerebellar and parietaloccipital cortical-sub-cortical contra-lateral hemorrhages. Close monitoring of water balance and adequate hydration is related to clinical improvement and resolution of brain imaging.

Conclusion: Retraction of the brain due to intracranial hypotension led to some small vessels rupture and development of remote cerebellar hemorrhage.

Remote peritentorial hemorrhage complicating supratentorial aneurysmal surgery: a report of three cases and literature review

We herein coin the term "remote peritentorial hemorrhage (RPTH)" and present three cases with "RPTH" after supratentorial aneurysmal surgeries, including two with remote cerebellar hemorrhage (RCH) and one with remote temporobasal hemorrhage. The RCH may result from rupture of the superior cerebellar veins due to excessive cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) loss. The mechanism behind the remote temporobasal hemorrhage may be similar to that of RCH. It can be explained by tearing of the temporobasal veins as a result of brain shift owing to intracranial hypotension stemming from intensive loss of CSF. As far as we know, this is the first report of such a bleeding pattern of probable venous origin. The results of this study could shed light on the "RPTH" physiopathology.

Remote cerebellar hemorrhage as an unusual complication of supratentorial surgery. A case report and literature review

Remote cerebellar hemorrhage as a complication of supratentorial surgery is a rare entity in radiology literature, but not infrequently encountered in neurosurgical literature. Typical appearance and location in the posterior fossa, and remote site from the original surgical site, make the diagnosis easier if one aware of such a self-limiting condition. Diagnosis of this condition helps to differentiate it from other ominous causes of hemorrhage. In our institution, we came across such cases within a short period of time and present them as case reports along with review of the literature on this unusual complication.

Bilateral late remote cerebellar hemorrhage as a complication of a lumbo-peritoneal shunt applied after spinal arteriovenous malformation surgery

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

Cerebellar hemorrhage is a very infrequent and unpredictable complication of spinal surgery. To the best of our knowledge, cerebellar hemorrhage resulting from the insertion of a lumbo-peritoneal shunt through which cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is slowly drained has not been documented to date.

METHODS

Case report.

RESULTS

A 47-year-old woman presented with lower extremity weakness. Spinal arteriovenous malformation was diagnosed, and she underwent surgery. Her neurologic status improved; however, CSF collected subcutaneously as a cyst and leaked 21 days after surgery. The patient underwent urgent surgery during which the dural defect was repaired and a lumbo-peritoneal catheter was put in place to treat the CSF leakage. The lumbo-peritoneal drainage system was removed when bilateral cerebellar hemorrhage was seen 12 days later. Physical therapy was stopped, and conservative treatment was initiated consisting of bed rest, analgesics, sedatives, and careful monitoring of blood pressure. The patient's headache gradually resolved; physical therapy was restarted to rehabilitate this patient with paraparesis.

CONCLUSIONS

Remote cerebellar hemorrhage seems to be life threatening and entails significant morbidity. Cerebellar symptoms, and even a late sudden headache after spinal surgery, may be signs of remote cerebellar hemorrhage, which is a rare complication.

Supratentorial craniotomy complicated by an homolateral remote cerebellar hemorrhage and a controlateral perisylvian infarction: case report

The authors present the case of a 49-year-old male patient with a right remote cerebellar hemorrhage and left perisylvian venous infarction complicating a right supratentorial craniotomy for temporal meningomia resection. These two events may result from a functional stenosis (due to perioperative brainstem sag) of the junction between the vein of Galen and the straight sinus. Remote cerebellar hemorrhage could then be explained by infarction in the territory of cerebellar veins emptying in the vein of Galen, and the left perisylvian infarction could be caused by venous infarction in the territory of a dominant superficial sylvian vein emptying in the basal vein. This hypothesis could shed light on the pathophysiology of remote cerebellar hemorrhage.

Cerebellar hemorrhage after burr hole drainage of supratentorial chronic subdural hematoma

Cerebellar hemorrhage is an unusual complication of supratentorial neurosurgery. To the best of our knowledge, only three case reports have described the occurrence of cerebellar hemorrhage after burr hole drainage for the treatment of chronic subdural hematoma (SDH). We present the case of a patient with this rare postoperative complication of cerebellar hemorrhage after burr hole drainage of a chronic SDH. Although burr hole drainage for the treatment of chronic SDH is rare complication, it is necessary to be aware of the possibility of cerebellar hemorrhage after supratentorial surgery, even with limited surgery such as burr hole drainage of a chronic SDH.

Paediatric intracranial empyema: differences according to age

No recent studies are available which consider the epidemiology and outcome of paediatric intracranial empyema (PICE). We retrospectively studied all PICE cases admitted in our institution from 1993 to 2006. Outcome was assessed using the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) at 24 months. Aetiology, clinical features, therapeutic considerations and risk factors of poor outcome were analysed according to age. Data from 38 patients were studied; 33/38 presented with subdural empyema (SDE) and 5/38 with extradural empyema (EDE); 10/38 were infants <1 year of age with SDE, all related to bacterial meningitis; 28/38 were children, with 23/28 showing SDE and 5/28 EDE. Oto-sinogenic infections were the main causes in children. All infants recovered completely as did children with EDE. However, two out of 23 children with SDE had permanent neurological deficit, already detected on admission, and one out of 23 died. Thirty-three out of 38 were operated; 16 of which underwent multiple surgical procedure because of recurrence. Burr hole was performed in six infants and craniotomy in one, while 21/23 children underwent burr hole or craniotomy. Burr hole was more often associated with recurrence. In children with SDE, factors associated with poor outcome were neurological deficit (p = 0.002) and cerebral herniation on CT scan (p = 0.02) on admission. In this study, we gained further insights into modern epidemiology of PICE by highlighting age-related aetiology, symptoms, treatment strategy, and outcome differences. Meningitis was the main aetiology in the infants and sinusitis was prevalent in children. Finally, early diagnosis by neuro-imaging investigations and timely and appropriate multidisciplinary treatment may offer the best chance of recovery.

Remote cerebellar hemorrhage complicated after supratentorial surgery: retrospective study with review of articles

OBJECTIVE

Remote cerebellar hemorrhage (RCH) is one of the rare complications occurring after supratentorial surgery, and its pathomechanism is poorly understood. We report 10 cases of RCH from our institution and review 154 cases from a database in order to delineate incidence, common presentation, risk factors, and outcomes of this complication. In addition, the means of prevention are discussed.

METHODS

We reviewed the medical records of 10 patients who experienced RCH after undergoing supratentorial surgery at our institution between 2001 and 2008. A database search in Medline revealed 154 cases of RCH in the English literature. Characteristic features were analyzed and compared.

RESULTS

There were 10 cases of RCH among 3307 supratentorial surgery cases, indicating a 0.3% incidence. All patients had characteristic imaging features of RCH, namely a streaky bleeding pattern in the superior folia of the cerebellum. Seven patients had a history of preoperative hypertension. Four cases were related to cerebral aneurysms, and other four developed after the removal of brain tumors. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage apparatuses were installed postoperatively in all cases. Outcomes according to modified Rankin scale (mRS) were good in 7 patients, with 1 fatal case.

CONCLUSION

RCH is a rare complication after supratentorial surgery, and the exact etiology still remains uncertain. Hypertension and perioperative loss of CSF seem positively correlated with RCH, but no single risk factor is totally responsible. Patients with RCH should be closely observed to improve their prognosis.

Remote cerebellar hemorrhage following resection of a supratentorial tumor: a case report

Remote cerebellar hemorrhage after supratentorial surgery is rare, ranging between 0.08% and 0.29% in adults and children. However, it is extremely rare in children. This phenomenon underlying mechanisms remain obscure. A 14-year-old male child patient had a history of right focal seizures and underwent craniotomy for a left frontal mass (Dysembryoplastic Neuroepithelial Tumor). First hours post recovery period, the patient was somnolent and had right hemiparesis. Postoperative Computer Tomography and magnetic resonance imaging findings revealed that the patient had developed remote cerebellar hemorrhage. He was treated conservatively, and was free of neurological deficits.Although dehydration and the displacement of the cerebellum are associated with this phenomenon after supratentorial surgery, the identification of the exact etiological factors remains elusive. It is advisable for case givers to be aware of the high potential risk of morbidity and mortality of this entity. Preoperative attention to prevent cerebrospinal fluid overflow leakage and exaggerated dehydration of the patient may prevent remote cerebellar hemorrhages.

Remote cerebellar hemorrhage and iliofemoral vein thrombosis after supratentorial craniotomy

INTRODUCTION

Cerebellar hemorrhage following supratentorial craniotomy is rare. Its clinical symptoms are often mild and transient.

DISCUSSION

Here, we report a case of cerebellar hemorrhage associated with iliofemoral vein thrombosis as a complication of anterior temporal lobectomy and amygdalohippocampectomy for refractory medial temporal epilepsy.

Cerebellar haemorrhage after non-traumatic evacuation of supratentorial chronic subdural haematoma: report of two cases

Cerebellar haemorrhage is an unusual complication of supratentorial neurosurgery. Several causative pre-operative factors and medical risk factors may predispose patients to cerebellar haemorrhage, however its etiology remains still unclear. Only two case reports have previously described the occurrence of cerebellar haemorrhage after subdural haematoma evacuation by burr-hole trepanation. We present two patients with this rare postoperative complication of minor supratentorial neurosurgery and possible underlying pathophysiological mechanisms are discussed. Our two cases support the post- rather than per-operative pathogenetic hypothesis. Although the complication is associated with a significant morbidity and mortality, most cases follow a benign course.

Update on intracerebral haemorrhage

Intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) is a common and serious disease. About 1 to 2 out of 10 patients with stroke have an ICH. The mortality of ICH is higher than that of ischaemic stroke. Only 31% are functionally independent at 3 months. Only 38% of the patients survive the 1(st) year. The cost of ICH is high. Hypertension is the major risk factor, increasing the risk of ICH about 4x. Up to half of hypertensive patients who suffer a ICH are either unaware of their hypertension, non-compliant with the medication or fail to control periodically their blood pressure levels Microbleeds and white matter changes are MRI markers of the risk of ICH. ICH has 3 main pathophysiological phases: arterial rupture and haematoma formation, haematoma enlargement and peri-haematoma oedema. Up to 40% of the haematomas grow in the first hours post-rupture. ICH growth is associated with early clinical deterioration. Two randomised clinical trials (RCTs) demonstrated that treatment with rFVIIa limited haematoma growth and improved outcome, but was associated with a increase in thromboembolic complications. Ventricular drainage with thrombolytics might improve outcome for patients with intraventricular bleeding. A large RCT and meta-analysis failed to show a benefit of surgery over conservative treatment in acute ICH.

Remote Cerebellar Hemorrhage after a Spinal Surgery Complicated by Dural Tear: Case Report and Literature Review

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE:

This report presents a case in which cerebellar hemorrhage occurred after lumbar decompression surgery that was complicated by dural tear and prolonged cerebrospinal fluid leakage. Remote cerebellar hemorrhage after spinal surgery is extremely rare. Our objective is to describe this unusual complication, discuss the possible mechanisms of remote cerebellar hemorrhage, and review the literature.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION:

A 73-year-old woman underwent surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis. A dural tear occurred during decompression, and the patient developed remote cerebellar hemorrhage on postoperative Day 2.

INTERVENTION:

The cerebellar hemorrhage was treated surgically, and a biopsy of hemorrhagic brain parenchyma revealed an arteriovenous malformation.

CONCLUSION:

Although it is an extremely rare complication, remote cerebellar hemorrhage should be kept in mind as a possible complication of spinal surgery, especially in operations complicated by dural tears.

Delayed Emergence from Anesthesia Resulting from Cerebellar Hemorrhage During Cervical Spine Surgery

Cerebellar hemorrhage is an unpredictable complication of spinal surgery. We encountered a case of cerebellar hemorrhage presenting with delayed emergence from anesthesia and hemiplegia after resection of an intradural extramedullar tumor from the cervical spine. Postoperative brain computed tomography revealed hematoma in the cerebellar vermis and right cerebellar hemisphere. The patient made a gradual recovery with conservative treatment. Although the mechanism of cerebellar hemorrhage remains speculative, loss of cerebrospinal fluid may play an important role. Cerebellar hemorrhage must therefore be considered in patients with unexplained neurological deterioration or disturbance on emergence from anesthesia after spinal surgery.

Cerebellar Hemorrhage Caused by Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak After Spine Surgery

Spine surgery is associated with a wide range of surgical and anesthetic complications. Excessive cerebrospinal fluid leak can be a cause of cerebellar hemorrhage postoperatively. We report a 43-yr-old patient who had lumbar spine reexploration surgery complicated by a cerebrospinal fluid leak which led to cerebellar hemorrhage manifested by postoperative mental status changes. Early detection and proper management resulted in full recovery.

Remote hemorrhage from the site of craniotomy

Postoperative intracranial hemorrhage is a serious and sometimes a fatal neurosurgical complication. Hemorrhage occurring at regions remote from the site of intracranial operations comprises an uncommon affection, most ignored by the assistant physicians. It bares a still incomprehensive pathophysiology, despite several theories trying to explain it. Looks like a common sense that the presence of the remote site hemorrhage cannot be related to concomitant presence of hypertension, coagulopathy or undiscovered lesions. We report three cases of postoperative hemorrhages occurring in a remote site of supratentorial craniotomies, two patients presented cavernous sinus meningeoma and one patient was submitted to intracranial vascular surgery.