Management of spontaneous extramedullary spinal haematomas: results in eight patients after MRI diagnosis and surgical decompression

Spinal subdural haemorrhage secondary to strenuous exercise and warfarin, complicated by acute ischaemic stroke

Spinal subdural haemorrhage or haematoma (SSDH) is a rare condition that is often overlooked and missed on initial presentation due to its non-specific features that may mimic other more common pathologies. It is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates, with few evidence-based management principles, particularly during the subacute stages of recovery. In this report, we detail a case of SSDH associated with exercise and anticoagulation therapy, which was complicated by acute ischaemic stroke. SSDH should be suspected in cases of acute back pain without a clear alternative cause, particularly in coagulopathic individuals. Following treatment, early recommencement of anticoagulation therapy may be justified in certain cases where indicated, after careful consideration of the affected individual's risk profile.

Diagnosis and successful management of an extradural compressive hematoma secondary to diphacinone poisoning in a dog

OBJECTIVE

To describe the successful case management of an extradural hematoma secondary to anticoagulant rodenticide toxicity causing spinal compression and paraplegia.

CASE SUMMARY

A 3-month-old, female intact, mixed breed dog was presented for a 12-hour history of paraplegia. CBC and biochemistry results were unremarkable, and a coagulation panel revealed prolonged prothrombin time with normal activated partial thromboplastin time. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an extradural compressive lesion within the vertebral canal extending from T6 to T11, most consistent with an extradural hematoma. Further coagulation testing revealed a coagulopathy caused by vitamin K1 deficiency and confirmed exposure to the anticoagulant rodenticide, diphacinone. The dog was medically managed with fresh frozen plasma, aminocaproic acid, and oral vitamin K1 therapy. A right-sided T6 to T11 hemilaminectomy was later performed for removal of the extradural hematoma and spinal decompression. The dog's neurological status gradually improved postoperatively and, at the time of discharge, was nonambulatory paraparetic with voluntary micturition. Four weeks postoperatively, the dog had normal prothrombin and activated partial thromboplastin times and was nonambulatory paraparetic with strong motor function.

NEW OR UNIQUE INFORMATION PROVIDED

This is the first reported case of a dog with an extradural hematoma secondary to anticoagulant rodenticide causing spinal cord compression and neurological deficits. Surgical management of this case was successful and resulted in improvement of neurological signs. Extradural hematoma should be considered as a potential location of bleeding in rodenticide toxicity as well as a differential diagnosis in patients with neurological deficits.

A Rare Presentation of Spontaneous Spinal Epidural Hematoma as Spinal Cord Compression and Complete Paraplegia: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma (SSEH) is a serious but infrequent cause of profound neurological compromise of acute onset. It is often an atraumatic occurrence, and in around half of the cases, no etiology is identified. However, several causes such as arteriovenous malformation in the spine, use of anticoagulants in various cardiovascular diseases, and spinal trauma have been incriminated for its development. Here we encountered a case of SSEH following unregulated use of anticoagulants after a mitral valve replacement surgery. The patient had complete paraplegia with bowel and bladder involvement. The case was treated with decompressive laminectomy with regularization of her coagulation profile. Although she presented late to the healthcare center for the treatment, she showed a remarkable neurological improvement with gaining power worth near independent ambulation after one year of follow-up.

Risk Factor Analysis and Surgical Outcomes of Acute Spontaneous Spinal Subdural Hematoma. An Institutional Experience of Four Cases and Literature Review

OBJECTIVE

Spontaneous spinal subdural hematoma (SSSDH) is exceedingly rare, with significant morbidity in most patients. Acute neurologic deficit in the context of a SSSDH is considered a neurosurgical emergency. We performed a literature review and compared the results with our institutional experience to evaluate the risk factors and neurologic outcomes of SSSDH.

METHODS

We retrospectively collected the medical, radiologic, and surgical information of 4 patients with SSSDH who were operated on in our neurosurgical unit. A literature review of surgically managed patients with SSSDH and their neurologic outcomes was performed. Ordered logistic regression statistics were used to study the risk factors influencing the postoperative Domenicucci grade.

RESULTS

A total of 112 patients were evaluated, with a female/male ratio of 1.3:1. Mean patient age was 60.25 years. Our analysis of the data showed that the cohort of patients presenting with bladder dysfunction in addition to paraparesis were found to have worse neurologic outcomes postoperatively. Adjusted analysis identified 3 clinical characteristics that influenced surgical outcome: cervical SSSDH (P = 0.029), neurologic deficit (P < 0.001), and anticoagulation medication (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This review shows that patients aged ≥60 years and on anticoagulation are at an increased risk of sustaining a spontaneous subdural spinal hematoma without history of trauma. To our knowledge, this is also the first study to show a presenting symptom of bladder dysfunction as a significant risk factor for poor surgical outcome in SSSDH. Our study supports surgical evacuation of acute SSSDH in the presence of these risk factors.

Massive Acute Spinal Subdural Hematoma Causing Sudden Onset Paraplegia in a Patient on Anticoagulation

Spinal subdural hematoma (SSDH) is a rare but known entity that can cause severe and irreversible motor, sensory, and autonomic dysfunction if not decompressed in a timely manner. We present here a 74-year-old female on anticoagulation who developed sudden onset back pain with rapidly progressive paraplegia. On neurologic exam, she was completely flaccid in the bilateral lower extremities with absent sensation from the umbilicus down. Imaging demonstrated a massive extra-axial spinal hematoma from T12 to S1 that initially was believed to be epidural in origin. She was taken emergently to the operating room for a T11-L5 decompressive laminectomy, and dural opening demonstrated a thick subdural clot encasing the conus and cauda equina confirming the subdural pathology. Despite decompression and partial evacuation of the subdural hematoma, she did not recover neurologic function.

Acute spinal subdural hematoma: A case report of spontaneous recovery from paraplegia

RATIONALE

Spontaneous spinal subdural hematoma (SSDH) is a rare disease that can cause severe permanent neurological dysfunction. Here we present a case of spontaneous SSDH, in which a series of magnetic resonance images (MRIs) taken through the course of the disease facilitated understanding of the resolution process of the hematoma and the diagnosis of SSDH.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 59-year-old male presented with sudden severe back pain and rapid onset of paraplegia. This symptom had continued developing while he was transferred to the emergency department. Initial physical examination showed flaccid paralysis of both lower limbs with areflexia and loss of all sensation below T6 bilaterally. MRI images showed an anterior subdural hematoma from C7 to T7 with spinal cord compression.

DIAGNOSIS

Based on MRI findings, the diagnosis was SSDH.

INTERVENTIONS

We chose conservative treatment of 1-week bed rest and intensive rehabilitation for the patient due to the presence of sacral sparing and the slight motor recovery at 24 hours after the onset.

OUTCOMES

Frequent MRI images demonstrated that the spinal cord compression was surprisingly mitigated only 2 days and mostly absorbed 4 days after the onset. The patient's motor function was recovered completely and he was discharged after 8 weeks of hospitalization.

LESSONS

Our chronological MRI findings provide crucial information for diagnosing SSDH and also suggest that spinal surgeons should consider the potential option of a conservative approach for treating SSDH. Although prompt selection of a therapeutic strategy for SSDH could be challenging, the surgeons could observe the course of the patient's neurological status for a few days to detect signs of spontaneous recovery.

Multiple Spinal Chronic Subdural Hematomas Associated with Thoracic Hematomyelia: A Case Report and Literature Review

BACKGROUND

Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is uncommon in the spine. Most spinal CSDHs occur as solitary lesions in the lumbosacral region. We report a rare case of multiple spinal CSDHs associated with hematomyelia. The diagnostic and therapeutic management of these complex spinal CSDHs is reviewed as well as the pertinent literature.

CASE DESCRIPTION

A 79-year-old woman on warfarin therapy presented with lower back pain and progressive lower extremity weakness that had developed in the previous 2 weeks. She subsequently developed paraplegia and urinary incontinence. Thoracolumbar magnetic resonance imaging showed a CSDH from T12-L3 compressing the cauda equina. Single-shot whole-spine magnetic resonance imaging showed another CSDH and hematomyelia at T2-3. She underwent L2-3 hemilaminectomy, which revealed a liquefied subdural hematoma. Delayed T2 laminectomy exposed an organized subdural hematoma and xanthochromic hematomyelia. After each surgery, the patient showed significant motor recovery. Finally, the patient could walk, and the urinary catheter was removed.

CONCLUSIONS

Spinal CSDH may occur in multiple regions and may be associated with hematomyelia. Whole-spine magnetic resonance imaging is useful to examine the entire spine for CSDH accurately and thoroughly. Comprehensive surgical exploration of all symptomatic hematomas may restore neurologic functions even with delayed surgery.

Spontaneous thoracic subdural hematoma associated with warfarin therapy: Case report with serial MRI

Background:

Spontaneous acute spinal subdural hematoma (SASSDH) is a rare but serious condition. We present diagnostic challenges and serial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of a patient who developed warfarin-associated thoracic SASSDH that was managed surgically.

Case Description:

A 68-year-old male presented with sudden onset left-sided chest and back pain, left leg weakness, and bilateral loss of sensations below T4 level. His symptoms developed after strenuous physical activity. He was taking warfarin for atrial fibrillation. His admission international normalized ratio was 4.25. Deterioration of neurological status 3 days after admission prompted spinal computed tomography (CT) scan that demonstrated nonhomogenous hyperdense intradural mass lesion in the thoracic spine. MRI demonstrated heterogeneous mass lesion on the left side of the spinal canal and thoracic myelopathy. The patient underwent urgent surgical evacuation of subacute subdural hematoma extending from T3 to T6 levels. MRI scan following the surgery showed no signs of the hematoma and thoracic myelopathy. MRI at 3 months follow-up demonstrated myelopathy extending from T3 to T6 levels with deviation of the spinal cord. The patient's motor strength and sensations improved but he retained left leg weakness with sensory deficit below T8 level.

Conclusions:

Spinal subdural hematoma should be suspected in patients presenting with acute onset back pain and myelopathy in the absence of trauma history. Coagulopathy should raise the suspicion for SASSDH. MRI is a valuable imaging modality for initial diagnosis to rule-out other lesions, and to assess postoperative re-bleeding and residual lesions.

Surgical treatment of progressive cauda equina compression caused by spontaneous spinal subdural hematoma: A case report

RATIONALE

Spontaneous spinal subdural hematoma (SSDH) without an underlying pathology is a very rare condition. The treatment protocol for SSDH is early diagnosis and treatment before irreversible damage to neural tissue. However, there is no agreement on the etiopathogenesis, as well as the need for surgery to treat spontaneous SSDH. Here, we report a rare case of spontaneous SSDH with progressive deterioration and symptoms of cauda equina syndrome after ineffective conservative treatment.

PATIENT'S CONCERN

A 38-year-old male patient presented with sudden lower back and bilateral leg pain.

DIAGNOSIS

A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan on the third day after the onset of symptoms revealed a subdural hematoma from L1 to S1, presenting as hyperintensities on T1 weighted sequences and hypointensities to isointensities on T2 weighted sequences.

INTERVENTION

Laminectomy and subdural evacuation were performed immediately.

OUTCOMES

An abnormal ligamentum flavum was observed intraoperatively. A histological examination revealed extravasation of blood in the degenerated ligamentum flavum. Postoperatively, the lower limb pain improved immediately. At the 6-month follow-up, the pain and numbness of the lower limb disappeared, and the muscle strength of both legs recovered completely with normal gait.

LESSONS

Spontaneous SSDH with ligamentum flavum hematoma was caused by a sudden increase of intravenous pressure, resulting from a marked surge in the intra-abdominal or intrathoracic pressure. Consecutive MRI scans provided valuable information, leading to a diagnosis of spontaneous SSDH. The treatment protocol for spontaneous SSDH should be determined based on the location and stage of the hematoma, as well as the subject's neurological status.

Subdural Spinal Haematoma after Epidural Anaesthesia in a Patient with Spinal Canal Stenosis

A 60-year-old male with a past history of T12 fracture had epidural analgesia for a radical prostatectomy. It was unknown prior to epidural insertion that the patient had a canal stenosis at T12 from the previous injury. The patient developed severe bilateral buttock pain after epidural catheter removal. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a spinal subdural haematoma from T10 to L2 with mild cord compression. The patient made a successful recovery with conservative management. Neuraxial blockade should be approached with caution in patients with previous back injury, and only after a thorough assessment has been obtained to exclude spinal canal stenosis.

Syringomyelia following surgery for a spontaneous spinal subdural hematoma in a 13-year-old girl with congenital von Willebrand disease: case report and literature review

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE

Spontaneous spinal subdural hematomas are rare. Their occurrence in a child with congenital von Willebrand disease and the complication of their surgery by a large secondary syringomyelia have never been previously reported.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 13-year-old girl with congenital von Willebrand disease presented to our emergency department in January 2011 for sudden onset of severe back pain centered in her thoracic spine rapidly aggravated by signs of acute myelopathy without any precipitating factor. MRI scan revealed a thoracic subdural collection anterior to the spinal cord at the T7-T9 level, hyperintense on T1- and T2-weighted sequences consistent with an acute spinal subdural hemorrhage. Evacuation of the subdural hematoma was realized immediately after hemostasis parameter correction, and post-operative course was uneventful with full functional recovery. One year later, the patient presented once again but with progressive and more severe myelopathy caused by a large syringomyelia extending from the T5 level to the conus medullaris. A syringopleural shunting was performed and the patient was unrolled under an intensive care and rehabilitation program. Her condition remarkably improved and she became able to walk independently within 2 weeks post-operatively.

CONCLUSIONS

von Willebrand disease should be included as a possible factor of spontaneous spinal subdural hemorrhage. Surgery is advised in emergency and can be associated with remarkable recovery especially in children. Delayed syringomyelia can complicate the post-operative course and can be successfully addressed by syringopleural shunting. Long-term clinical and radiological follow-up is advocated.

Clinical, magnetic resonance imaging, and histopathologic findings in 6 dogs with surgically resected extraparenchymal spinal cord hematomas

BACKGROUND

Extraparenchymal spinal cord hematoma has been described in veterinary medicine in association with neoplasia, intervertebral disk disease, and snake envenomation. There are rare reports of spontaneous extraparenchymal spinal cord hematoma formation with no known cause in human medicine. Multiple cases of spontaneous extraparenchymal spinal cord hematoma have not been described previously in veterinary medicine.

OBJECTIVES

To describe the signalment, clinical findings, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features, and surgical outcomes in histopathologically confirmed extraparenchymal spinal cord hematomas in dogs with no identified underlying etiology.

ANIMALS

Six dogs had MRI of the spinal cord, decompressive spinal surgery, and histopathologic confirmation of extraparenchymal spinal cord hematoma not associated with an underlying cause.

METHODS

Multi-institutional retrospective study.

RESULTS

Six patients had spontaneous extraparenchymal spinal cord hematoma formation. MRI showed normal signal within the spinal cord parenchyma in all patients. All hematomas had T2-weighted hyperintensity and the majority (5/6) had no contrast enhancement. All dogs underwent surgical decompression and most patients (5/6) returned to normal or near normal neurologic function postoperatively. Follow-up of the patients (ranging between 921 and 1,446 days) showed no progression of neurologic clinical signs or any conditions associated with increased bleeding tendency.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

Before surgery and histopathology confirming extraparenchymal hematoma, the primary differential in most cases was neoplasia, based on the MRI findings. This retrospective study reminds clinicians of the importance of the combination of advanced imaging combined with histopathologic diagnosis. The prognosis for spontaneous spinal cord extraparenchymal hematoma with surgical decompression appears to be favorable in most cases.

Spontaneous Spinal Subdural Hematoma causing Brown-Séquard Syndrome with Thrombocytopenic Myelodysplastic Syndrome

Spontaneous spinal subdural hematoma (SSDH) is a very rare condition. We report a case of SSDH presenting with Brown-Séquard syndrome, treated by surgical evacuation. A 77-year-old woman was hospitalized for back pain without trauma history. As she showed progressive sensory loss and right-side dominant paraparesis, we performed magnetic resonance imaging and confirmed the SSDH in the thoracic area. Therefore, she underwent emergent operation and the hematoma was evacuated successfully. After the operation, the patient showed improvement in neurologic function.

Acute spinal subdural hematoma with hemiplegia after acupuncture: a case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Subdural spinal hematoma (SDH) is a very rare entity; however, it can lead to serious complications resulting from injuries to the spinal cord and roots. Although acupuncture has been a popular method for the management of pain control, we encountered the first case of SDH after acupuncture.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this case report was to present the first case of subdural hematoma after acupuncture and the reasons for the risks of blind cervical acupuncture.

STUDY DESIGN

A case report and review of the previous literature are presented.

METHODS

A 69-year-old man complained of progressive weakness in the right upper and lower extremities 2 hours after acupuncture on the cervical spine and back. The diagnosis was delayed because of unilateral weakness, and the symptom was initially misinterpreted as a transient ischemic attack because of no sensory change and pain and normal findings of two brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

RESULTS

Cervical MRI 36 hours after onset revealed acute hematoma from the C3-C5 level; hematoma showed an isointensity on T1-weighted image (WI) with the preservation of epidural fat and a hypointensity on T2WI. A decompressive surgery was scheduled to perform within 2 days after the cervical MRI scan because of a previous anticoagulation therapy, but the patient refused it. Finally, 9 days after the onset, surgical decompression and removal of hematoma were performed. Three months postoperatively, the patient had fully recovered demonstrating fine hand movement and good ability to walk up and down the stairs.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study indicates that it is essential to perform cervical MRI when a patient does not show an improvement in the neurologic deficit and has a negative brain MRI after acupuncture. In addition, blind acupuncture if not correctly practiced may be harmful to the cervical structures.

Spontaneous spinal extradural haematoma presenting as cardiac chest pain

We describe a case of spontaneous spinal extradural haematoma presenting as cardiac chest pain. Although a neurosurgical emergency, the diagnosis is initially missed until neurological deficit develops. Prompt MRI scans of the spine followed by rapid transfer to a neurosurgical unit for definitive intervention increase the chances of full recovery.

Spontaneous resolution of nontraumatic acute spinal subdural hematoma

Spinal subdural hematoma (SSDH) is an extremely uncommon condition. Causative factors include trauma, anticoagulant drug administration, hemostatic disorders, and vascular disorders such as arteriovenous malformations and lumbar punctures. Of SSDH cases, those that do not have any traumatic event can be considered cases of nontraumatic acute spinal subdural hematoma, which is known to have diverse clinical progress. Treatment typically consists of surgical decompression and cases in which the condition is relieved with conservative treatment are rarely reported. We report two nontraumatic acute spinal subdural hematoma patients who were successfully treated without surgery.

Acute spinal subdural hematoma presenting with spontaneously resolving hemiplegia

Although prompt diagnosis and emergent surgical intervention are important in acute spinal subdural hematoma (SSDH), some cases with spontaneous remission of symptom and hematoma without surgery have been reported. We present a case of acute nontraumatic SSDH presenting with transient left hemiplegia for 4 hours. A magnetic resonance imaging study of cervical spine confirmed SSDH with C3-6 cervical cord compression at the left side. The patient had conservative management without recurrence. Although hemiplegia is an unusual clinical manifestation of SSDH, it should be differentiated from that of cerebrovascular origin promptly. Conservative management may be an alternative therapeutic option for selective cases with transient neurological deficits.

Spontaneous subdural hematoma of the thoracolumbar region with massive recurrent bleed

Spinal subdural hematoma is a rare disorder and can be caused by abnormalities of coagulation, blood dyscrasias, lumbar puncture, trauma, underlying neoplasm, and arteriovenous malformation. We discuss an unusual case of an elderly woman who presented with spontaneous spinal subdural hematoma and developed massive rebleeding on the third day following initial evacuation of hematoma. This case illustrates that a patient with routine normal coagulation profile and adequate hemostasis can still harbor platelet dysfunction (in present case due to polycythemia) and later on can manifest as rebleeding and neurological deterioration.

Acute spontaneous spinal subdural haematoma presenting as paraplegia and complete recovery with non-operative treatment

Spontaneous spinal subdural haematoma (SSDH) with no underlying pathology is a very rare condition. Only 20 cases have been previously reported. It can be caused by abnormalities of coagulation, blood dyscrasia, or trauma, underlying neoplasm, and arteriovenous malformation. It occurs most commonly in the thoracic spine and presents with sudden back pain radiating to the arms, legs or trunk, and varying degrees of motor, sensory, and autonomic disturbances. Although the main approach to management is surgical decompression, conservative management is used as well. We report the case of a 57-year-old man who presented with sudden severe low back pain followed by rapid onset of complete paraplegia. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed an anterior subdural haematoma from T9 to L1 with cord compression. Corticosteroid treatment was administered. The patient showed substantial clinical improvement after 7 days of bed rest and an intense rehabilitation programme. An MRI scan and a computed tomography angiogram did not reveal any underlying pathology to account for the subdural haematoma.

Spontaneous spinal subarachnoid haemorrhage--a complication of alcohol withdrawal therapy

BACKGROUND

Non-traumatic spontaneous idiopathic spinal subarachnoid haemorrhage (SSH) is extremely rare. So far, only 12 cases have been described in the literature and there are no data regarding the association between alcohol dependence and SSH.

CASE SUMMARY

We report the first case of an alcohol-dependent patient with an idiopathic non-traumatic cervical subarachnoid haemorrhage after alcohol withdrawal therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinicians should be aware of alcohol dependence as an independent risk factor for not only intracranial, but subarachnoid haemorrhage. We recommend performing spinal imaging in alcoholics with sudden onset of severe neck or back pain, even if neurological deficits are absent or coagulation parameters are normal.

Traumatic subdural hematoma of the thoraco-lumbar junction of spinal cord

BACKGROUND

Spinal subdural hematoma (SSDH) is an exceedingly uncommon and potentially neurologically devastating condition. Recognition of blood products in magnetic resonance imaging is a very important clue for the diagnosis of SSDH. It is generally agreed that prompt surgical evacuation should be performed before irreversible damage to the spinal cord occurs. However, conservative treatment still plays a role in the management of SSDH.

OBJECTIVES

To describe the clinical presentation, characteristic MRI findings, and treatment of traumatic SSDH.

METHODS

A case of traumatic SSDH at the thoraco-lumbar junction.

RESULTS

Magnetic resonance imaging findings of high signal intensity lesion in both T1 and T2 sequences suggest the possibility of subdural hematoma although it may be mistaken for tumorlike cystic lesion of the cord. Although there is a place for conservative treatment of subdural hematoma, we believe that rapid surgical drainage of the subdural hematoma will be associated with the best prognosis especially in the cervical, thoracic, and thoraco-lumbar junctions of the spinal cord.

CONCLUSIONS

Rapid surgical drainage of traumatic SSDH affecting the thoraco-lumbar junction of the cord will be associated in most of the cases with rapid neurologic recovery.

Unilateral multilevel interlaminar fenestration instead of laminectomy or hemilaminectomy: an alternative surgical approach to intraspinal space-occupying lesions

✓Laminectomy is the most conventional dorsal approach to intraspinal space-occupying lesions and may result in gradually increasing instability or deformity of the vertebral column. Less invasive procedures such as hemilaminectomy and osteoplastic laminotomy have been described by other authors, but an approach that interferes with spinal stability to an even lesser extent seems desirable.

In an attempt to further reduce the need for bone removal, the authors used interlaminar fenestration (mostly unilateral) at one or more spinal levels to remove intramedullary, extramedullary, or extradural lesions, and even some lesions that extended over several spine segments. The authors present their experiences with this surgical approach in 78 patients harboring different intraspinal lesions. Up to 16 segments were fenestrated in one patient. Complete removal of the lesion was possible in most patients, and no postoperative spinal instabilities were observed in up to 8 years of follow up. Multilevel interlaminar fenestration, also called “multiple spinal keyhole surgery,” is a feasible, safe, and effective approach to intraspinal lesions.

Lumbosacral subdural hematoma. Case report

An 18-year-old man presented with a rare spinal subdural hematoma (SSH) manifesting as headache, which developed following diving into the sea the day before. Computed tomography of the head revealed no abnormality. His headache persisted followed by neck stiffness and mild lumbago. He came to see us 6 days after the first visit. He underwent lumbar puncture to eliminate the possibility of meningitis. The cerebrospinal fluid showed xanthochromia. Cerebral angiography showed no abnormality. Magnetic resonance imaging of the spine revealed lumbosacral subdural hematoma. The hematoma and his symptoms regressed spontaneously during several weeks of conservative treatment. A sharp increase in intraabdominal and/or intrathoracic pressures following diving may have caused the bleeding. Headache may be an initial symptom associated with subarachnoid hemorrhage concomitant with SSH. Delayed progression of lumbosacral SSH must be considered if the patient complains of lumbago following minor trauma.

Functional outcome after surgical treatment of spontaneous and nonspontaneous spinal subdural hematomas

Object. Because of the rarity of spinal subdural hematomas (SDHs), the literature offers scarce estimates of the outcome and predictive factors in patients suffering from these lesions. In addition, single-institution surgical series are still lacking. Therefore, the authors retrospectively evaluated the early and long-term functional outcomes measured in eight patients with spontaneous and nonspontaneous spinal SDHs in whom the clot had been evacuated.

Methods. The patients' charts were evaluated for origin of the lesion, risk factors, and neurological deficits at symptom onset and at 28 days after extirpation of the spinal SDH. Long-term clinical outcome (Barthel Index [BI]) was evaluated by administering a telephone questionnaire to the patient or a relative.

Only one patient with a spontaneous spinal SDH was identified. Four patients were undergoing anticoagulant therapy, and three patients had undergone a previous anesthetic/diagnostic spinal procedure. Twenty-eight days postoperatively, neurological deficits improved in six of eight patients; however, in two of the six patients, the improvement did not allow the patients to become independent again. In two patients, surgery did not affect the complete sensorimotor deficits. In the long-term survivors (median 45 months) a median BI of 55 was achieved. The latency between symptom onset and surgery did not correlate with functional outcome in this series. The preoperative neurological condition and location of the hematoma correlated positively with early and long-term functional outcome.

Conclusions. To the best of their knowledge, the present study is the largest single-institutional study of patients with surgically treated spinal SDHs. Despite some postoperative improvement of sensorimotor deficits in most patients, the prognosis is poor because 50% of the patients remain dependent. Their outcome was determined by the preoperative sensorimotor function and spinal level of the spinal SDH.

Spinal hematoma unrelated to previous surgery: analysis of 15 consecutive cases treated in a single institution within a 10-year period

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective clinical study.

OBJECTIVES

To determine characteristics, treatment methods, and outcome in an institutional series of patients with spinal hematoma not related to previous surgery.

METHODS

The charts of all patients with spinal hematoma treated in our institution between January 1993 and December 2002 were reviewed and analyzed with regard to location and extension of the hematoma, duration of symptoms, neurologic status, diagnostic measures, therapy, and outcome.

RESULTS

Fifteen patients were identified with spinal hematomas not caused by previous spine surgery. There were 11 women and 4 men. One hematoma was located subdurally and another intramedullary. All other hematomas were extradural, with 10 spontaneous bleedings. Eight hematomas were located in the cervical, two in the cervicothoracic, and three in the thoracic region. Two others were situated in the lumbar spine. Mean extension was 4.7 segments (range, 2-8 segments). Mean interval between onset of symptoms and surgery was 18 hours (range, 8-48 hours) for 12 patients; in 2 cases, diagnosis was made after 17 and 36 days, respectively, and then treated by surgery. One patient was treated without operation. Operative treatment was accomplished in all cases by hemilaminectomy and/or interlaminar fenestration and hematoma evacuation, in those cases with a larger extension of extradural hematoma by an alternating hemilaminectomy, thus reducing the risk of postoperative instability. There was no recurrence. No correlation between time to surgery and outcome was found in this study group, but there was a strong correlation between initial neurologic status and outcome after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Nonsurgical derived spinal hematomas are rare. In this series, most cases were spontaneous and located in the cervical or cervicothoracic region producing severe neurologic deficit and pain. Treatment should be surgical evacuation in the majority. As most hematomas are of great extension, alternating hemilaminectomy suffices for evacuation of extradural hematomas and supports the stability of the spinal segments. Outcome is highly dependent from initial neurologic status.

Cauda equina syndrome after induction of spinal anesthesia

In this report the authors present a case of cauda equina syndrome that developed following induction of spinal anesthesia in a patient who had no apparent preexisting bleeding abnormality. An acute subdural hematoma caused the syndrome and was believed to have resulted from direct vascular trauma during administration of spinal anesthesia or from vascular trauma combined with thrombocytopenia in the postoperative period.

Spinal subdural hematoma revealing hemophilia A in a child: A case report

BACKGROUND: Intraspinal bleeding especially in the form of subdural hematoma is rare in hemophiliacs. In the present case, we report a neglected hemophilic A child with such a problem and discuss its management options. CASE PRESENTATION: A 9-year old hemophilic A boy presented with quadriparesis, confusion and meningismus after a fall 4 days previously. There was no sign of direct trauma to his back. His CT Scan and MRI showed spinal extramedullary hematoma extended from C5 to L2. We corrected the factor VIII level, but two days later, the patient's lower limbs weakened to 1/5 proximally as well as distally. We performed a laminectomy from T11 to L2, according to the level of the maximal neurological deficit and recent deterioration course. The subdural hematoma was evacuated. The hematoma in other spinal levels was managed conservatively. In the week following the operation, the patient's neurological status approached normal. CONCLUSION: This case calls attention to the clinical manifestation, radiological features and management options of the rarely reported intraspinal hematoma in hemophilic children. Although this case has been managed operatively for its hematoma in the thoracolumbar region, at the same time it can be considered a successful case of conservative management of intraspinal hematoma in the cervicothoracic region. Both conservative and surgical management could be an option in managing these patients considering their neurological course.

Chronic spinal hematoma as a possible reason for cognitive impairment

This case report describes a patient with a chronic spinal subdural hematoma and hemosiderosis revealing cognitive deficits. The effects on cerebral function of a chronic subdural hematoma via hemosiderosis are described.

Acute nontraumatic spinal subdural hematomas in three patients

STUDY DESIGN

The clinical data, magnetic resonance imaging, intraoperative findings, and functional outcome were reviewed for three patients under anticoagulant therapy who experienced acute nontraumatic spinal subdural hematoma.

OBJECTIVES

To draw attention to this rare complication of anticoagulant therapy and to assess the magnetic resonance findings and clinical outcome of patients with spinal subdural hematoma after surgical evacuation.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Among intraspinal hematomas, spinal subdural hematomas are by far the least common. Magnetic resonance findings have been demonstrated in only a few cases of spinal subdural hematomas. The timing of the operation and the anatomic location of the hematoma essentially determine the functional outcome.

METHODS

Three case reports of spinal subdural hematomas in patients receiving anticoagulant therapy are presented. Particular interest was given to the clinical and magnetic resonance data, the intraoperative findings, and the functional outcome.

RESULTS

The three patients each had a complete preoperative neurologic deficit. Sagittal T1- and T2-weighted magnetic resonance images of the spine proved to have high sensitivity for defining the type of bleeding and delineating the craniocaudal extension of the hematoma. Surgical evacuation was performed within 26 hours after the onset of symptoms. Intraoperative findings showed the hematoma to be confined between the dura and the arachnoid in two patients, and to be associated with rupture into the subarachnoid space in one patient. Postoperative recovery was incomplete in two patients, and did not improve in the remaining patient.

CONCLUSIONS

Spinal subdural hematoma must be considered in patients under anticoagulant therapy with spontaneous signs of acute spinal cord or cauda equina compression. Magnetic resonance imaging with sagittal T1- and T2-weighted images were adequate and reliable for diagnosis of spinal subdural hematoma. On the basis of previous studies and the authors' intraoperative findings, spinal subdural hematomas could be viewed as spinal dural border hematomas. The level of preoperative neurologic deficit seemed to be critical for recovery despite prompt surgical evacuation.

Spinal subdural haematoma: a study of three cases

AIMS

To define the clinical, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features and the role of MRI in the follow-up of spinal subdural haematoma (SSH), and to compare these findings with those of spinal epidural haematomas (SEH).

METHODS

We report three cases of SSH (two women, one male, age: 50-74 years). Two patients were on anticoagulant therapy; in the other case the SSH was spontaneous. All the patients were examined 1-3 days after the onset of the symptoms. All of them had CT, two had MRI and one had angiography. Two patients underwent surgery.

RESULTS

The haematoma was located in the thoracolumbar region (two) and in the thoracic region (one), extending from five (two) to 11 vertebral body levels (one). The haematomas were posteriorly located with lateral extension. The transverse shape differed with the level: biconvex, biloculated or circumferential. The haematomas were hyperdense on CT. On MRI, SSH yielded high signal on both T1 and T2. The integrity of the posterior fat pads, which was well shown on CT and MRI, and the visualization of the dura mater demonstrated the intradural location of these collections, making them easily distinguishable from spinal epidural haematoma. MRI provides better evaluation of the longitudinal extent. Our results are compared with those reported in the literature.

CONCLUSION

MRI is superior to CT for diagnosis and follow-up of SSH. Our findings and those reported in the literature show that the MR features of SSH are quite specific and allow differentiation from SEH.

Paraparesis after lumbar puncture in a male with leukemia

A diagnostic lumbar puncture was performed in a 12-year-old male with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Because of thrombocytopenia (platelet count 42,000/mm(3)), a platelet transfusion was given immediately before the lumbar puncture. However, the platelet count was not re-examined. The patient developed progressive paraparesis shortly after the lumbar puncture. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an extensive spinal subdural hematoma from the T2 to S2 level. This case report illustrates the sometimes dramatic consequences of lumbar puncture in patients with childhood leukemia. Guidelines for the examination of the platelet count and correction of thrombocytopenia before lumbar puncture are discussed.

[Spontaneous extradural spinal hematoma. Case report]

We report a case of a 55-year-old woman, that has a mild hypertension, in use of a betablocker drugs, who had a sudden spinal cord compression syndrome with intense cervical pain, tetraplegia and sensitivity level in C4. Extradural spinal hematoma of the cervical spine was diagnosed by magnetic resonance. The patient underwent a laminectomy and aspiration of the hematoma. The patient is on physiotherapy and presents progressive motor and sensitivity improvement.

Nontraumatic acute spinal subdural hematoma

✓ Acute subdural spinal hematoma occurs rarely; however, when it does occur, it may have disastrous consequences. The authors assessed the outcome of surgery for this lesion in relation to causative factors and diagnostic imaging (computerized tomography [CT], CT myelography), as well as eventual preservation of the subarachnoid space.

The authors reviewed 106 cases of nontraumatic acute subdural spinal hematoma (101 published cases and five of their own) in terms of cause, diagnosis, treatment, and long-term outcome.

Fifty-one patients (49%) were men and 55 (51%) were women. In 70% of patients the spinal segment involved was in the lumbar or thoracolumbar spine. In 57 cases (54%) there was a defect in the hemostatic mechanism. Spinal puncture was performed in 50 patients (47%). Late surgical treatment was performed in 59 cases (56%): outcome was good in 25 cases (42%) (in 20 of these patients preoperative neurological evaluation had shown mild deficits or paraparesis, and three patients had presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage [SAH]). The outcome was poor in 34 cases (58%; 23 patients with paraplegia and 11 with SAH).

The formation of nontraumatic acute spinal subdural hematomas may result from coagulation abnormalities and iatrogenic causes such as spinal puncture. Their effect on the spinal cord and/or nerve roots may be limited to a mere compressive mechanism when the subarachnoid space is preserved and the hematoma is confined between the dura and the arachnoid. It seems likely that the theory regarding the opening of the dural compartment, verified at the cerebral level, is applicable to the spinal level too. Early surgical treatment is always indicated when the patient's neurological status progressively deteriorates. The best results can be obtained in patients who do not experience SAH.

In a few selected patients in whom neurological impairment is minimal, conservative treatment is possible.

Magnetic resonance imaging-monitored conservative management of traumatic spinal epidural hematomas. Report of four cases

Spinal epidural hematomas (SEHs) are uncommon complications of traumatic injury to the spine. Emergency surgical evacuation is the standard treatment. Although it is recognized in the literature, the possibility of nonsurgical treatment of traumatic SEH is far from being codified. The authors report excellent outcomes in four conservatively managed patients who had sustained a severe spine injury with fracture of the lumbar vertebral body and in whom traumatic SEHs were diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging. Although in the authors' experience a good spontaneous outcome in this subgroup of minimally symptomatic patients harboring moderate-sized SEHs has been achieved, further studies are necessary to understand the real spectrum of nonsurgical treatment of such lesions.

Acute nontraumatic spinal epidural hematomas. An important differential diagnosis in spinal emergencies

STUDY DESIGN

The clinical data of five patients with spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma (SSEH) were reviewed.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the clinical outcome of patients with SSEH after surgical decompression.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

The outcome in SSEH is essentially determined by the timing of the operation. Therefore, early and precise diagnosis is necessary.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of five patients with SSEH was performed. The clinical data were stratified according to the Frankel Score. Special interest was given to the relevance of rapid and exact diagnosis and immediate therapeutic intervention.

RESULTS

Diagnosis of SSEH was established preoperatively by means of computed tomography (one case) or magnetic resonance imaging (three patients) and intraoperatively in one case. Lumbar myelography had been false negative in one patient, computed tomography false-negative in two patients. Surgical decompression was performed in four patients within 24 hours after the onset of symptoms. Favorable postoperative functional results were found only in one patient whose symptoms had been present for less than 12 hours and in the case of an incomplete cauda equina syndrome.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the current series demonstrate both the superiority of magnetic resonance imaging for diagnosis of SSEH as well as the necessity of early decompressive surgery in cases of sensorimotor paralysis after SSEH.

Serial magnetic resonance imaging findings for a spontaneously resolving spinal subdural hematoma: case report

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE

Spinal subdural hematoma (SSDH) is a rare entity, and cases are usually managed as surgical emergencies. We describe a patient with a SSDH who demonstrated incomplete clinical resolution with nonsurgical management, despite continued anticoagulation treatment. We provide the most complete demonstration of the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics of a large SSDH from its initiation to its radiological resolution.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION

A 61-year-old woman developed a large SSDH as a complication of a lumbar puncture. Her only neurological deficit was urinary retention.

INTERVENTION

Because of the extensiveness of the hematoma and the relative neurological preservation of the patient, she was treated conservatively. Serial MRI scans were obtained at 4, 7, 13, and 25 days. The evolution of deoxyhemoglobin in the hematoma to methemoglobin was observed. By 25 days, MRI scans showed virtual resolution.

CONCLUSION

SSDHs undergo MRI signal changes that are similar to those of brain hematomas. In certain cases, even large SSDHs demonstrate swift and dramatic spontaneous resolution, despite continued anticoagulation treatment. This report suggests that there is a role for conservative management for selected cases of SSDHs.

Spinal cord syndromes

In summary, a working knowledge of the spinal cord's anatomy is critical in understanding the various presentations of the spinal cord syndromes. A careful history and physical, including a systematic neurologic examination, will direct the diagnostic work-up. There are a number of disorders that may affect the spine which are slowly progressive and do not necessarily require an emergent evaluation. However, patients with spinal cord trauma and spinal cord metastatic lesions are at risk for rapid and progressive deterioration. These patients require high priorization in care because morbidity and mortality may be significantly impacted by rapid diagnosis and initiation of therapeutic interventions.