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.

Introduction to Neuroimaging

Primary care physicians are often tasked with evaluating neurologic symptoms, and imaging plays a critical role in neurologic diagnoses. Neuroradiology routinely employs advanced imaging modalities, and hence, determination of the appropriate imaging test and interpretation of findings in the clinical context can understandably be overwhelming. In this review article, we introduce resources that can guide physicians in the selection of neuroimaging tests and summarize guidelines on contrast agent administration. Key concepts on imaging techniques and terminology are reviewed, as is relevant for the primary care physician. We then present an overview of the typical imaging manifestations of brain pathologies, including stroke, traumatic injuries, infections, demyelinating and neurodegenerative processes, and neoplasms. Spine imaging is often considered for the evaluation of degenerative, infectious, or neoplastic etiologies, and the typical imaging findings in these scenarios are also summarized.