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

Case of Neurological Complication Following Subarachnoid Block in a Patient with Unsuspected Coagulopathy

Subarachnoid block (SAB) is an extensively used regional anesthesia technique for many surgeries. Neurological complications are rare following spinal anesthesia. We are reporting neurological complication in a patient the following appendectomy under SAB with unsuspected coagulopathy. The complication was noticed early and managed conservatively with a high dose of intravenous steroid and improved drastically in a short period.

Infected epidural hematoma of the lumbar spine associated with invasive pneumococcal disease

Spinal epidural abscess (SEA) and spinal epidural hematoma (SEH) are neurologic emergencies with distinct etiologies and treatment. Despite similarities on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), their differentiation is usually possible with meticulous history taking and neurologic examinations. We report an unusual case of SEA that developed from preceding SEH, posing a diagnostic challenge to physicians. A 65-year-old diabetic man suddenly experienced back pain and weakness of both legs when he lifted heavy luggage. He was afebrile, and his laboratory tests were mostly unremarkable. Spinal MRI consisting of T1-weighted, T2-weighted, and fat-suppressed T2-weighted images revealed an epidural mass over the L2-L4 spinous process. He was diagnosed with SEH based on his symptoms and MRI findings, and was treated conservatively using steroid pulse therapy. Despite initial improvement, he suddenly developed into septic shock and coma on the 10^th hospital day, and died shortly thereafter. An autopsy revealed massive pus accumulation in the lumbar epidural space and brain, and a postmortem diagnosis of infected SEH associated with invasive pneumococcal disease was established. Serial MRI studies, including diffusion-weighted and/or gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted images are warranted in patients with a presumed diagnosis of SEH receiving steroid therapy to detect such infectious transformation.

Spinal epidural hematoma in a scoliotic patient with long fusion: a case report

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

This is the only reported case on a spinal epidural hematoma occurring in a fused scoliotic segment.

PURPOSE

To report the first case of a spinal epidural hematoma developed within the fused segment of a scoliotic curve and to raise clinicians' awareness of the pathology of a spinal epidural hematoma.

STUDY DESIGN/SETTING

A case report.

PATIENT SAMPLE

A 53-year-old woman with long spinal fusion for severe kyphoscoliosis diagnosed as a teenager.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Neurological improvement and clinical follow-up for any occult spinal fracture.

METHODS

A patient was surgically treated for a spinal epidural hematoma causing paraparesis. Clinical and radiological features were reported.

RESULTS

The etiology of this case could not be defined, although the patient had a minor fall injury. Radiography and computed tomography scans could not detect any obvious fracture. Magnetic resonance imaging showed typical features of an epidural hematoma. After the hematoma evacuation, the patient's neurology gradually improved.

CONCLUSIONS

Long fusion, differential stiffness along the fusion block, implant removal, and significant residual deformity may increase the risk of an epidural hematoma formation after trivial trauma without an obvious fracture on imaging. Clinicians should be mindful of this possibility and look out for any hematoma in the fused segment(s).

Myelopathy caused by chronic epidural hematoma associated with l1 osteoporotic vertebral collapse: a case report and review of the literature

Epidural hematoma associated with osteoporotic vertebral collapse has not been reported yet in the literature. We report a case of myelopathy caused by chronic epidural hematoma associated with L1 osteoporotic vertebral collapse and review the relevant literature.

Spontaneous cervical epidural hematoma: report of a case managed conservatively

Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma is a rare cause of acute spinal cord compression. A 25-year-old male presented with a history of sudden onset of complete quadriplegia with sensory loss below the neck along with loss of bowel and bladder control. He had no history of any constitutional symptoms. He reported 10 days later. He was managed conservatively and after two weeks of intensive rehabilitation he had complete neural recovery. The spontaneous recovery of neurological impairment is attributed to the spreading of the hematoma throughout the epidural space, thus decreasing the pressure with partial neural recovery. Conservative treatment is a fair option in young patients who present late and show neurological improvement. The neurological status on presentation will guide the further approach to management.

Pure cervical radiculopathy due to spontaneous spinal epidural haematoma (SSEH): report of a case solved conservatively

INTRODUCTION

Spontaneous spinal epidural haematoma (SSEH) is widely recognised throughout the literature as a cause of myelopathy, radicular compression being very rarely reported. Surgical management is almost always recommended, especially in the cases of spinal cord compression. Conservative treatment is reported as a curiosity and only in the case of spontaneous improvement. This report presents the particular case of a 64-year-old patient undergoing anticoagulant therapy that had a cervical radiculopathy due to a SSEH confirmed by MRI. The patient improved spontaneously and symptoms were solved with unconventional conservative treatment and without stopping the anticoagulant therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Spontaneous epidural haematoma must be kept in mind when patients undergoing anticoagulant therapy have a sudden onset of cervicobrachialgia. Even though most spinal surgeons advocate surgical treatment, a conservative approach may lead to a complete recovery and may be considered as a good option in the case of radicular involvement. Discontinuation of the anticoagulant therapy may not always be needed, especially when the clinical syndrome improves spontaneously.

Spinal epidural haematoma: MRI-aided diagnosis

Spinal epidural haematoma is a rare cause of spinal cord compression. It is most commonly attributed to trauma and coagulation disorders. We report a case of a 64 year-old man with thrombocytopaenia who presented with a traumatic epidural haematoma who p resented with right hemiparesis which progressed to complete tetraplegia. MR of the cervical spine showed an epidural collection on the posterior aspect of the cord throughout the cervical spine. The patient underwent C1-C7 laminectomy and decompression. Postoperatively, the patient has improved gradually and has power of grade 3 (Medical Research Council classification of power) in all 4 limbs at 2-month follow-up. MRI is an important modality in the early diagnosis of spinal epidural haematomas and can facilitate emergent decompressive surgery which offers the best chance of neurological improvement.