Spontaneous rapid reduction of a large acute subdural hematoma

Rapid Spontaneous Resolution of Large Acute Subdural Hematoma

Usually, acute subdural hematomas (ASDHs) result from head trauma and require urgent surgical treatment. However, there have been many reports of rapid spontaneous resolution of ASDHs since 1986. Recently, we experienced a case of a massive ASDH that resolved spontaneously within 1.5 days. A 76-year-old man was admitted to a local hospital after a head injury. According to his clinical records, his initial neurologic status was good (Glasgow Coma Scale score of 14). However, his head computer tomography (CT) scan demonstrated a massive ASDH to the right, with a significant midline shift. Based on his neurological status and general condition, surgery was not considered, and the patient was closely monitored in the intensive care unit. The next day, the patient was transferred to our hospital as requested by his family, after which his neurological state stabilized, and the customary follow-up brain CT was performed. It was about 32 hours after the patient's head injury, and it revealed an unexpected finding, near-total resolution of the ASDH. Herein, we review previously reported similar cases and relevant mechanisms of rapid resolution of the ASDH. We believe that neurosurgeons should comprehensively assess the patient's condition and CT findings and provide appropriate treatment, especially when surgical intervention is unnecessary.

Rapid Spontaneous Resolution of the Acute Subdural Hematoma: Case Series and Review of Literature

Background:

Traumatic acute subdural hematoma (ASDH) is an oft encountered entity in neurosurgery. While resolution of such thick SDHs usually takes time, certain cases of rapid spontaneous resolution have also been reported. This article attempts to review the pathophysiology, clinical and radiological features of such cases, as well as provide an insight into decision making for their management.

Methods:

Electronic literature search was done to look for similar cases of spontaneous rapid resolution of ASDH. Five of authors cases have been described. Their clinical and radiological features along with those of cases from literature search were tabulated and analyzed.

Results:

A total of 44 relevant cases were included for analyses. Of these, 39 cases were from 33 articles found in existing literature and 5 cases were from author's collection. The M:F ratio was 25:19 with a mean age was 41.84(SD-4.094) years. Twenty -six patients showed “Rapid” neurological improvement (</= 24 hours) while “gradual” neurological improvement (>24 hours) occurred in 10 patients. The mean hematoma resolution time on CT scan was 13.78 hours (SD 16.46) ranging from 1- 72 hours. Twenty-nine patients showed redistribution of hematoma, most commonly to tentorium and falx cerebelli. CT scan findings were classified into 5 types as per the nature of hypodensity around hematoma. The geometric mean time to resolution of hematoma was least for type 2 (7.27 hours) and type 1(7.52 hours) patients.

Conclusion:

Selected patients of ASDH with rapid neurological improvement and specific CT findings may show spontaneous resolution of ASDH. Multicentric studies with larger study population may provide better insight into the nature and outcomes of such entities.

Predictors of subacute hematoma expansion requiring surgical evacuation after initial conservative treatment in patients with acute subdural hematoma

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to clarify the factors associated with requiring subacute surgery in patients with acute subdural hematoma (ASDH) treated conservatively at admission.

METHODS

Among the patients with ASDH admitted to our hospital from 2007 to 2018, we retrospectively reviewed data for 200 patients initially treated conservatively. We compared patients' characteristics, medical history, radiological findings, and clinical outcomes and differences between patients undergoing subacute surgery or no surgery.

RESULTS

Of the 200 patients treated conservatively, 17 (8.5%) patients underwent subacute surgery due to deterioration of their clinical and/or computed tomography (CT) findings, while 183 (91.5%) patients did not undergo subacute surgery. There were significant differences in the presence of focal neurological deficits, modified Rankin Scale scores, degree of midline shift, hematoma thickness, hematoma volume, cella media index, Sylvian fissure ratio, and hematoma density between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Large hematoma, brain atrophy, and hematoma density may be useful predictors for the need for subacute surgery in patients with ASDH treated conservatively at admission. Intensive investigation of clinical findings or CT images is warranted in patients with adverse prognostic factors, even if their initial symptoms are mild.

Mechanism for the Rapid Spontaneous Resolution of an Acute Subdural Hematoma and Transformation into a Subdural Hygroma

BACKGROUND

Spontaneous resolution of acute subdural hematomas (SDHs), occurring as the result of a traumatic injury, is well reported in the literature and rapidly resolving SDHs have been reported as well. Although the mechanism behind the rapid resolution of a SDH has not been well understood, there are postulated mechanisms for this phenomenon. The aim of this report is to present a patient who experienced the rapid resolution of a traumatic SDH, which was replaced by a subdural hygroma.

CASE DESCRIPTION

This 25-year-old man presented to the hospital with an acute left-sided SDH after a head-on motor vehicle collision. At the time of presentation, the patient had an acute SDH with 11 mm of midline shift. The hematoma resolved spontaneously within 48 hours and was replaced by a thin subdural hygroma.

CONCLUSIONS

Rapidly resolving SDHs represent a phenomenon that has been well described, although is not entirely understood. The imaging findings of this patient suggest that cerebrospinal fluid washout is a mechanism that promotes acute SDH resolution.

Rapid Spontaneously Resolving Acute Subdural Hematoma

Introduction:

This study reports a rare patient of a rapid spontaneously resolving acute subdural hematoma. In addition, an analysis of potential clues for the phenomenon is presented with a review of the literature.

Patient Presentation:

A 1-year-and-2-month-old boy fell from a height of approximately 2 m. The patient was in a superficial coma with a Glasgow Coma Scale of 8 when he was transferred to the authors’ hospital. Computed tomography revealed the presence of an acute subdural hematoma with a midline shift beyond 1 cm. His guardians refused invasive interventions and chose conservative treatment. Repeat imaging after 15 hours showed the evident resolution of the hematoma and midline reversion. Progressive magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated the complete resolution of the hematoma, without redistribution to a remote site.

Conclusions:

Even though this phenomenon has a low incidence, the probability of a rapid spontaneously resolving acute subdural hematoma should be considered when patients present with the following characteristics: children or elderly individuals suffering from mild to moderate head trauma; stable or rapidly recovered consciousness; and simple acute subdural hematoma with a moderate thickness and a particularly low-density band in computed tomography scans.

Spontaneous rapid resolution of acute subdural hematoma in children

BACKGROUND

Spontaneous rapid resolution of acute subdural hematoma developing secondary to trauma has been reported in the literature, yet it is very rare in pediatric population. The aim of the present review is to analyze mechanisms, characteristics, and outcomes of pediatric acute subdural hematoma cases with spontaneous rapid resolution in conjunction with an exemplary case of ours.

CASE DESCRIPTION

A 3-year-old boy was admitted to our emergency department following mild head trauma secondary to a fall from 2 m. He was alert and has a GCS of 15. He had no motor or sensorial deficit on neurological examination. On the emergent brain computed tomography image, an acute subdural hematoma over left frontoparietal lobe was observed. There was a midline shift of 8.3 mm and the width of the hematoma at the thickest portion was 11.2 mm. Surgery was postponed with a close neurological follow-up of the patient in pediatric intensive care unit, due to his well neurological status without any increased ICP findings. On the fourth hour follow-up head CT image, amount of midline shift and hematoma thickness were observed to have regressed dramatically. At the second week, the hematoma resorbed totally with only conservative approach, and he was discharged to home in well status.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Analysis of 12 pediatric patients revealed a mean and median ages of 6.87 and 3.9 years, respectively (range = 8 months-18 years). Causes for ASH development were fall, traffic accident, struggle, and child abuse. Main clinical presentations were with depressed sensorium, coma, stupor, drowsiness, headache, motor weakness, lethargy, and seizure. Close follow-up with conservative treatment should be mode of approach in pediatric patients with ASH, if neurological and radiological findings are favorable. However, if patients' neurological status deteriorates after admission to hospital, surgery should be conveyed with no further delay.

Effect of ATorvastatin On Chronic subdural Hematoma (ATOCH): a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background

Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is a common disease that is more prevalent in older people. Surgical intervention is a safe treatment of choice. However, the recurrence rate is relatively high and the outcome is not always satisfactory among surgically treated patients. It is believed that aberrant angiogenesis and intracapsular inflammation contribute to the development of CSDH. Atorvastatin is reported to promote angiogenesis and suppress inflammation. We have recently shown that atorvastatin is effective to non-surgically reduce and eliminate CSDH with minimal side effects. Here, we report a clinical research trial protocol that is designed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of atorvastatin on CSDH.

Methods/Design

We have designed a multi-center, randomized, placebo-controlled, double blind clinical trial for evaluating the efficacy of oral atorvastatin in reducing CSDH. We have so far recruited 96 patients with CT-confirmed or MRI-confirmed CSDHs from 16 medical centers in China. These patients were originally recruited for the Oriental Neurosurgical Evidence-based Study Team (ONET) study. After informed consent is provided, patients are randomized to receive either atorvastatin (oral 20 mg/night for 8 weeks) or placebo (dextrin for 8 weeks); and followed for 16 weeks after the treatment. The primary outcome is the change in hematoma volume at the end of 8-week treatment. Secondary outcomes include: changes in 1) the hematoma volume at the 4^th, 12^th, and 24^th weeks; 2) Markwalder’s Grading Scale and Glasgow Coma Scale (MGS-GCS); 3) Glasgow Outcome Score (GOS) and 4) Activities of Daily Life – the Barthel Index scale (ADL-BI). Safety will be assessed during the study by monitoring adverse events, laboratory tests, electrocardiography (ECG), measurements of vital signs (temperature, pulse, and blood pressure) and body weight.

Discussion

Results of this trial will provide critical information regarding whether atorvastatin is an effective and safe alternative to surgical treatment of CSDH.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier – NCT02024373

The date of trial registration: 7 August 2013

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13063-015-1045-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

A calvarial acute subdural hematoma migrating into the spinal canal in a young male

It is not common for an acute subdural hematoma (SDH) in the supratentorial region to show rapid resolution or migration during the clinical course. In this report, we present a rare case where the SDH in the supratentorial region was observed to rapidly migrate into the lumbar spinal canal, leading to severe radiculopathy. A 20-year-old male patient was admitted to the emergency department with severe headache after head trauma. The patient's overall condition was good, whereas his Glasgow Coma Scale score was 15 and blood pressure was normal. He had vomited 3 times after the onset of pain. No stiff neck was found, and the computed tomography showed an ASDH over the outer layer of the right hemisphere, causing a 7- to 8-mm shift. During the follow-up, the headache regressed and eventually resolved after 12 hours; however, another severe pain occurred in the lumbar region and in both legs. The pain worsened over time, progressing to sciatica in both legs. Acute SDH associated with a minor head trauma may migrate from the supratentorial compartment into the spinal canal by the help of elastic cerebral tissues in young adults and children.

Natural course of initially non-operated cases of acute subdural hematoma : the risk factors of hematoma progression

Objective

The objectives of the present study were to characterize the natural course of initially non-operated traumatic acute subdural hematoma (ASDH) and to identify the risk factors of hematoma progression.

Methods

Retrospective analysis was performed using sequential computed tomography (CT) images maintained in a prospective observational database containing 177 ASDH cases treated from 2005 to 2011. Patients were allocated to four groups as followings; 136 (76.8%) patients to the spontaneous resolution group, 12 (6.8%) who underwent operation between 4 hours and 7 days to the rapid worsening group (RWG), 24 (13.6%) who experienced an increase of hematoma and that underwent operation between 7 and 28 days to the subacute worsening group (SWG), and 5 (2.8%) who developed delayed aggravation requiring surgery from one month after onset to the delayed worsening group (DWG). Groups were compared with respect to various factors.

Results

No significant intergroup difference was found with respect to age, mechanism of injury, or initial Glasgow Coma Scale. The presence of combined cerebral contusion or subarachnoid hemorrhage was found to be a significant prognostic factor. Regarding CT findings, mixed density was common in the RWG and the SWG. Midline shifting, hematoma thickness, and numbers of CT slices containing hematoma were significant prognostic factors of the RWG and the SWG. Brain atrophy was more severe in the SWG and the DWG.

Conclusion

A large proportion of initially non-operated ASDHs worsen in the acute or subacute phase. Patients with risk factors should be monitored carefully for progression by repeat CT imaging.

Fluctuation of intra-parenchymal cerebral pressure may drive the rapid spontaneous resolution of acute subdural hematoma

Acute subdural hematoma (ASDH) is a severe insult with a high mortality rate, and emergent surgical evacuation is recommended in the vast majority of such cases. Generally, resolution of the hemorrhage requires weeks and months in patients treated conservatively. However, numerous cases of rapid spontaneous resolution of ASDH, occurring within 72h after the trauma, have been reported to date in the literature. Several possible hypotheses have been suggested, primarily involving redistribution and dilution, or washing out the ASDH. In this study, we present the relevant images of such a case, review the mechanisms of the rapid spontaneous resolution in the literature, and also propose a new hypothesis to explain the occurrence of the rapid spontaneous resolution of ASDH. We indicate that the fluctuation of intra-parenchymal cerebral pressure that drives the rapid spontaneous resolution of ASDH.

Rapid resolution of acute subdural hematoma in child with severe head injury: a case report

INTRODUCTION

Rapid spontaneous resolution of traumatic acute subdural hematoma is an infrequent phenomenon and mainly develops in a case of simple acute subdural hematoma without parenchymal contusion. However, it has been rarely reported in a pediatric case with severe initial head injury.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 7-year-old Asian girl with traumatic acute subdural hematoma was transferred to our hospital for an emergency operation based on the results of an initial computed tomography scan and neurological examination. However, a repeat computed tomography scan two hours after trauma disclosed considerable reduction of the hematoma and midline shift with neurological improvements. Serial follow-up imaging studies demonstrated apparent redistribution of the hematoma over the cerebellar tentorium, posterior interhemispheric fissure and subarachnoid space. The patient was discharged with mild confusion 40 days after the admission.

CONCLUSION

A follow-up computed tomography scan is strongly recommended before surgery when a child with a severe head injury presents with any sign of neurological improvement, especially with a mixed density hematoma on the initial computed tomography scan.

Rapid spontaneous reduction of a huge intracerebral hematoma

Rapid reduction of a large acute subdural hematoma has been frequently reported. In my knowledge, however, it was rarely reported that rapid spontaneous reduction occurred in large volume of spontaneous intracerebral hematoma (sICH). We describe a patient with a rapid spontaneous decrease in the volume of a large hematoma. A 73-year-old man presented semi-comatose mentality. Initial brain computed tomography (CT) revealed the huge sICH. An emergency operation was planned, but was not performed due to the refusal of patient's family. Therefore, we decided to treat with conservative therapy. However, follow-up brain CT 16 hours after initial scan showed a remarkable reduction of previous sICH. The mechanism involving the spontaneous rapid decrease of the hematoma is presumed to occur through redistribution in brain atrophy, compression effect from the increased intracranial pressure and dilution through a wash out by the cerebrospinal fluid.

Rapid spontaneous resolution of acute subdural haematoma in a patient with chronic alcoholism

Acute subdural haematoma (ASDH) constitutes one of the most critical emergencies in neurosurgery. There are only several reports that show the rapid disappearance of ASDH without surgical intervention. We report a case of a 64-year-old alcoholic man who had a traumatic subdural haematoma after a fall from a height of about eight meters on level ground. The computed tomography (CT) of the brain on admission demonstrated a left parietooccipital ASDH. A follow-up CT scan after 8 hours showed resolution of the hematoma. The patient was discharged 9 days later with no neurological deficit. We discuss the possible mechanisms of the rapid resolution of the ASDH.