Atypical Presentation of an Epidural Hematoma in a Patient Receiving Rivaroxaban After Total Hip Arthroplasty

A rare case of non-traumatic spinal epidural hematoma in lumbar region associated with apixaban therapy

Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma (SSEH) is a very rare clinical entity with potential diagnostic difficulties and which can result in severe neurological deficit. The etiology of this rare condition is largely not known, but with potential predisposition in patients on anticoagulation medication. This includes the novel anticoagulants with direct inhibition of the factor Xa mechanism (DOACs). These medications are supposed to have more predictable pharmacokinetics with fewer severe haemorrhagic adverse events in comparison with standard warfarin therapy. However, in the last few years, an increasing number of case reports have been published of haemorrhage into the central nervous system. We present a case of non-traumatic spinal epidural hematoma in the lumbar region in a patient on chronic apixaban therapy. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first described SSEH in the lumbar region associated with apixaban therapy.

Spontaneous Spinal Epidural Hematoma Associated With Apixaban Therapy: A Report of two Cases

Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma (SSEH) is a rare clinical entity that can result in severe neurological deficit and warrants emergent neurosurgical evaluation and management. The exact etiology of this entity remains unknown, but certain risk factors exist, including the use of anticoagulant medications. There are few published reports of the association of SSEH with direct factor Xa inhibitors. We aimed to present 2 cases of SSEH in patients on chronic apixaban therapy. To the best of our knowledge, there is only 1 other report of SSEH in the setting of apixaban therapy. A comparison between the cases suggests the importance of rapid recognition and management of SSEH in order to achieve favorable neurological outcomes.

[SBA 2020: Regional anesthesia guideline for using anticoagulants update]

The development of protocols to prevent perioperative Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) and the introduction of increasingly potent antithrombotic drugs have resulted in concerns of increased risk of neuraxial bleeding. Since the Brazilian Society of Anesthesiology (SBA) 2014 guideline, new oral anticoagulant drugs were approved by international regulating agencies, and by ANVISA. Societies and organizations that try to approach concerns through guidelines have presented conflicting perioperative management recommendations. As a response to these issues and to the need for a more rational approach, managements were updated in the present narrative revision, and guideline statements made. They were projected to encourage safe and quality patient care, but cannot assure specific results. Like any clinical guide recommendation, they are subject to review as knowledge grows, on specific complications, for example. The objective was to assess safety aspects of regional analgesia and anesthesia in patients using antithrombotic drugs, such as: possible technique-associated complications; spinal hematoma-associated risk factors, prevention strategies, diagnosis and treatment; safe interval for discontinuing and reinitiating medication after regional blockade.

Spontaneous Spinal Epidural Hematoma in a Patient on Apixaban for Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation

Background

With the rise in the use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), more hemorrhagic complications are being encountered. Since the first description of a case of spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma (SSEH) related to the utilization of DOACs in 2012, there have been few reports describing a similar association. However, no cases so far have reported an association between SSEHs and apixaban. Case Description: A 76-year-old lady, with a history of nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, presented with a new onset of progressive left lower and upper extremity weakness. She reported back pain and numbness in the left leg up to the knee along with numbness in the left arm up to the shoulder. A CT scan of the neck was suggestive of an epidural hematoma extending from C2-C3 level to C6-C7. As the patient was on apixaban at the time, surgical treatment was delayed for two days to decrease the risk of intraoperative bleeding. Nine days later, she was discharged. Her physical exam was almost unchanged from that on presentation, except for resolution of pain and minimal improvement in motor power in her left lower extremity from 1/5 to 2/5 distally.

Conclusions

Spinal hematomas represent surgical emergencies with earlier intervention portending better outcome. Based on the few case reports that point to DOACs as a potential culprit, it appears that a high suspicion index resulting in earlier SSEH diagnosis and intervention is crucial for improved neurological outcome and recovery. Prompt diagnosis remains a challenge, especially that SSEH can mimic cerebrovascular accidents.

Rivaroxaban-induced acute cervical spine epidural hematoma: Report of a case and review

Background:

Spontaneous spinal epidural hematomas (SEHs) due to the utilization of factor Xa inhibitors are rare.

Case Description:

A 66-year-old female presented with a Brown-Sequard syndrome attributed to a cervical epidural hematoma secondary to the utilization of rivaroxaban, one of the factor Xa inhibitors. Following a cervical laminectomy for the evacuation of the hematoma, the patient completely recovered.

Conclusion:

A spinal hemorrhagic event should be suspected in patients receiving factor Xa inhibitor drugs. Here, we had an elderly female on rivaroxaban experienced the acute onset of neck/back pain associated with a Brown-Sequard syndrome. A literature review showed that this is the seventh example of SEH occurring as a result of the use of anticoagulation drugs (OACDs; e.g., including Xa inhibitors).

Management of Spinal Emergencies in Patients on Direct Oral Anticoagulants

OBJECTIVE

Spine surgeons increasingly encounter acute spinal pathologies in patients treated with direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), but only limited data on the management of these patients are currently available.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed patients who presented to our department with acute spinal pathology during treatment with DOAC and who required urgent surgical therapy. Patient characteristics and treatment modalities were studied, with specific focus on the management of hemostasis and surgical therapy. Furthermore, we analyzed 19 cases of spinal emergencies during DOAC treatment reported in the literature.

RESULTS

A total of 12 patients were identified and included in the present analysis. Patients suffered from acute spinal cord compression caused by spinal tumor manifestation (n = 5), empyema (n = 4), degenerative spinal stenosis (n = 1), hematoma (n = 1), and vertebral body fracture/dislocation (n = 2). All patients underwent emergency surgical treatment. Prohemostatic substances were administered perioperatively in 10 patients (83%) and included administration of prothrombin complex concentrates (83%), tranexamic acid (17%), and transfusion of platelets (8%). A total of 9 patients (75%) showed postoperative improvement of neurologic symptoms, and the in-hospital mortality in this patient cohort was 17%.

CONCLUSIONS

Emergency spine surgery is feasible and should be considered in patients on treatment with DOAC. The (low) risk of intraoperative bleeding complications has to be weighed against the risk of permanent disability if surgical decompression is delayed. Administration of prothrombin complex concentrates and tranexamic acid may improve the coagulation before surgery, especially in cases of unavailable specific antidotes.

Spontaneous Spinal Epidural Hematoma from Rivaroxaban

Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma (SSEH) is a rare diagnosis. One known risk factor is anti-coagulation medication. We present a case of SSEH in a 74-year-old male on rivaroxaban therapy who clinically presented with an intermittently resolving and then worsening neurological exam. Due to the extremely high morbidity and mortality associated with this diagnosis, it is important to be aware of the various presentations and adverse effects related to novel anticoagulation.