Rapidly Calcified Epidural Hematoma in a Neonate

We report a very rare case of a rapidly calcified chronic epidural hematoma (EDH) in a neonate. A 26-day-old female infant was referred to us from a regional hospital because of drowsy mentality and a seizure attack. She was delivered through caesarian section because normal spontaneous vaginal delivery was prolonged and failed. At birth, mild scalp swelling was found on the right frontal area. Scalp swelling was spontaneously resolved and she was discharged without any problems. On the 25th day after her birth, the baby presented with drowsiness and hypotonia following a generalized tonic-clonic seizure. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and a computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a chronic EDH that had a thick layer of calcification. A small burr-hole trephination was performed and a single silastic drainage catheter was inserted. After the operation, a total of 12 ml of liquefied hematoma was drained, and the patient''s mentality improved from drowsiness to alertness. The patient was asymptomatic when discharged.     

Spontaneous Spinal Epidural Hematoma in an Infant : A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma (SSEH) is rare in children, especially in infants, in whom only 12 cases have been reported. Because of the nonspecificity of presenting symptoms in children, the diagnosis may be delayed. We report herein a case of SSEH in a 20-month-old girl who initially presented with neck pain, and developed lower extremity motor weakness and symptoms of neurogenic bladder 2 weeks prior to admission. The magnetic resonance imaging showed an epidural mass lesion extending from C7 to T4, and the spinal cord was severely compressed by the mass. After emergency decompressive surgery the neurologic function was improved immediately. Two months after surgery, the neurological status was normal with achievement of spontaneous voiding. We suggest that surgical intervention can provide excellent prognosis in case of SSEH in infants, even if surgery delayed.     

Spontaneous Spinal Epidural Hematoma of Unknown Etiology: Case Report and Literature Review

Introduction  Our objective is to emphasize the importance of recognizing and rapidly treating spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma (SSEH). SSEH is a pathologic entity traditionally thought to be exceptionally rare but which, in the era of MR imaging, is becoming increasingly prevalent, and which if treated with sufficient rapidity can be completely curable. Clinical Presentation  Our particular case presented with clumsiness, neck pain with radiation to both arms, and bilateral arm weakness. According to the literature surveyed, most patients present with severe back and/or neck pain, often with a radicular component, followed by motor and/or sensory deficits. Intervention/Technique  C5-6 decompressive hemilaminectomy with evacuation of hematoma. Conclusion  As evidenced in the literature, outcome depends on time to operation and prognosis is impacted by age and preoperative deficit. Because of the high risk of poor outcome without treatment, SSEH should always be a diagnostic consideration in patients whose presentation is even slightly suggestive. Rapid, appropriate treatment of these patients can often lead to complete recovery of function, whereas any delay in appropriate treatment can be catastrophic.     

Spinal Subdural Hematoma Following Cranial Subdural Hematoma : A Case Report with a Literature Review

Coexistence of cranial and spinal subdural hematomas is rare and only a few cases have been reported in the literature. Herein, we report a case of cranial and spinal subdural hematomas after previous head trauma. As the pathogenesis of simultaneous intracranial and spinal subdural hematoma yet remains unclear, we developed an alternative theory to those proposed in the literature for their coexistence, the migration of blood through the subdural space.     

Epidural Hematoma Related with Low-Dose Aspirin : Complete Recovery without Surgical Treatment

Hemorrhagic complications associated with aspirin use occur primarily at skin or gastrointestinal sites but can occasionally occur in the central nervous system. In particular, spontaneous spinal epidural hemorrhage (SSEH) associated with aspirin is very rare. We report a case of low-dose (100 mg daily) aspirin-related SSEH that was successfully treated with medical management. Our case indicates that low-dose aspirin could induce SSEH and that conservative treatment with close observation and repeated imaging studies should be considered in cases with neurological improvement or mild deficits.     

Spontaneous Intracranial Epidural Hematoma Originating from Dural Metastasis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Spontaneous intracranial epidural hematoma (EDH) due to dural metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma is very rare. A 53-year-old male patient with hepatocellular carcinoma, who was admitted to the department of oncology, was referred to department of neurosurgery because of sudden mental deterioration to semicoma with papillary anisocoria and decerebrate rigidity after transarterial chemoembolization for hepatoma. Brain computed tomography (CT) revealed large amount of acute EDH with severe midline shifting. An emergent craniotomy and evacuation of EDH was performed. Active bleeding from middle cranial fossa floor was identified. There showed osteolytic change on the middle fossa floor with friable mass-like lesion spreading on the overlying dura suggesting metastasis. Pathological examination revealed anaplastic cells with sinusoidal arrangement which probably led to spontaneous hemorrhage and formation of EDH. As a rare cause of spontaneous EDH, dural metastasis from malignancy should be considered.     

Unintended Complication of Intracranial Subdural Hematoma after Percutaneous Epidural Neuroplasty

Percutaneous epidural neuroplasty (PEN) is a known interventional technique for the management of spinal pain. As with any procedures, PEN is associated with complications ranging from mild to more serious ones. We present a case of intracranial subdural hematoma after PEN requiring surgical evacuation. We review the relevant literature and discuss possible complications of PEN and patholophysiology of intracranial subdural hematoma after PEN.     

迟发性硬脑膜外血肿所致的术中急性脑膨出

目的 分析急性颅脑损伤后开颅血肿清除术中急性脑膨出的原因。方法 对发生于近5年内开颅血肿清除术中发生的急性脑膨出患者进行统计,总结其中迟发性硬脑膜外血肿发生情况。结果 5年中发生于颅脑损伤后开颅血肿清除术中的急性脑膨出患者75例,其中迟发性外伤性硬脑膜外血肿25例(25/75),占同期外伤性硬脑膜外血肿的5.1％。死亡6例,死亡率为24％(6/25)。结论 颅脑损伤后减压术中出现原因不明的颅内压增高、脑膨出时,应首先排除迟发性硬脑膜外血肿的可能,以防漏诊,延误治疗。     

Spontaneous Resolution of Subdural Hematoma: MRI Findings

A 33-year-old man suffered a traumatic subdural hematoma with complete spontaneous resolution, as demonstrated by computed tomography scanning and magnetic resonance imaging. After resolution, there was obliteration of the subarachnoid space on the affected side, giving rise to relative dilation of the subarachnoid space over the uninvolved convexity. A resolved subdural hematoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of such an asymmetry.     

幕上骨瓣开颅清除骑跨横窦硬膜外血肿

目的探讨骑跨横窦的硬膜外血肿的手术治疗方法。方法对我科2003年12月至2005年12月收治的6例骑跨横窦硬膜外血肿病人均采用枕部幕上马蹄形皮骨瓣开颅,先清除幕上血肿,再经静脉窦与颅骨内板之间的空隙清除幕下硬膜外血肿。结果6例患者平均手术时间80min,术中失血少。术后5例血肿基本清除,1例幕上残留少量硬膜外血肿。出院时5例恢复良好,1例中残。结论采用枕部幕上马蹄形皮骨瓣开颅,能够顺利清除幕上、下硬膜外血肿,且手术时间短,清除血肿迅速,操作简单,出血少,术后不遗留颅骨缺损。     

Multiple Densities of the Chronic Subdural Hematoma in CT Scans

Objective

Density of the chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) is variable. It often appears to be mixed density. Multiple densities of cSDH may result from multiple episodes of trauma. We investigated the frequency of mixed density and the causes of head injuries representing each density.

Methods

We could collect 242 cases of chronic SDH. The cSDHs were classified into four groups; hypodensity, homogeneous isodensity, layered type, and mixed type on the basis of CT scans.

Results

The density of cSDH was isodense in 115 patients, hypodense in 31 patients, mixed in 79 cases, and layered in 17 cases. The cSDH was on the left side in 115 patients, on the right side in 70 patients, and bilateral in 40 patients. The history of trauma was identifiable in 122 patients. The etiology could be identified in 67.7% of the hypodense hematomas, while it was obscure in 59.5% of the mixed hematomas.

Conclusion

Mixed density of cSDH results from multiple episodes of trauma, usually in the aged. It is hard to remember all the trivial traumas for the patients with the mixed density cSDHs. Although there were membranes within the mixed density hematomas, burr-holes were usually enough to drain the hematomas.     

Spinal Subarachnoid Hematoma as a Complication of an Intramuscular Stimulation : Case Report and a Review of Literatures

Intramuscular stimulation (IMS) is widely used to treat myofascial pain syndrome. IMS is a safe procedure but several complications have been described. To our knowledge, spinal subarachnoid hematoma has never been reported as a complication of an IMS. The authors have experienced a case of spinal subarachnoid hematoma occurring after an IMS, which was tentatively diagnosed as intracranial subarachnoid hemorrhage because of severe headache. Patient was successfully treated with surgery. Here, we report our case with a review of literature.     

颅脑外伤后迟发性硬膜外血肿的CT诊断

目的探讨反复头颅CT检查诊断迟发性硬膜外血肿的重要性及其检查指征。方法回顾性总结7例发生迟发性硬膜外血肿的颅脑外伤患者的病情发展及头颅CT检查情况。结果7例颅脑外伤患者均有明显的迟发性精神行为改变，发生时间为伤后4—52h，CT复查均发现了迟发的硬膜外血肿。有5例患者出现了颅骨骨折，5例患者有顽固的剧烈头痛，恶心,、呕吐加重患者3例，偏侧瞳孑L扩大患者2例，意识障碍及抽搐患者各1例。结论颅脑外伤患者即使首次头颅CT扫描正常或轻度异常，若有颅骨骨折和（或）精神行为改变时，应复查CT以及时发现迟发性的硬膜外血肿。     

Intracerebral Hematoma Caused by Ruptured Traumatic Pseudoaneurysm of the Middle Meningeal Artery : A Case Report

Hematomas caused by ruptured traumatic pseudoaneurysms of the middle meningeal artery (MMA) usually present with extradural hematomas, whereas intradural intraparenchymal hematomas are extremely rare. We report a case of traumatic pseudoaneurysm of the MMA giving rise to an intracerebral hematoma after head trauma. A 70-year-old man suffered a massive intracerebral temporoparietal hemorrhage after a head injury. CT angiogram of the brain revealed a large hematoma in the right middle cranial fossa extending to the right sylvian fissure. Cerebral angiogram also revealed a pseudoaneurysm of the MMA, which was successfully treated surgically. Although traumatic MMA pseudoaneurysm producing intracerebral hematoma (ICH) is rare, it should be considered as a possible cause of intracerebral hematoma.     

Chronic Subdural Hematoma after Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension : A Case Treated with Epidural Blood Patch on C1-2

Spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak is a recognized cause of spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH). Subdural hematoma (SDH) is a serious but rare complication of SIH. An autologous epidural blood patch at the CSF-leak site can effectively relieve SIH. We report a case of bilateral SDH with SIH caused by a CSF leak originating at the C1-2 level. A 55-year-old male complained of orthostatic headache without neurological signs. His symptoms did not respond to conservative treatments including bed rest, hydration and analgesics. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a subdural hematoma in the bilateral fronto-parietal region, and computed tomography (CT) myelography showed a CSF leak originating at the C1-2 level. The patient underwent successful treatment with a CT-guided epidural blood patch at the CSF-leak site after trephination for bilateral SDH.     

Epidural Hematoma Producing Brown-Sequard Syndrome: A Case Due to Ruptured Hemangioma with Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings

A man developed spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma secondary to ruptured hemangioma with a clinical picture resembling acute partial Brown-Sequard syndrome. Diagnosis by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allowed prompt surgical decompression and complete reversal of the neurological deficits. The diagnosis, etiology, and MRI findings of spinal epidural hematomas are discussed.     

Serial Radiological Findings in Meningovascular Neurosyphilis Presenting as Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Case Report

BackgroundMeningovascular neurosyphilis, a form of early neurosyphilis, can cause infectious arteritis, which can be complicated by cerebral infarction. High-resolution vessel wall imaging (HR-VWI) is one of the techniques used to directly visualize the vessel wall. Herein, we present a rare case of meningovascular neurosyphilis, in which intracranial arterial vasculitis was evaluated using HR-VWI.Case presentationA 22-year-old man with no medical history of any condition was brought to the emergency room with one day history of right upper and lower extremity weakness. Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) imaging showed a high signal from the left putamen to the corona radiata, and MR angiography showed stenosis of the right internal carotid artery (ICA) and the bilateral middle cerebral arteries (MCAs). HR-VWI showed thickening, along with smooth, intense, and concentric enhancement of the right ICA and the bilateral MCAs. The patient was diagnosed with neurosyphilis based on the findings of the blood tests and cerebrospinal fluid examination. The patient's symptoms gradually improved after treatment with intravenous penicillin G and oral antiplatelet agents. HR-VWI, performed approximately 6 months after the treatment, revealed improvement in the contrast enhancement of the vessel wall and the vascular stenosis.ConclusionTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of meningovascular neurosyphilis that evaluated the course of treatment using HR-VWI. Our report highlights the effectiveness of HR-VWI to determine the effects of treatment on meningovascular neurosyphilis.     

Extended Pneumocephalus after Drainage of Chronic Subdural Hematoma Associated with Intracranial Hypotension : Case Report with Pathophysiologic Consideration

Chronic subdural hematoma (SDH) is a well-known disease entity and is traditionally managed with surgery. However, when associated with spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH), the treatment strategy ought to be modified, as classical treatment could lead to unwanted consequences. A 59-year-old man presented with a case of SIH that manifested as a bilateral chronic SDH. He developed fatal extensive pneumocephalus and SDH re-accumulation as a complication of burr-hole drainage. Despite application of an epidural blood patch, the spinal cerebrospinal fluid leak continued, which required open spinal surgery. Chronic SDH management should not be overlooked, especially if the exact cause has not been determined. When chronic SDH assumed to be associated with SIH, the neurosurgeon should determine the exact cause of SIH in order to effectively correct the cause.