CT myelography of spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma

A case of so-called spontaneous epidural hematoma is presented. A new constellation of myelographic and CT myelographic signs are described that may assist in localizing a mass within the spinal epidural space.     

MR demonstration of spontaneous acute epidural hematoma of the thoracic spine

Summary Two patients with spontaneous epidural hematoma of the thoracic spine are presented. The magnetic resonance (MR) examination performed within the first hours following the onset of symptoms demonstrated an epidural elongated lesion impinging on the spinal cord, compatible with hematoma. In one of the patients this finding was surgically confirmed. The second patient improved under steroid treatment. The MR findings were highly suggestive of the pathological nature of the lesion. The MR examination should replace other diagnostic procedures, such as computerised tomography (CT) and myelography.     

椎管内血肿的影像学表现

目的探讨椎管内血肿的CT及MRI表现特点,提高椎管内血肿CT及MRI表现的认识。方法回顾分析18例经手术及临床治疗随访复查证实的椎管内血肿的CT及MRI表现。18例患者均常规CT、MR平扫,其中2例MR增强扫描。使用GE公司Lightspeed16CT扫描仪,及Phillip1．5TAcheive超导MR扫描仪,2例MR增强扫描采用钆喷酸葡甲胺（Gd—DTPA）对比剂经静脉团注,注射剂0．1mmol/kg。结果颈胸段3例,胸段5例,胸腰段6例,腰段4例;位于脊髓背侧方14例,脊髓两侧2例、腹侧2例。硬膜外血肿11例,硬膜下血肿6例,硬膜外血肿并蛛网膜下腔内积血1例。CT表现为高密度或等密度,MRI分别呈长T1长T2信号、长T-短Tz信号、等T1短T2信号及短T1长T2信号,其中2例MR增强扫描,1例边缘强化,1例未见强化。结论椎管内血肿的CT、MRI表现具有一定的特征性,对其定性定位诊断及鉴别诊断有着重要的价值。     

Delayed intracerebral hemorrhage as demonstrated by CT scanning

Summary Three patients are presented who developed delayed intracerebral hematomas after head injury. Two patients had essentially negative CT scans on admission and developed intracerbral hematomas within 24 h after injury. They required surgical treatment and had fatal outcomes. The third patient presented with an epidural hematoma on CT scan, developed an intracerebral hematoma 48 h after evacuation of the epidural hematoma, and did well with conservative management.     

Acute spinal subdural hematoma: MR and CT findings with pathologic correlates.

PURPOSETo determine the MR and CT findings that characterize acute spinal subdural hematoma (ASSH).METHODSThe MR, CT, and clinical findings in three patients with surgically proved ASSH were reviewed and also correlated with the postmortem MR, CT, and cryomicrotome findings in three other patients, two with ASSH and one with an acute spinal epidural hematoma.RESULTSImaging findings in ASSH included: (a) hyperdense lesions on plain CT within the dural sac, distinct from the adjacent low-density epidural fat and silhouetted against the lower-density spinal cord and cauda equina, which it compressed; (b) lack of direct continuity with the adjacent osseous structures; (c) clumping, loculation, and streaking of blood within the dural sac on both MR and Ct; and (d) an inhomogeneous and variable signal intensity to the ASSH on all MR pulse sequences, but, nevertheless, a striking low signal intensity on T2-weighted spin-echo or T2-weighted gradient-echo to a major part of the ASSH because of deoxyhemoglobin. Plain CT was most helpful in compartmentalizing the hematoma.CONCLUSIONWhen MR and plain CT are obtained as complementary studies, they provide characteristic findings that allow the prompt diagnosis of ASSH.     

Computed tomography in spinal hemangioma with cord compression

Two teenagers with spinal cord compression due to a thoracic vertebral hemangioma are presented. Myelography showed a complete block in both patients. Selective intercostal arteriography was normal or non-conclusive. Only computed tomography (CT) gave precise information about the extent and nature of the compressive lesion. In the first case it showed angiomatous involvement of the body and all parts of the neural arch of T4, and a posterior epidural ossified angiomatous mass. In the second case it showed angiomatous involvement of the vertebral body and an anterior extradural soft tissue mass; this latter was considered to represent a resolving extradural hematoma. CT, preferably performed after intrathecal contrast injection, is the diagnostic procedure of choice for spinal hemangioma with cord involvement.     

Delayed epidural hematoma after mild head injury

BACKGROUND: Traumatic delayed epidural hematoma (DEH) can be defined as insignificant or not seen on the initial CT scan performed after a trauma but seen on the subsequent CT scan as a "massive" epidural bleeding. CASE REPORT: We presented two cases of traumatic DEH after mild head injury. Both patients were conscious and without neurological deficit on the admission. Initial CT scan did not reveal intracranial hematoma. Repeated CT scan, that was performed after neurological deterioration, revealed epidural hematoma in both cases. The patients were operated with a favorable surgical outcome. CONCLUSION: Traumatic DEH could occur in the patients with head injuries who were conscious on the admission with a normal initial CT scan finding. Early detection of DEH and an urgent surgical evacuation were essential for a good outcome.     

Spinal Epidural Hematoma After Thrombolysis for Deep Vein Thrombosis with Subsequent Pulmonary Thromboembolism: A Case Report

A 38-year-old male was initially admitted for left leg swelling. He was diagnosed as having deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the left leg and a pulmonary thromboembolism by contrast-enhanced chest computed tomography (CT) with delayed lower extremity CT. The DVT was treated by thrombolysis and a venous stent. Four hours later, he complained of severe back pain and a sensation of separation of his body and lower extremities; he experienced paraplegia early in the morning of the following day. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a spinal epidural hematoma between T11 and L2, which decompressed following surgery. We, therefore, report a case of a spinal epidural hematoma after thrombolysis in a case of DVT with a pulmonary thromboembolism.     

Peripheral contrast enhancement in chronic epidural hematomas.

Three cases of chronic epidural hematomas with contrast enhanced margins on computed tomography (CT) are presented. The CT findings in epidural hematoma are discussed, and two possible mechanisms for the enhancing margin of the chronic epidural hematoma are suggested.     

非外伤性脊髓硬膜外血肿的MR诊断

目的　探讨非外伤性脊髓硬膜外血肿的MR表现特点及其鉴别诊断。方法　 14例非外伤性脊髓硬膜外血肿 ,男 9例 ,女5例 ,年龄 4～ 63岁 ,平均 41.3岁。所有病例均无明显的外伤史。常规行T1W矢状位 ,T2 W矢状位及横切位扫描 ,1例行MR增强扫描。结果　 14例非外伤性脊髓硬膜外血肿中 11例位于椎管背侧 ,3例位于椎管腹侧 ,呈新月状或长条带状 ,分别累及 3～ 12个脊髓节段 ,平均 5 .2个脊髓节段。血肿位于颈胸段 4例 ,位于胸段 3例 ,位于胸腰段 5例 ,位于腰段 2例。 10例血肿T1W及T2 W均呈较均质性高信号强度 ,3例血肿T1W及T2 W呈不均质性高信号强度 ,1例于T1W呈中等信号强度 ,T2 W呈较低信号强度。 14例中 1例于血肿内可见低信号的血管流空影 ,术后证实为动静脉畸形。血肿于T1W及T2 W与脊髓之间有一低信号带相隔 ,尤以T2 W显示最佳。 2例受压脊髓于T2 W呈高信号。 1例行MR增强扫描 ,血肿壁轻度强化。结论　MR是诊断非外伤性脊髓硬膜外血肿的最佳检查方法 ,不仅可以清楚地显示血肿的部位及范围 ,而且可以清楚地显示血肿新旧程度及脊髓受损的情况     

自发性脊髓硬膜外血肿的MRI诊断(附4例报告)

目的：对自发性脊髓硬膜外血肿（ＳＳＥＨ）的ＭＲ和临床表现进行评价。材料与方法：本组包括１９９６年至１９９８年的３例ＳＳＥＨ患者,男３例,女１例,年龄３３～６１岁。４例患者均无外伤、血管损伤或凝血机制障碍等病史。均作ＭＲＩ检查并有手术病理证实。结果：在ＭＲ图像上,血肿分别位于硬膜外腔的左后、右后及正后方。其中１例为ＡＶＭ导致的有包膜的血肿,另１例的局部有椎间盘突出。Ｔ１加权能特征性地反映血肿随时间发生的信号变化而最有价值;１．５Ｔ高场强和轴位梯度回波的Ｔ２加权能很好地判断血肿的位置。结论：自发性脊髓硬膜外血肿是一少见病,ＭＲＩ是它的首选检查方法。应当注意的是,要获得理想的临床疗效,就必须做到诊断精确,并及时地手术治疗,解除脊髓压迫。     

自发性脊髓硬膜外血肿的MRI诊断

目的 探讨自发性脊柱硬膜外血肿MRI表现特征.方法 对9例自发性脊髓硬膜外血肿的MRI表现作回顾性分析,本组患者均无明显的外伤史,发病后4～24h行MRI检查5例,1～3天行MRI检查3例,5天行MRI检查1例.常规横轴面、矢状面T2WI、TIWI及T2 WI脂肪抑制技术.结果 血肿发生于颈段4例,胸段2例,颈胸交界部2例,腰段1例.9例均表现为脊髓硬膜外梭形,长度7～12cm.血肿位于脊髓正后方4例,脊髓右后方3例,脊髓左后方1例,脊髓正前方1例,脊髓不同程度受压移位,脊髓与血肿间见线条状低信号影.4～24h行MRI检查5例,于T2 WI上呈稍高信号3例,高信号1例,等信号1例;于T11WI上呈等信号3例,等低信号2例.1～3天行MRI检查3例,于T2WI上呈低信号1例,等信号1例,等低信号1例;于T1WI上呈等信号2例,等低信号1例.5天行MRI检查1例,于T2 WI上呈低信号;T1WI上呈稍高信号.9例中T2WI压脂上呈低信号3例,等信号4例,高信号2例.结论 MRI是诊断自发性脊髓硬膜外血肿的最佳检查方法,不仅可以清楚地显示血肿的部位及范围,而且可以清楚地显示血肿新旧程度.     

Spinal epidural hematoma: relationship between imaging findings and neurological outcomes

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of CT or MR imaging findings in patients with spinal epidural hematoma (SEH) for predicting neurological outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MR images of our six patients with SEH were evaluated retrospectively: complete recovery was achieved in two patients; paresis remained in two patients; and paraplegia remained in two patients. The ratio of the maximum anteroposterior diameter of the SEH to that of the spinal canal was calculated in each patient on midline on axial images in our six patients and 23 previously reported patients. RESULTS: Among our six patients, the ratio was less than 60% in two patients with total recovery, whereas all four patients with remaining motor impairment had ratios of 60% or more. Of 29 cases, 18 of 22 patients without residual motor impairment had ratios of less than 60%, but five of seven patients with residual motor deficits had ratios of 60% or more (p = 0.023). CONCLUSION: The degree of spinal cord compression by hematoma may be a prognostic factor in SEH.     

PROPELLER diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging of acute spinal epidural hematoma

We present the case of an 86-year-old female with spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma. Although T1- and T2-weighted images showed the dilated posterior epidural space at the cervical spine, this finding was non-specific on conventional magnetic resonance imaging obtained 15 h after the onset of symptoms. Diffusion-weighted imaging with the use of periodically rotated overlapping parallel lines with enhanced reconstruction (PROPELLER), which clearly revealed the high intensity hematoma, was useful for detection and diagnosis of acute spinal epidural hematoma.     

Nonoperative management of acute epidural hematoma diagnosed by CT: the neuroradiologist's role.

PURPOSE: To determine whether certain patients with epidural hematomas would benefit from conservative treatment and to assess the neuroradiologist's role in decision-making. METHODS: We reviewed the CT scan findings, clinical presentation and outcome of 48 consecutive patients with epidural hematoma managed at our institution within the past 5 years. In 18 patients, initial management was nonsurgical, and only one of these went on to require surgery due to clinical deterioration and evidence of enlargement of hematoma on CT. The remainder of these 18 did well without surgery. OBSERVATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS: Clinical indicators of neurologic dysfunction (decrease in Glasgow coma scale score, pupillary dilatation, and hemiparesis) in the presence of even small epidural hematomas usually dictates the need for surgical management. The role of the neuroradiologist is most important when the patient presents in a good clinical state, when identification of both favorable and unfavorable prognostic factors on Ct is essential. The initial diameter of nonsurgically managed epidural hematomas generally must be small (mean, 1.26 cm in our series, all under 1.5 cm), and midline shift should be minimal (mean, 1.8 mm in our series). The identification of lucent areas within the epidural hematoma (suggesting active bleeding), or CT evidence of uncal herniation, can be ominous and the neurosurgeon must be alerted to their presence. Even in the presence of a favorable clinical status, presence of a larger epidural hematoma with significant mass effect or central lucent areas should alert the neuroradiologist and neurosurgeon to the strong possibility of sudden neurologic deterioration, and indicate the probable need for surgical management.     

Chronic nontraumatic spinal epidural hematoma of the lumbar spine: MRI diagnosis

An uncommon case of chronic nontraumatic spinal epidural hematoma of the lumbar spine in a 75-year-old woman is reported. The patient presented with a 7-month history of low back pain and bilateral sciatica. Magnetic resonance imaging enabled a correct preoperative diagnosis revealing a nodular, well-circumscribed epidural mass with peripheral enhancement and signal intensities consistent with chronic hematoma, which extended from L2 to L3. Laminectomy of L2–L3 was performed and the hematoma was totally resected. Histological examination of the surgical specimen demonstrated a chronic encapsulated hematoma. No evidence of vascular malformation was found. The patient recovered fully after surgical treatment. Received: 23 August 1999; Revised: 13 January 2000; Accepted: 4 February 2000     

Spinales epidurales H?matom

Spinal epidural hematoma is an accumulation of blood in the potential space between the dura and bone. On unenhanced computed tomography epidural hemorrhage appears as a high-density spinal canal mass with variable cord compression. Magnetic resonance imaging is the modality of choice for evaluating spinal epidural hematoma and can demonstrate the extent of the hematoma and degree of cord compression. When treated surgically the outcome depends on the extent of preoperative neurological deficits and on the operative timing interval.     

Delayed epidural hematoma

Summary A case of delayed epidural hematoma is described who had an initial computerized tomography (CT) scan reported as normal. Repeat CT scan at 48 h demonstrated a right temporal epidural hematoma. A skull fracture was not observed radiographically or at surgery. The world literature is reviewed and the criteria for repeat CT scanning is discussed.     

Transient edema of the spinal cord as a result of spontaneous acute epidural hematoma in the thoracic spine

We present an unusual case of spontaneous epidural hemorrhage in the thoracic spine resulting in rapid onset of transient and extensive edema in the spinal cord. The patient presented with acute onset of midscapular back pain, bilateral lower extremity weakness, and bladder dysfunction. Repeat MRI 20 days after decompression of the hematoma showed residual hematoma and complete resolution of the spinal cord edema. The implications and differential diagnosis of spinal cord edema in this clinical setting are discussed.     

Cervical spine fractures in ankylosing spondylitis: MR findings

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the MR findings in patients with long-term ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and acute cervical spine fractures. Materials and methods: The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies of five patients with AS and acute cervical spine fractures were retrospectively reviewed for the presence of cervical spine instability, spinal cord compression, and epidural hematoma. Results: Spinal fractures were unstable in all five patients. Three patients had neurological symptoms and abnormal signal within the spinal cord. All patients with neurological deficits had epidural hematomas posterior to the dural sac. Conclusion: MRI is useful for assessment of the integrity of intervertebral disks and spinal ligaments and, therefore, of the instability of the spinal fracture. MRI is mandatory in patients with neurological symptoms, especially in those with a symptom-free interval and those with neurological deterioration after established spinal cord injury, when suspicion for epidural hematoma is high. Electronic Publication