自发性脊髓硬膜外和硬膜下血肿

目的 探讨自发性脊髓硬膜外血肿（SSEH)及硬膜下血肿(SSSH)的病因、临床特点、诊治方法及预后相关因素。方法 自1995～2002年收治的4例SSEH及2例SSSH患者．均在静息或轻微活动后发病，发病前均无感染或服药史，其中1例63岁患者诉有高血压病史．1例65岁患者入院检查后发现患有Ⅱ型精尿病．余均否认患有其他疾病。所有患者均表现为突发性的颈、肩、胸、背部疼痛，数分钟到数小时内出现肢体运动、感觉障碍、大小便障碍及潴留，5例患者有抻经根放射痛症状．有3例行腰穿，压力无明显增高．均行手术治疗．手术距发病时间10～16d．平均12.5d，手术均在局麻下进行．4例SSEH患者行患部全椎板切除血肿清除术．2例SSSH患者行全椎板切除并硬静膜切开血肿清除，硬脊膜修补术。结果 均经MR检查、手术及病理证实。MRI显示椎管后方或后外方占位性病变，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．T22加权可很好地判断血肿的位置，患者预后与术前的神经功能状态及发病至手术的时间密切相关，本组患者随访6～18个月，平均10个月．6例患者除大、小便功能有不同程度的改善外．5例患者肢体的运动、感觉功能无明显恢复，1例SSSH患者感觉消失平面下降，右上肢肌力较前增强，结论 自发性脊髓硬膜外及硬膜下血肿是一种少见病，MRI是其首选的检查方法，应当注意的是早期诊断并及时手术是治疗SSEH和SSSH．防止永久性神经功能障碍的关健。     

Cervical spontaneous epidural hematoma as a complication of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

Epidural hematoma is a rare cause of spinal cord compression, which usually provokes severe neurological deficits. It is presumed to originate from venous or, more probably, arterial bleeding. Thrombocytopenia and other disorders of coagulation may precipitate the onset of epidural hematoma and facilitate the evolution of the disease. We report the case of a patient suffering from a non-Hodgkin's lymphoma with severe thrombocytopenia during a MACOP-B schedule, who presented with a spontaneous cervical epidural hematoma. We discuss the etiopathological aspects, diagnosis, and treatment of this rare cause of acute cervical spinal cord compression.     

Recurrent idiopathic epidural hematoma: a case report

Spinal epidural hematoma is a relatively rare condition in children. We report the case of a 6-year-old girl who presented to a regional hospital with the complaints of severe thoracic back pain, neck stiffness, and gait disturbance of sudden onset. Clinical examination revealed no obvious cause for the symptoms. Spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed the presence of an epidural mass lesion extending from T1 to T3, compressing the spinal cord; the findings suggested a diagnosis of idiopathic spinal epidural hematoma. Twelve days after admission, the patient was transferred to our hospital for further observation. Blood tests, including a coagulation profile, were normal. At 22 days after the initial presentation, repeat MRI revealed resolution of the hematoma, with the mass showing an appreciable decrease in size. The patient became symptom-free and was walking normally at the time of discharge 28 days after her initial presentation. At 59 days after the initial presentation, she was readmitted with complaints of a sudden recurrence of back pain and weakness of both legs. Repeat MRI at this time revealed reappearance of the spinal epidural hematoma at the same level. Operative evacuation of the hematoma was performed 3 days after the diagnosis of the recurrence, with laminoplasty from T1 to T3. At a clinical review conducted 30 months after the operation, the patient remained symptom-free. Idiopathic resolution of a spinal epidural hematoma has previously been reported in 36 patients. However, we found no record in the literature of any case in which an epidural hematoma recurred following earlier MRI-confirmed idiopathic resolution.     

自发性脊柱硬膜外血肿的非典型MRI表现与鉴别诊断

目的 提高对自发性脊柱硬膜外血肿非典型MRI表现的认识.方法 对2000年至2008年来院的10例自发性脊柱硬膜外血肿非典型MRI表现进行分析,男7例,女3例;年龄12--64岁,平均32.1岁.所有病例均无明显的外伤史.常规行矢状位T1WI、T2WI,横轴位TwI,8例行增强扫描.结果 血肿呈梭形、椭圆形,位于脊髓的侧后方或后方的硬膜外腔.血肿发生于颈段5例,胸段3例,胸腰段2例.病灶与脊髓之间有一低信号线状影相隔,尤以T2WI显示最佳.血肿范围多在2～4个椎体,总量约5～10 ml,均值为(6.9±1.8)ml.在T1WI图像上,6例表现为等信号,4例表现为高信号;在T2WI图像上,6例表现为混杂高信号,4例表现为混杂低信号.5例血肿壁边缘轻度强化.6例血肿MRI信号比较典型.4例血肿MRI信号不典型.活动性出血以及血肿因时间而演变是血肿征象不典型的原因.本组4例误诊的原因:(1)活动性出血所致血肿征象不典型;(2)血肿位于狭窄的腔隙内;(3)临床上无外伤史.结论 根据血肿演变的规律,结合起病时间及可能存在活动性出血对血肿MRI信号进行分析,有利于对非典型血肿的诊断和鉴别诊断.     

Epidural hematoma after an epidural block in a patient with no coagulopathy

We report a case of epidural hematoma after a single epidural block. The patient was a 67-year-old woman with sciatica and osteoarthritis of the spine. She had no coagulopathy. She underwent a single epidural block without difficulty 3 times in 5 days. She had a lumbar MRI for an examination of the spine 4 days after the final epidural block. Subacute epidural hematoma of 0.8 x 1.5 x 3.0 cm was revealed on MRI at L 3-4. She had no new neurological symptoms. MRI 1 month later revealed a resolution of the hematoma. Epidural hematoma after an epidural block might occur in an outpatient with no bleeding tendency.     

Epidural hematoma caused after epidural catheterization for the coronary artery bypass graft: a case report

Epidural hematoma is a rare complication of epidural anesthesia, but once this severe complication has occurred, without early decompressive procedure, it may cause permanent neurologic disorder. Especially, the patients with hemostatic disorder have a higher risk of epidural hematomas. We report a patient who recovered immediately from neurological symptoms resulting from epidural hematoma formed by epidural catheterization on the day before coronary artery bypass. Epidural hematoma as a complication of epidural anesthesia is discussed.     

颈椎前路术后早期硬膜外血肿形成的原因及防治

目的:探讨颈椎前路术后早期硬膜外血肿形成的原因及防治措施.方法:2005年6月至2011年12月,行颈椎前路手术的患者1 452例,术后发生硬膜外血肿5例,男4例,女1例;年龄33～55岁,平均46.4岁;脊髓型颈椎病3例,脊髓型颈椎病伴C6椎体血管瘤1例,颈椎后纵韧带骨化症1例.回顾分析5例硬膜外血肿出现的时间、临床表现、症状持续时间及手术处理对神经功能恢复的影响.结果:5例患者均出现在术后24 h内,平均症状持续时间4 h(2～7 h),表现为进行性加重的脊髓功能损害,均行急诊手术处理,术后患者脊髓功能均有不同程度地恢复,1例患者在第1次血肿清除术后5h再次出现血肿压迫而行第2次血肿清除术;术后平均随访13.8个月(6～18个月),至末次随访时神经功能均恢复良好,无硬膜外血肿复发.结论:颈椎前路术后24 h内,特别是术后6～8 h,是硬膜外血肿发生的高峰,应严密监测患者神经功能变化;早期出现的进行性加重的脊髓功能损害是硬膜外血肿的主要临床表现;MRI检查可以明确硬膜外血肿的诊断,并可以精确定位血肿位置和范围,有助于硬膜外血肿的有效清除.硬膜外血肿一旦确诊必须第一时间行手术治疗,如果处理及时患者脊髓功能恢复良好.     

Spontaneous cervical epidural hematoma presenting with hemiparesis following neck extension: a case report

A 42-year-old woman suddenly developed weakness in her left extremities when stretching her neck two days after the onset of a nuchal pain. Because computed tomography (CT) of the brain did not show any apparent lesion, the patient had initially been treated as having a cerebral infarction until magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the cervical spine revealed a presence of a cervical epidural hematoma the next day. She was therefore transferred to our hospital, and a neurological examination showed moderate left hemiparesis, dissociated sensory loss under C6 on the right side, urinary incontinence, and left miosis and ptosis. A CT of the cervical spine demonstrated an anteriorly located left-sided epidural hematoma extending from C4 to C7. The T2-weighted MRI revealed hyperintense lesions around the gray matter on the left side that were compressed by the epidural hematoma. The patient underwent an emergent laminoplasty from C3 to C7. Although her neurological signs were consistent with Brown-Sequard syndrome, which was associated with left-sided Homer's sign, they gradually and completely subsided following surgery. The authors therefore emphasize that cervical lesions should be considered in the differential diagnosis in patients with acute onset of hemiparesis.     

Hématome péridural chez une parturiente au décours ďun choc hémorragique

PURPOSE: Epidural hematoma is a rare but serious complication of epidural anesthesia. We report a case of epidural hematoma, occurring in an obstetric patient after the epidural catheter had been withdrawn accidentally after an episode of hemorrhagic shock leading to a hypocoagulable state. CLINICAL FEATURES: A patient had the epidural catheter inserted during labour when coagulation was normal. She had a postpartum hemorrhage with alteration of coagulation (platelets 16 x 10(-9) x L(-1), thrombin time: 85 sec. Vital signs returned to normal after a general anesthetic, transfusion of blood products, volume repletion and ligation of hypogastric arteries. It was then noticed that the epidural catheter had been withdrawn inadvertently while the patient was hypocoagulable. The patient then developed neurological signs consistent with spinal cord compression due to an epidural hematoma. A hematoma extending from T3 to L5 was diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging. Because the cord had minimal compression, no specific action was undertaken, other than clinical and radiological follow-up. There were no long-term sequelae. CONCLUSION: In the presence of an epidural hematoma, surgery for emergency cord decompression is usually required. Another option that receives increasing attention is to monitor neurological function, but the indications for this expectant treatment are not well defined.     

The Comarr Memorial Award for Distinguished Clinical Service: The Legacy of A. Estin Comarr,MD

Abstract

Background

Subfascial wound suction drains are commonly used after spinal surgery to decrease the incidence of post-operative hematoma. However, there is a paucity of literature regarding their effectiveness.

Objective

To report four cases of post-operative spinal epidural hematoma causing massive neurological deficit in patients who had subfascial suction wound drains.

Methods

During an 8-year period, a retrospective review of 1750 consecutive adult spinal surgery cases was performed to determine the incidence, commonalities, and outcomes of catastrophic neurological deficit caused by post-operative spinal epidural hematoma.

Findings

Epidural hematoma causing major neurological deficit (American Spinal Injury Association B) was identified in 4 out of 1750 patients (0.23%). All four patients in this series had subfascial wound suction drains placed prophylactically at the conclusion of their initial procedure.

Results

Three patients developed massive neurological deficits with the drain in place; one patient had the drain removed at 24 hours and subsequently developed neurological symptoms during the following post-operative day. Significant risk factors for the development of hematoma were identified in two of the four patients. Average time to return to the operating room for hematoma evacuation was 6 hours (range 3–12 hours). Neurological status significantly improved in all four patients after hematoma evacuation.

Conclusions

Post-operative epidural hematoma causing catastrophic neurological deficit is a rare complication after spinal surgery. The presence of suction wound drains does not appear to prevent the occurrence of this devastating complication.     

Acute non-traumatic extensive subdural spinal hematoma

Acute spinal subdural hematoma is a somewhat rare pathology. Its severity comes from the constitution of an acute spinal cord compression. In many cases MRI is useful for the differential diagnosis with the epidural hematoma. A 79-year-old patient was referred for emergency neurosurgery for acute spinal cord compression. The vascular risk in this patient was significant: hypertension, oral anticoagulants. Clinically, acute non-traumatic subdural spinal hematoma was suspected. The spinal cord MRI was in favor of the diagnosis which was confirmed intraoperatively. The surgical procedure revealed an extensive hematoma which infiltrated the spinal cord. The diagnosis of nontraumatic subdural spinal hematoma may be difficult in some cases and correctly established only during the surgical procedure. In comparison with reports in the literature, we discuss the underlying mechanisms of this hematoma. Spinal subdural haematoma must be considered in patients taking anticoagulant therapy or with a coagulation disorder who present signs of acute spinal cord compression. MRI sagittal T1 and T2-weighted images are adequate and reliable for diagnosis of spinal subdural hematoma. Prompt surgical evacuation of this hematoma is crucial.     

A case of acute spinal epidural hematoma in a patient with antiplatelet therapy

The authors report a case of acute spinal epidural hematoma occurring in a patient receiving antiplatelet drugs. A 76-year-old man with a history of cerebral infarction had been taking antiplatelet agents for one year. He suddenly developed severe back pain which woke him from sleep, and numbness of his lower extremities was then noted. He was hospitalized 15 hours later. Neurological examination revealed flaccid paralysis of both lower extremities with negative Babinski's reflex, and sensory disturbance below the level of L1. The bleeding time and prothrombin time were prolonged. Computed tomographic (CT) scan revealed a biconvex, relatively hyperdense mass in the posterior spinal canal at the level of T12. Metrizamide myelography disclosed an incomplete blockage caused by an epidural mass at the level of T11. Post-myelographic CT scan demonstrated a sharply demarcated extradural filling defect at the level of T11. Seventeen hours after the onset of symptoms, an emergency laminectomy was performed extending from T12 to L3, and the epidural clot was totally evacuated. Histological examination of the capsule of the hematoma revealed no vascular anomalies. The patient made a good postoperative recovery. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of spontaneous intraspinal hemorrhage in a patient taking antiplatelet drugs. Acute onset of persistent pain anywhere along the spinal axis and the development of spinal neurological deficits in a patient on antiplatelet therapy should raise the suspicion of a spinal epidural hematoma. It should be stressed that prompt neuroradiological diagnosis and rapid surgical decompression are essential to allow good recovery. The present case illustrates that neurological emergencies can occur in patients receiving antiplatelet therapy.     

Transient paraplegia due to epidural hematoma after catheter withdrawal

A 58-year-old man with hypertension underwent laparoscopic distal gastrectomy under general and epidural anesthesia. Preoperative laboratory date revealed a normal platelet count and normal coagulation profile. Epidural puncture was successfully performed at the T9-10 intervertebral space on the first attempt without bleeding. An epidural catheter was smoothly inserted 5 cm cephalad. On the third postoperative day, paraplegia due to thoracic epidural hematoma developed shortly after extraction of the catheter. At that time, his blood pressure was 190/102 mmHg because of a pain due to walk. On using a hypotensive drug, his blood pressure fell. Ten minutes later, paraplegia disappeared spontaneously. It is suggested that the spinal cord of the patient was subjected to transient pressure hematoma. A decline in blood pressure may have caused the blood to spread through the epidural space, such that the neurologic symptoms disappeared.     

Epidural fat in various diseases: contribution of magnetic resonance imaging and potential implications for neuro axial anesthesia

Epidural fat is a reservoir of lipophilic substances that cushions the pulsatile movements of the dural sac, protects nerve structures, and facilitates the movement of the dural sac over the periosteum of the spinal canal during flexion and extension. Excessive epidural fat can compress the underlying structures, however, and affect the placement of catheters and the distribution of injected solutions. This review discusses changes in epidural fat related to various diseases and events: lipomatosis, epidural lymphoma, arachnoid cysts, epidural hematoma, meningiomas, angiolipomas, spondylolysis, scoliosis, spinal stenosis, and liposarcoma. Also discussed are the sequencing and protocols for magnetic resonance imaging that enable epidural fat to be observed and distinguished from neighboring structures. The relevance of epidural fat in spinal surgery is considered. Finally, we discuss the possible anesthetic implications of the abnormal deposition of epidural fat, to explain the unexpected complications that can arise during performance of epidural anesthesia.     

Epidural hematoma after cervical spine surgery

The authors report an acute epidural hematoma after the surgical removal of a cervical C6-C7 disc herniation through an anterolateral approach of the cervical spine. Clinical history consisted of respiratory distress and flaccid tetraplegia that appeared 2.5 hours after surgery. Without any complementary radiologic investigation, the patient was immediately transferred to the operating room for a second look, which was unsuccessful. Magnetic resonance imaging performed after this second surgical procedure showed an anterior cervical hematoma extending from C3 to T3 without significant spinal cord compression. A cervical laminectomy was performed to evacuate the hematoma. The patient was extubated the next morning and discharged from the hospital after 5 days with no residual neurologic deficit. An extensive postoperative investigation revealed no coagulation disorder.     

Spontaneous epidural hematoma of thoracic spine presenting as Brown-Séquard syndrome: report of a case with review of the literature

Background

Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma (SSEH) is an uncommon clinical entity. It produces a severe neurological deficit and prompt decompression is usually the first choice of treatment. Brown-Séquard syndrome is commonly seen in the setting of spinal trauma or an extramedullary spinal neoplasm, but rarely caused by SSEH.

Methods

Case report and literature review.

Findings

A previously healthy man presented with Brown-Séquard syndrome below T5–T6 cord segment secondary to spontaneous epidural hematoma. He opted for conservative treatment, which was followed by rapid resolution.

Conclusions

Although Brown-Séquard syndrome as a presenting feature of SSEH is rare, it does exist in exceptional case, which should be taken into consideration for differential diagnosis. Prompt surgical decompression is an absolute surgical indication widely accepted for patient with progressive neurological deficit. However, SSEH presenting with incomplete neurological insult such as Brown-Séquard syndrome might have a benign course. Successful non-operative management of this problem does not make it a standard of care, and surgical decompression remains the standard treatment for SSEH.     

Neuraxial hematoma after combined regional anesthesia: conservative resolution

Epidural hematoma is a rare but serious neurological complication of neuraxial anesthesia. We report the case of a woman in whom this complication presented after knee replacement surgery under combined neuraxial anesthesia. No adverse events occurred during surgery. In the early postoperative period thromboembolic prophylaxis and continuous perfusion of ropivacaine were started through the epidural catheter. Lumbar pain along with sensorimotor alterations in the lower limbs developed on the first day after surgery. Epidural hematoma was suspected and the perfusion of local anesthetic was suspended. A computed tomography scan confirmed the presence of a hematoma with poorly defined margins. The patient was transferred to another hospital for dorsolumbar magnetic resonance, which revealed an extensive hematoma. Surgery was ruled out in favor of conservative treatment. Neurological symptoms resolved slowly over the following days and the patient was discharged partially recovered 51 days after surgery and recovery was complete within 6 postoperative months. We discuss the prevalence, etiology, and treatment of neuraxial hematoma related to local or regional anesthesia.     

An unusual presentation of epidural Acinetobacter infection

OBJECTIVE: We report a case of spinal-cord compression caused by epidural fat infection with Acinetobacter. The initial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan suggested epidural hematoma or abscess, although both were absent at surgery. CASE REPORT: A 60-year-old man had a thoracic epidural sited at the level of T8/9 for postoperative analgesia after major abdominal surgery. A mixture of bupivacaine 0.1% and fentanyl 2 microg/mL was infused at a rate of 10 mL/h for 48 hours postoperatively. The epidural catheter was then removed, but 24 hours later, the patient still had weakness and numbness in his lower limbs. An MRI scan showed cord compression secondary to a hematoma or abscess from the level of T6 to T11. At laminectomy, no hematoma or abscess was found, but edematous epidural fat was excised. This fat was sent for culture and Acinetobacter was grown. Appropriate antibiotic therapy was given. Over a period of 12 months, the patient has regained near-normal power and sensation. CONCLUSION: Epidural Acinetobacter infection may present atypically without signs of meningism. MRI imaging may be confusing in these infections and lead to incorrect radiological diagnoses. Spinal-cord compression, as a complication of epidural catheter placement, does not have to be caused by hematoma or abscess.     

Sudden onset of paraplegia caused by hemorrhagic spinal epidural angiolipoma. A case report

Spinal epidural angiolipoma is a rare benign tumor containing vascular and mature adipose elements. A slow progressive clinical course was mostly presented and rarely a fluctuating course during pregnancy. The authors report the original case of spontaneous spinal epidural bleeding resulting from thoracic epidural angiolipoma who presented with hyperacute onset of paraplegia, simulating an extradural hematoma. The patient was admitted with sudden non-traumatic hyperacute paraplegia during a prolonged walk. Neurologic examination showed sensory loss below T6 and bladder disturbances. Spinal MRI revealed a non-enhanced heterogeneous thoracic epidural lesion, extending from T2 to T3. A bilateral T2–T4 laminectomy was performed to achieve resection of a lipomatous tumor containing area of spontaneous hemorrhage. The postoperative course was uneventful with complete neurologic recovery. Histologic examination revealed the tumor as an angiolipoma. Because the prognosis after rapid surgical management of this lesion is favorable, the diagnosis of spinal angiolipoma with bleeding should be considered in the differential diagnosis of hyperacute spinal cord compression.