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.     

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.     

Delayed epidural hematoma after evacuation of a subdural hematoma

CT easily diagnoses epidural hematomas. The appearance of an epidural hematoma may be delayed by compression from a contralateral lesion. The possibility of a delayed epidural hematoma should be kept in mind in the presence of additional findings such as a skull fracture contralateral to the original lesion or decompression of the epidural hematoma into either the subgaleal or the subarachnoid space. We present a case in which an epidural hematoma declared itself after the evacuation of a contralateral subdural hematoma.     

小儿外伤性迟发性硬脑膜外血肿

目的 研究小儿外伤性迟发性硬脑膜外血肿的临床特点。并探讨其发生机制。方法 总结分析我科1991年1月-2001年10月收治的小儿外伤性迟发性硬脑膜外血肿23例。结果 本组手术清除血肿21例。血肿自行吸收2例。无死亡。结论 小儿迟发性外伤性硬脑膜外血肿多发生在伤后2-5d，占该类血肿78.3%，跌倒伤是主要的致伤原因，此类血肿可发生于颅内任何部位，但多伴有颅骨线形骨折。小儿外伤性迟发性硬脑膜外血肿及时发现和治疗，预后良好，CT扫描是可靠而简便的诊断方法，而延误诊断往往造成严重后果。     

儿童硬膜外血肿的治疗

目的 探讨儿童硬膜外血肿的临床特点及其治疗方法。方法 回顾性分析我院2001年1月～2003年12月收治的儿童硬膜外血肿120例。结果 婴幼儿和学龄前儿童受伤原因以坠落伤及摔伤为主，7岁以上儿童以交通伤为主。65.8％(79/120)的患儿合并有颅骨骨折，格拉斯哥昏迷评分(GCS)平均13．6分。急性血肿除立即手术者外，其他于首次发现血肿1d后及3d左右再复查CT。手术者占57.5％(69/120)，术中发现血肿来源于板障出血的占44％(29/66)。结论 儿童硬膜外血肿的原发颅脑损伤相对较轻，颅骨骨折的发生率低于成人，板障出血为血肿形成的首要原因。有必要做多次CT检查，经恰当治疗预后良好。     

Resolving intracerebral hematoma: alteration of the "ring sign" with steroids.

A ring of contrast enhancement is seen on CT scans of resolving intracerebral hematomas. This ring can be modified with steroid administration in the early stages; however, enhancement seen in the later stages is not affected. Evidence suggests that the early ring is due to blood-brain barrier breakdown, and the later enhancement is due to vascular granulation tissue. The following six stages of hematoma resorption were identified depending on the hematoma density, the presence or absence of a ring of enhancement, and the response of the ring to steroid administration: I = dense hematoma without enhancement; II = decreasing density, enhancement, modification of enhancement with steroid; III = isodense hematoma, enhancement, modification with steroid; IV = lucent hematoma, enhancement, modification with steroid; V = lucent hematoma, enhancement, no modification with steroid; and VI = healed, no enhancement.     

外伤性骑跨横窦硬脑膜外血肿46例临床分析

目的探讨外伤性骑跨横窦硬脑膜外血肿的形成机制、诊断、临床治疗方法及疗效。方法回顾性分析2006年1月—2012年1月收治的46例外伤性骑跨横窦硬脑膜外血肿患者的临床资料。结果本组46例病人中35例手术治疗,11例非手术治疗。恢复良好38例,中或重度残疾6例,死亡2例。结论骑跨横窦硬脑膜外血肿缺乏典型的临床表现,且病情常急剧恶化,早作头颅CT扫描、早诊断、早治疗,有手术指征者尽早手术,术中充分减压、止血、避免横窦二次受压和注意对冲性损伤,是提高外伤性骑跨横窦硬脑膜外血肿疗效的关键。     

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.     

Epidural hematomas of the posterior fossa

BACKGROUND: Posterior fossa epidural hematomas represent 7-14% of all traumatic intracranial epidural hematomas. They are most frequently encountered posttraumatic mass lesions in the posterior fossa. The aim of this study was to identify clinical features that could lead to the early diagnosis of posterior fossa epidural hematoma. METHODS: Between 1980 and 2002, 28 patients with epidural hematoma of the posterior fossa were operated on at the Institute for Neurosurgery, Belgrade. Clinical course, neuroradiological investigations, and the results of surgical treatment of the patients with posterior fossa epidural hematomas were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: Almost two thirds of patients were younger than 16 years of age. In 20 cases injury was caused by a fall, in 6 cases by a traffic accident, and in 2 by the assault. Clinical course was subacute or chronic in two thirds of the patients. On the admission Glasgow Coma Scale was 7 or less in 9 injured, 8-14 in 14 injured, and 15 in 5 injured patients. Linear fracture of the occipital bone was radiographically evident in 19 patients, but was intraoperatively encountered in all the patients except for a 4-year old child. In 25 patients the diagnosis was established by computer assisted tomography (CAT) and in 3 by vertebral angiography. All the patients were operated on via suboccipital craniotomy. Four injured patients who were preoperatively comatose were with lethal outcome. Postoperatively, 24 patients were with sufficient neurologic recovery. CONCLUSION: Posterior fossa epidural hematoma should be suspected in cases of occipital injury, consciousness disturbances, and occipital bone fracture. In such cases urgent CAT-scan is recommended. Early recognition, early diagnosis, and prompt treatment are crucial for good neurological recovery after surgery.     

Parasellar and optic nerve lesions: the neurosurgeon's perspective

For neuroradiologic evaluation of parasellar lesions, a wide array of examinations may be utilized. CT and MRI are used in the assessment of these lesions to establish the diagnosis and to assist the neurosurgeon in defining the precise location. Careful neuroradiologic assessment and close cooperation between the neurosurgeon and the neuroradiologist have much bearing on the surgical planning and eventual outcome of the patient.     

Computed tomography of spinal epidural hematoma

Three cases of spinal epidural hematoma are presented. Computed tomography (CT) was the first diagnostic method used in two patients and demonstrated a surgically confirmed spinal epidural hematoma in both patients. In a third patient who presented with a complete block on myelography, CT was helpful in assessment of the extent of the lesion and suggested a vertebral hemangioma as the cause of the hematoma. CT is a very useful tool in the diagnosis of spinal epidural hematomas.     

Acute spinal epidural and subdural hematomas

Acute spinal epidural and subdural hematomas are rare entities. The clinical presentation is similar in both cases. MR imaging is the most appropriate imaging technique. On axial images, epidural hematoma has a biconvex shape. It is separated from the spinal cord by the hypointense dura on T2-weighted images. Conversely, subdural hematoma has a crescentic shape on axial images and is located medially to the dura. In the latter case, the epidural fat is not involved. There is no surgical indication for patients with early and rapid regressive symptoms. In other cases the surgical treatment consists of hematoma evacuation.     

跨窦骨瓣开颅术治疗骑跨静脉窦硬膜外血肿

目的 探讨骑跨静脉窦硬膜外血肿的手术治疗策略及疗效.方法 对43例骑跨静脉窦硬膜外血肿病例的临床资料、手术方式和预后进行回顾性分析.43例患者均采用跨窦骨瓣开颅,骨瓣复位,窦旁(周)硬脑膜悬吊于骨瓣相应位置的骨孔上.结果 43例术后第3、6天头部CT扫描显示血肿无复发、无残留,骨瓣无移位.出院时GOS预后评分:术后死亡1例,重度残疾1例,中度残疾2例,恢复良好39例.结论 跨窦骨瓣开颅术是治疗骑跨静脉窦硬膜外血肿的一种安全而且有效的方法.     

闭合性阴囊损伤的CT诊断

目的确定闭合性阴囊损伤的ＣＴ诊断价值。方法 对２３例闭合性阴囊损伤的ＣＴ资料及临床处理进行回顾性分析。结果 根据睾丸失去正常的卵圆形结构，白膜中断，睾丸组织突出或睾丸断片分离等征象，ＣＴ正确诊断睾丸破裂８例；ＣＴ亦能显示阴囊壁血肿，鞘膜积血，白膜下血肿，睾丸实质血肿，睾丸附睾挫伤，精索及附睾血肿等其他病理改变。１７例手术探查证实ＣＴ显示的各种病理改变与手术病理完全相符。结论 ＣＴ能准确诊断各种类型     

Acute isodense epidural hematoma on computed tomography.

Computed tomography (CT) has proven to be invaluable in the diagnosis of craniocerebral injuries. Acute epidural hematomas have been described as having a characteristic appearance on CT of a lenticular shaped area of blood density most commonly situated over the cerebral convexity. This case demonstrates an acute epidural hematoma that is essentially isodense with brain tissue.     

胸腰椎内固定术后脊髓硬膜外血肿原因分析及其诊治

目的 探讨胸腰椎内同定术后脊髓硬膜外血肿的原因及其诊治。方法 对我院9年来行胸腰椎内固定术的924例患者进行回顾性分析，其中5例患者术后并发脊髓硬膜外血肿，并通过再次行血肿清除减压术得到证实。针对初次手术、术后阶段、再次血肿清除术以及继发的神经症状等方面的情况进行回顾性分析。结果 4例患者初次手术后出现的首发症状均是神经症状的加重，只有1例表现为术后的剧烈疼痛。术后神经症状加重至行血肿清除术的时间平均28．8h。从最初的临床表现异常到血肿清除术的时间为2～14h，平均6h。5例患者血肿清除术后神经症状均有明显改善。结论 尽管胸腰椎内固定术后脊髓硬膜外血肿相对少见，但其后果严重。一旦发现神经症状较术后加再，应及早手术。凝血功能障碍、多节段手术、脊柱翻修术后局部瘢痕化严重是产生血肿的重要危险因素，术者应在手术中彻底止血，并详尽了解所用的止血材料。     

Traumatic cervical injuries in ankylosing spondylitis

PURPOSE: To demonstrate the importance of magnetic resonance (MR) and computed tomography (CT) in the evaluation of cervical traumas in patients suffering from ankylosing spondylitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eleven patients with advanced ankylosing spondylitis were admitted to neurosurgical treatment after trauma to the neck region. All had neurological symptoms and were evaluated with plain X-ray, CT, and MR. RESULTS: CT with reformation sagittal and coronal plane was superior to plain X-ray films in demonstrating fractures and dislocations. MR was considered mandatory when evaluating changes in medulla and epidural hematomas, which were detected in 4 patients. The clinical outcome was poor in 5 patients and good in 6. The poorest outcome was seen in patients with cord contusion and epidural hematoma. CONCLUSION: We conclude that plain X-ray is of no greater importance in the acute phase of highest value in follow-up evaluation of the healing process and final position of the fractured vertebrae. Our protocol in the acute phase in traumatized ankylopoetic patients consists of lateral conventional X-ray, CT with reformatted images, and MR, the last-mentioned being important in detecting epidural hematoma that reduces the clinical outcome further if not removed. In our opinion, MR must be part of the radiological protocol following neck traumas in all patients with ankylosing spondylitis.     

Subdural hematomas in infants with benign enlargement of the subarachnoid spaces are not pathognomonic for child abuse

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Patients who have benign enlargement of the subarachnoid spaces (BESS) have long been suspected of having an increased propensity for subdural hematomas either spontaneously or as a result of accidental injury. Subdural hematomas in infants are often equated with nonaccidental trauma (NAT). A better understanding of the clinical and imaging characteristics of subdural hematomas that occur either spontaneously or as a result of accidental trauma may help distinguish this group of patients from those who suffer subdural hematomas as a result of NAT. The purpose of this study is to describe the clinical and imaging characteristics of subdural hematomas that occur either spontaneously or as a result of accidental injury in infants with BESS. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of all patients with BESS complicated by subdural hematomas evaluated at a single institution from 1998 to 2004. Data concerning the patient's clinical presentation, physical findings, imaging, and management are described. RESULTS: During the study period, 7 patients with BESS complicated by subdural hematoma were identified. Their mean age at identification of the subdural hematoma was 7.4 months of age. In 5 cases, there was no recognized trauma before identification of the subdural hematoma. In 3 cases, baseline CT or MR imaging was available, showing prominent subarachnoid spaces without any evidence of subdural hemorrhage. CONCLUSION: Although suspicious for NAT, subdural hematomas can occur in children either spontaneously or as a result of accidental trauma. Caution must be exercised when investigating for NAT based on the sole presence of subdural hematomas, especially in children who are otherwise well and who have BESS.     

Spinales chronisches subdurales Hämatom

Compared with spinal epidural hematomas, spinal subdural hematomas are rare; chronic forms are even more uncommon. These hematomas are associated not only with lumbar puncture and spinal trauma, but also with coagulopathies, vascular malformations and tumors. Compression of the spinal cord and the cauda equina means that the patients develop increasing back or radicular pain, followed by paraparesis and bladder and bowel paralysis, so that in most cases surgical decompression is carried out. On magnetic resonance imaging these hematomas present as thoracic or lumbar subdural masses, their signal intensity varying with the age of the hematoma. We report the clinical course and the findings revealed by imaging that led to the diagnosis in three cases of chronic spinal subdural hematoma.     

Chronic encapsulated intracerebral hematoma

Radiological-morphologic features of chronic intracerebral hematomas are observed by computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR), and in angiographic examination are particularly characterized by the absence of pathologic vascularization. The patient, aged 61, with confirmed diagnosis of encapsulated intracerebral hematoma, treated at the Clinic of Neurology and Clinic of Neurosurgery of the Military Medical Academy was presented. The patient was released after recovery, and was consequently followed up in an outpatient department by a neurosurgeon. Six-month follow-up demonstrated the regression of the clinical signs of the disease, as well as the alterations in CT and MR images in the same sense.