ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To test the hypothesis that chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) enlarges by the causative factors, this study has performed. METERIALS AND METHODS: In 10 patients with CSDH, coagulation factors in venous blood taken at the time of surgery and hematomic contents aspirated from the CSDH were studied, using both laboratory assays and microscopy. RESULTS: When compared to the range of normal plasma, the hematoma fluids demonstrated a marked reduction in factor II, V, VII, VIII, and X, moderate reduction of factors IX and XI, and slight reduction of factor XII. Activated protein C and antithrombin III levels were decreased. The FDP (Fibrinogen Degradation Product) levels in chronic subdural hematoma were extremely high. The endothelial cells of the macrocapillaries (also called "sinusoid") showed numerous gap junctions between adjacent endothelial cells and a thinness or absence of the basement membrane, suggesting that the macrocapillaries are very fragile and susceptible to bleeding. CONCLUSION: Excessive coagulation in the hematoma, predominantly via the extrinsic clotting pathway, local hyperfibrinolysis, transmitted pulsations, and characteristics of the macrocapillaries play an important role in the leakage of blood and the enlargement of CSDH.
ABSTRACT
Anterior sacral meningocele is a rare congenital lesion. Since its description by Bryant in 1838, less than 300 cases have been reported in the literature. The authors report a case of anterior sacral meningocele with pneumocephalus and meningitis, which was misdiagnosed as an ovarian cyst and was aspirated. The clinical, radiological, histopathological, and neurosurgical features of the lesion are discussed with a review of the literatures.