Dissecting a radiculomedullary artery as an infrequent cause of low back pain: illustrative case.

BACKGROUND: There is currently no case described in the literature of epidural hematoma associated with subarachnoid hemorrhage due to dissection of a spontaneous radiculomedullary artery at the lumbar level and therefore its incidence and prevalence are not known. However, its etiology is thought to be similar and may not be diagnosed given its nonspecific symptomatology. OBSERVATIONS: The authors present the case of an adult patient who consulted the emergency department for 2 weeks of low back pain. On physical examination there were negative signs of radiculopathy without neurological focalization. The patient was evaluated by neurosurgery via thoracic and lumbosacral spine magnetic resonance imaging, with findings of epidural hematoma associated with subarachnoid hemorrhage in the lumbosacral region. After that, panangiography was done. In the study, it was possible to visualize a dissection of the radicular artery at the L2 level. The patient was not a candidate for surgical management and continued with medical pain management. The patient has a good clinical evolution and was discharged. LESSONS: The aim of the present case is to describe a unique case of radiculomedullary artery dissection as a cause of spontaneous epidural hematoma associated with a subarachnoid hemorrhage in the lumbar region.

Characterizing the frequency, morbidity, and types of traumatic brain injuries after the Mexico-San Diego border wall extension: a retrospective cohort review.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the US-Mexico border wall height extension on traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and related costs. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, patients who presented to the UC San Diego Health Trauma Center for injuries from falling at the border wall between 2016 and 2021 were considered. Patients in the pre-height extension period (January 2016-May 2018) were compared with those in the post-height extension period (January 2020-December 2021). Demographic characteristics, clinical data, and hospital charges were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 383 patients were identified: 51 (0 TBIs, 68.6% male) in the pre-height extension cohort and 332 (14 TBIs, 77.1% male) in the post-height extension cohort, with mean ages of 33.5 and 31.5 years, respectively. There was an increase in the average number of TBIs per month (0.0 to 0.34) and operative TBIs per month (0.0 to 0.12). TBIs were associated with increased Injury Severity Score (8.8 vs 24.2, p < 0.001), median (IQR) hospital length of stay (5.0 [2-11] vs 8.5 [4-45] days, p = 0.03), and median (IQR) hospital charges ($163,490 [$86,369-$277,918] vs $243,658 [$136,769-$1,127,920], p = 0.04). TBIs were normalized for changing migration rates on the basis of Customs and Border Protection apprehensions. CONCLUSIONS: This heightened risk of intracranial injury among vulnerable immigrant populations poses ethical and economic concerns to be addressed regarding border wall infrastructure.

Nontraumatic Intracranial Epidural Hematoma: Systematic Review of the Literature / Hematoma epidural intracraniano não traumático: revisão sistemática da literatura

Introduction Epidural hematoma (EDH) is generally a direct sequela of head injury. Spontaneous EDH is rarely described in the literature. Spontaneous EDH can be caused by infections of adjacent regions, vascular malformations of the dura mater, metastases to the bone skull, and disorders of blood coagulation. The preferred treatment is surgical. The prognosis is directly related to the size, location, and Glasgow Coma Scale score on admission and the underlying disease. Methods A systematic literature review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. We performed the search in the PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus databases. Abstracts and articles were screened according to our inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results The literature review yielded 1,156 records from the databases, of which a total of 164 full-text articles were included in the final synthesis, plus 22 additional relevant studies. A total of 89 case report studies were included, providing 95 unique patients. There was a predominance of coagulopathies as the main etiology of spontaneous EDH. A total of 45.3% of the patients presented lesions in > 1 brain lobe. The frontal lobe was the most prevalent location of EDH. The most used neuroimaging exam was computed tomography (CT). Surgical intervention was the most common treatment performed. A total of 24.2% of the patients died. Conclusion Nontraumatic EDH represents an uncommon manifestation of several pathologies. Clinical investigation should be aware of such a possibility. Healthcare professionals should value the physical examination and clinical history of the patient. Given the scarcity of information on the pathogenesis of spontaneous EDH, further studies are needed to better define intervention strategies and therapies for these patients.

Introdução Geralmente, o hematoma epidural (HED) é decorrente de traumatismo cranioencefálico. O HED espontâneo tem sido ocasionado por infecção de áreas adjacentes, malformação vascular na dura-máter, metástases para osso do crânio e doenças da coagulação sanguínea. Seu prognóstico está diretamente relacionado com o tamanho, a localização, o escore na escala de coma de Glasgow na admissão e a doença de base. Metodologia Uma revisão sistemática da literatura foi conduzida e seguiu as diretrizes Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA, na sigla em inglês). Realizamos a pesquisa nos bancos de dados PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase e Scopus. Os resumos e artigos foram selecionados de acordo com os nossos critérios de inclusão e exclusão. Resultados A revisão da literatura resultou em 1,156 registros nas bases de dados, dos quais um total de 164 artigos com texto completo foram incluídos na síntese final; mais 22 estudos relevantes foram adicionados. Um total de 89 estudos de caso foi incluído, fornecendo 95 pacientes únicos. Havia uma predominância de coagulopatias como a principal etiologia do HED espontâneo. Um total de 45,3% dos pacientes apresentava lesões em > 1 lobo cerebral. A intervenção cirúrgica foi o tratamento mais comum realizado. Um total de 24,2% dos pacientes morreu. Conclusão Hematoma epidural não traumático representa uma manifestação incomum de várias patologias. A investigação clínica deve estar atenta a tal possibilidade e os profissionais de saúde devem valorizar o exame físico e a história clínica do paciente. Dada a escassez de informações sobre a etiopatogenia do HED, mais estudos são necessários para melhor definir estratégias de intervenção e terapias para estes pacientes.

Adulto con hematoma medular epidural espontáneo

RESUMEN El hematoma espinal es una entidad clínica poco frecuente. Se necesita de una alta sospecha clínica para su diagnóstico precoz y tratamiento oportuno. Habitualmente se presenta en forma de deterioro neurológico súbito debida a la compresión medular mecánica producida por sangre en el canal medular. Presentamos el caso de un paciente de sexo masculino de 53 años, consumidor de bebidas alcohólicas (ron paraguayo) en forma diaria que presenta un deterioro neurológico brusco comprometiendo miembros superiores e inferiores. Con la resonancia magnética se llega al diagnóstico de hematoma epidural a nivel de C4-C5 y mielopatía compresiva de los segmentos adyacentes.

ABSTRACT The spinal hematoma spinal is a infrequent clinical entity. A high clinical suspicion is needed for early diagnosis and timely treatment. It usually presents as a sudden neurological deterioration due to mechanical spinal cord compression caused by blood in the spinal canal. We present the case of a 53-year-old male patient, a daily consumer of alcoholic beverages (Paraguayan rum) who presented sudden neurological deterioration compromising upper and lower limbs. Magnetic resonance imaging leads to a diagnosis of epidural hematoma at the C4-C5 level and compressive myelopathy of the adjacent segments.

Fetal epidural hematoma secondary to a mild blunt prenatal trauma: case report and review of the literature.

Fetal intracranial hemorrhage affects 1 in every 10,000 pregnancies. In most cases, the etiology of the bleeding is multifactorial, and they can be either related to the mother or the fetus. Blunt prenatal trauma was occasionally associated with these hemorrhages, nevertheless, reports of hematomas secondary to mild traumas are rare. Within the prenatal intracranial bleedings, the most frequent are the subarachnoid hematoma and intraparenchymal, scarcely ever the epidural hematoma. Treating these bleedings is challenging due to the ongoing pregnancy. Thus, the prognosis is often reserved, with a mortality rate of 43% and 25% of neurological sequelae. Here, we report a singular case of a fetal epidural hematoma secondary to a mild blunt trauma at the third trimester with a good outcome.

The use of chemoprophylaxis or not for dvt in spine surgery: a systematic review / O uso da quimioprofilaxia ou não para tvp em cirurgia de coluna: revisão sistemática / El uso de quimioprofilaxis o no para la tvp en la cirugía de columna vertebral: revisión sistemática

ABSTRACT Objective: To compare pharmacological and non-pharmacological prophylaxis in elective spine surgery to determine the risks of DVT, PTE, and epidural hematoma (EH) in both groups, as well as their respective treatment effectiveness. Methods: Systematic review and meta-analysis based on systematically searched articles, using combinations of MeSH terms related to chemoprophylaxis and non-chemoprophylaxis for prevention of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in elective spine surgery. Adult patients were eligible for inclusion in the study, except for those with trauma, spinal cord injury, neoplasms, or those using vena cava filters. Results: Five studies were selected for this systematic review and meta-analysis: 3 retrospective studies, 1 prospective study, and 1 case series. Data analysis showed that 4.64% of patients treated with chemoprophylaxis had an unfavorable outcome regarding DVT, while this outcome occurred in 1.14% of patients not treated with chemoprophylaxis (p=0.001). Among patients using chemoprophylaxis, only 0.1% developed epidural hematoma and 0.38% developed PTE. Among those on non-pharmaceutical prophylaxis, 0.04% had EH (p=0.11) and 0.42% had PTE (p=0.45). Conclusions: No benefits were found for chemoprophylaxis as compared to non-chemoprophylaxis in preventing DVT in elective spine surgery, nor was there an increased risk of epidural hematoma or fatal thromboembolic events. Level of evidence III; Therapeutic studies; Investigation of treatment results.

RESUMO Objetivo: Comparar profilaxia farmacológica e não farmacológica em cirurgia eletiva da coluna vertebral, a fim de determinar os riscos de TVP, TEP e hematoma epidural (HE) em ambos os grupos, bem como a respectiva eficácia do tratamento. Métodos: Revisão sistemática e metanálise com base em artigos sistematicamente pesquisados, usando combinações de termos MESH relacionados à quimioprofilaxia e à não quimioprofilaxia para prevenção de trombose venosa profunda e embolia pulmonar em cirurgia eletiva da coluna vertebral. Pacientes adultos foram elegíveis para inclusão no estudo, exceto aqueles com trauma, lesão medular, neoplasias e aqueles que usavam filtros de veia cava. Resultados: Cinco estudos foram incluídos para fazer parte desta revisão sistemática e metanálise: três estudos retrospectivos, um prospectivo e um série de casos. A análise dos dados mostrou que 4,64% dos pacientes tratados com quimioprofilaxia tiveram um resultado desfavorável em relação à TVP, enquanto esse resultado ocorreu em 1,14% dos pacientes não tratados com quimioprofilaxia (p = 0,001). Entre os pacientes em uso de quimioprofilaxia, apenas 0,1% desenvolveram hematoma epidural (HE) e 0,38% desenvolveram TEP. Entre aqueles em profilaxia não medicamentosa, 0,04% apresentaram HE (p = 0,11) e 0,42% tiveram TEP (p = 0,45). Conclusões: Não foram encontrados benefícios para a quimioprofilaxia quando comparada à não quimioprofilaxia na prevenção da TVP em cirurgia eletiva da coluna vertebral, assim como não foi verificado aumento do risco de hematoma epidural ou eventos tromboembólicos fatais. Nível de evidência III; Estudos terapêuticos - Investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Comparar la profilaxis farmacológica y no farmacológica en la cirugía de columna electiva para determinar los riesgos de TVP, TEP y hematoma epidural (HE) en ambos grupos, así como la respectiva eficacia del tratamiento. Métodos: Revisión sistemática y metanálisis basados en artículos buscados sistemáticamente, utilizando combinaciones de términos MESH relacionados con quimioprofilaxis y no quimioprofilaxis para la prevención de trombosis venosa profunda y embolia pulmonar en cirugía electiva de columna. Se eligieron pacientes adultos para su inclusión en el estudio, excepto aquellos con traumatismos, lesión medular, neoplasias y aquellos que usan filtros de vena cava. Resultados: Se incluyeron cinco estudios para formar parte de esta revisión sistemática y metanálisis: 3 estudios retrospectivos, 1 prospectivo y 1 serie de casos. El análisis de los datos reveló que el 4,64% de los pacientes tratados con quimioprofilaxis tuvieron un resultado desfavorable con respecto a la TVP, mientras que este resultado se produjo en el 1,14% de los pacientes no tratados con quimioprofilaxis (p = 0,001). Entre los pacientes que recibieron quimioprofilaxis, sólo el 0,1% desarrolló hematoma epidural (HE) y el 0,38% desarrolló TEP. Entre los que recibieron profilaxis no farmacológica, el 0,04% desarrolló HE (p = 0,11) y el 0,42% desarrolló TEP (p = 0,45). Conclusiones: No se encontraron beneficios para la quimioprofilaxis en comparación con la no quimioprofilaxis para prevenir la TVP en la cirugía de columna electiva, así como tampoco un mayor riesgo de hematoma epidural o eventos tromboembólicos fatales. Nivel de evidencia - III; Estudios terapéuticos - Investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

Caudal Epidural Steroid Injections in the Setting of Remaining on Antithrombotics: A Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND: The American Society of Regional Anesthesia currently recommends ceasing antithrombotic medications for all spinal epidural steroid injections, however there is a paucity of data on the true risk of spinal epidurals via various approaches versus the risk of cessation of an agent as it relates to the underlying medical condition. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the complication rate of caudal epidural steroid injections in patients who remain on antithrombotic medications. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. SETTING: Physiatric Spine Clinic in Orthopedic Specialty Office and Surgical Center. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed identifying patients (n = 335) who received a caudal epidural steroid injection (n = 673) from June 2015 through April 2020. Patients were included if they had received the injection while taking an antithrombotic medication. Patients were excluded if they were not taking an antithrombotic. The patient's age, indication for the injection including magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography findings, antithrombotic medication, the medical condition requiring an antithrombotic, and any complications following the injection were collected via chart review. RESULTS: Of the 443 injections included in the study, 51 encounters were lost to follow-up. Of the other 392 injections, there were no reported complications, regardless of the patient's imaging findings, age, the antithrombotic medication used, or the underlying medical condition for which an antithrombotic medication was indicated. LIMITATIONS: This is a retrospective study. Therefore, a prospective study may have yielded fewer encounters lost to follow-up. Patients were not contacted directly after the procedure and chart reviews were utilized to evaluate for complications, which was limited to a patient's reporting of perceived complications without any imaging. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that caudal epidural steroid injections can be performed safely in patients while taking antithrombotic medications. Catastrophic events have been observed in patients who have discontinued antithrombotic agents preceding procedures. Thus, discontinuing antithrombotic medications may pose a greater risk than benefit for patients on an antithrombotic medication who have painful lumbar radiculopathy.

Traumatismo encéfalo-craneano por caída libre en neonatos

Objetivo : Describir las características clínicas del traumatismo encéfalo craneano en neonatos. Materiales y métodos : Se realizó una serie de casos de neonatos con traumatismo encéfalo craneano, todos con diagnóstico clínico y tomográfico atendidos por el Servicio de Neuropediatría y Neonatología del Hospital Cayetano Heredia del 2014 al 2019. Resultados : Se incluyeron 12 neonatos, 67% (8/12) fueron varones, 33% (4/12) menores de cuatro días de edad y 25% (3/12) hijos de madres añosas. La caída libre fue el mecanismo de lesión en todos los casos y tres de ellos se cayeron de coches de paseo para bebés. El lugar más frecuente de la caída fue el hospital, tres neonatos se encontraban en alojamiento conjunto, dos en la sala de espera de la consulta externa y uno en hospitalización. El 83% (10/12) de los casos cayó de ≥ 0.5 m de altura y 33% (4/12) cayó de ≥ 1m. El 58% (7/12) fue sintomático a la caída, cuatro casos con letargia y uno con irritabilidad. Además, se reportaron vómitos y dificultad respiratoria. Cuatro presentaron hematoma epidural y tres de ellos fractura craneal, dos de gravedad por hipertensión endocraneana descompensada que requirieron evacuación quirúrgica de emergencia. Conclusión : El traumatismo encéfalo craneano en neonatos es un problema potencialmente grave. El hematoma epidural fue la lesión intracraneal más frecuente. La letargia e irritabilidad fueron los síntomas más frecuentes en los neonatos que cayeron de ≥ 0.5m de altura.

Objective : To describe clinical characteristics of head trauma in neonates. Material and methods : This is a case series of neonate patients with head trauma. All of them had a clinical diagnosis and computed tomography scans performed. They were taken care of in both Neuropediatrics and Neonatology services in Cayetano Heredia National Hospital in Lima, Peru from 2014 to 2019. Results : Twelve neonates were included, 67% (8/12) were male, 33% (4/12) were less than four days old, and 25% (3/12) were born to mature mothers. Free fall was the mechanism of lesion for all cases, and three of them fell down from baby trolleys. Places where these accidents occurred were at the hospital. Three neonates were in joint housing, two were in the waiting room of the outpatient clinic, and one fall occurred in the hospitalization ward. Eighty- three per cent (10/12) of all cases fell from ≥0.5- m height, and 33% (4/12) fell from 1- m height. Fifty-eight per cent (7/12) developed symptoms after the fall, four had lethargy and one had irritability. Also, vomits and respiratory distress were reported. Four neonates developed epidural hematoma and three had cranial fracture, two of these latter cases were severe because of decompensated cranial hypertension that required emergency surgical decompression. Conclusion : Head trauma in neonates is a potentially severe condition. Epidural hematoma was the most frequent intracranial lesion. Lethargy and irritability were most frequent symptoms in neonates who fell from ≥0.5- m height.

Hematoma epidural supra e infratentorial en paciente pediátrico

El traumatismo craneoencefálico es una causa común de morbi-mortalidad en la población pediátrica, sus lesiones secundarias como los hematomas epidurales son frecuentemente hallados, pero en su localización de la fosa posterior solo representa el 5% y son de alto riesgo de presentar complicaciones; además el hematoma supra e infratentorial simultáneo es muy poco frecuente. En el presente trabajo daremos a conocer el manejo quirúrgico de alto riesgo de un paciente con un hematoma supra e infratentorial de gran volumen, describiendo las posibles complicaciones y observando la evolución. Se realizó craneotomía supratentorial y una craniectomía sub-occipital para evacuación de hematoma. El paciente se recuperó satisfactoriamente mostrando mejoría en el postoperatorio inmediato, siendo dado de alta recuperando la función global.

Traumatic Head Injury is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in the pediatric population. Its secondary lessons, such as epidural hematomas, are frequently found, but in the posterior fossa it only represents 5% and they are at high risk of complications; in addition, simultaneous supra and infratentorial hematoma is very rare. In the present work, we will present the high-risk surgical management of a patient with a large volume supra- and infratentorial hematoma, describing the possible complications and observing the evolution. Supratentorial craniotomy and sub-occipital craniectomy were performed to evacuate the hematoma. The patient recovered satisfactorily showing improvement in the immediate postoperative period, being discharged recovering global function.

Reporte de caso: hematoma epidural supra e infratentorial en paciente pediátrico / Case report: supra and infratentorial epidural hematoma in a pediatric patient

El traumatismo craneoencefálico es una causa común de morbi-mortalidad en la población pediátrica, sus lesiones secundarias como los hematomas epidurales son frecuentemente hallados, pero en su localización de la fosa posterior solo representa el 5% y son de alto riesgo de presentar complicaciones; además el hematoma supra e infratentorial simultáneo es muy poco frecuente. En el presente trabajo daremos a conocer el manejo quirúrgico de alto riesgo de un paciente con un hematoma supra e infratentorial de gran volumen, describiendo las posibles complicaciones y observando la evolución. Se realizó craneotomía supratentorial y una craniectomía sub-occipital para evacuación de hematoma. El paciente se recuperó satisfactoriamente mostrando mejoría en el postoperatorio inmediato, siendo dado de alta recuperando la función global(AU)

Traumatic Head Injury is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in the pediatric population. Its secondary lessons, such as epidural hematomas, are frequently found, but in the posterior fossa it only represents 5% and they are at high risk of complications; in addition, simultaneous supra and infratentorial hematoma is very rare. In the present work, we will present the high-risk surgical management of a patient with a large volume supraand infratentorial hematoma, describing the possible complications and observing the evolution. Supratentorial craniotomy and sub-occipital craniectomy were performed to evacuate the hematoma. The patient recovered satisfactorily showing improvement in the immediate postoperative period, being discharged recovering global function(AU)

Large Vertex Epidural Hematoma: Case Report and Review of Surgical Approaches

Vertex epidural hematomas (VEHs) are a special clinical entity due to their clinical presentation, vascular etiology and options of surgical approach. The clinical suspicion involves recognizing the mechanism of the injury and the correct visualization of the hematoma in computed tomography (CT) coronal sequences. In the present article, we describe a case of a very large (146 mL) VEH with central brain herniation, and provide a technical note on the surgical planning and treatment. A 34-year-old male patient was admitted to the hospital after an injury on the left superior parietal region. The Glasgow coma scale score was 6, and the left pupil of the patient was dilated. The CT scan showed a large epidural hematoma on the vertex between the coronal e lambdoid sutures, and a fracture over the sagittal suture. During the surgery, multiple burr holes were made laterally to the sagittal suture, and after inspection and no visualization of bleeding in the superior sagittal sinus (SSS), we performed a standard biparietal craniotomy. The patient was discharged three days after the surgery without any deficits. Currently, with the improvement in imaging modalities,more cases of VEH are being identified. Identifying the etiology prior to the craniotomy is challenging in severe cases. Tears in the SSS can bleed profusely, and they demand strategies during the craniotomy.With multiple burr holes parallel to the sagittal suture, we can visualize whether there is bleeding in the SSS and design a craniotomy with or without a central osseous bridge to anchor the dura. Neurosurgeons must be prepared to plan a surgical strategy in cases of large VEHs. Due to its rare frequency and bleeding risks, VEHs are considered challenging.

Correlación de la leucocitosis y lesión intracraneal en pacientes con traumatismo craneoencefálico / Correlation of leukocytosis and intracranial injury in patients with traumatic brain injury / Correlação de leucocitose e lesão intracraniana em pacientes com traumatismo crânioencefálico

Resumen: El daño microvascular difuso se asocia a pérdida de la autorregulación vascular cerebral y a pérdida de integridad de la barrera hematoencefálica. El TCE (traumatismo craneoencefálico) está asociado a un aumento en los niveles séricos de catecolaminas. Las catecolaminas son responsables de los depósitos de neutrófilos. Las catecolaminas aumentan la cuenta leucocitaria, introduciendo las células marginadas al pool circulante. La respuesta de fase aguda también se caracteriza por leucocitosis al ingreso, por lo que es probable que la cuenta de células blancas sirva como indicador adicional al diagnóstico y pronóstico del trauma de cráneo. Material y métodos: Estudio de cohorte prospectivo longitudinal. Se incluyeron pacientes atendidos con TCE, se recopilaron estudios de imagen y de laboratorio. Resultados: De los pacientes atendidos con hemorragia subaracnoidea (HSA), se encontró a su ingreso una media de leucocitos de 17,718 10^3/µl y de 13,970 10^3/µl a las 24 horas del trauma, con una p = 0.000 y 0.001, respectivamente. En pacientes con hematoma subdural (HSD) se observó a su ingreso una media de leucocitos de 18,212 10^3/μl y de 13,319 10^3/µl a las 24 horas, con una p = 0.000 y 0.003, respectivamente. En pacientes con contusión hemorrágica se detectó a su ingreso una media de leucocitos de 13,225 10^3/µl y de 12,501 10^3/µl a las 24 horas, una p = 0.091 y 0.027, respectivamente. En pacientes con hematoma epidural (HE) se observó a su ingreso una media de leucocitos de 16,527 10^3/µl y de 13,240 10^3/µl a las 24 horas, con una p = 0.000 y 0.019, respectivamente.

Abstract: Diffuse microvascular damage is associated with loss of cerebral vascular self-regulation and loss of integrity of the blood-brain barrier. Traumatic brain injury is associated with an increase in serum levels of catecholamines. Catecholamines are responsible for neutrophil deposits. Catecholamines increase the leukocyte count by introducing the marginal cells into the circulating pool. The acute phase response is also characterized by leukocytosis on admission. Therefore, the white cell count is likely to serve as an additional indicator to the diagnosis and prognosis of TBI. Material and methods: Longitudinal prospective cohort study. Patients treated in the emergency room with TBI were included, blood test and imaging studies were collected. Results: Of the patients treated with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), a mean of leukocytes on entry of 17,718 10^3/µl on admission and 13,970 10^3/µl on 24 hours of trauma, with p = 0.000 and 0.001. In patients with subdural hematoma, a mean number of leukocytes was found at 18,212 10^3/µl and 13,319 10^3/µl at 24 hours, with p = 0.000 and 0.003. For patients with hemorrhagic contusion, leukocytes were found on admission on average 13,225 10^3/µl and at 12,501 10^3/µl at 24 hours, a p = 0.091 and 0.027. In patients with epidural hematoma, a mean of 16,527 10^3/µl leukocytes was found on admission, at 24 hours 13,240 10^3/µl, with p = 0.000 and 0.019.

Resumo: O dano microvascular difuso está associado à perda da autorregulação vascular cerebral e à perda da integridade da barreira hematoencefálica. O TCE está associado a um aumento nos níveis séricos de catecolaminas. As catecolaminas são responsáveis pelos depósitos de neutrófilos. As catecolaminas aumentam a contagem de leucócitos introduzindo as células marginais no pool circulante. A resposta de fase aguda também é caracterizada por leucocitose na admissão. Assim, a contagem de células brancas provavelmente servirá como um indicador adicional do diagnóstico e prognóstico do trauma craniano. Material e metodos: Estudo de coorte prospectivo longitudinal. Incluiram-se pacientes atendidos com TCE, foram coletados estudos de imagem e laboratório. Resultados: Dos pacientes atendidos com hemorragia subaracnoide (HSA), uma média de leucócitos de 17,718 10^3/µl na admissão e 13,970 10^3/µl em 24 horas após o trauma. Com P = 0.000 e 0.001, respectivamente. Em pacientes com hematoma subdural (HSD), encontramos uma média de leucócitos na admissão de 18,212 10^3/µl e 13,319 10^3/µl às 24 horas, com p = 0.000 e 0.003. Para os pacientes com contusão hemorrágica, encontramos na admissão uma média de leucócitos de13,225 10^3/µl e às 24 horas de 12,501 10^3/µl, com p = 0.091 e 0.027. Nos pacientes com hematoma epidural (HE) foi encontrada uma média de 16,527 10^3/µl leucócitos à admissão, às 24 horas 13,240 10^3/µl, com p = 0.000 e 0.019.

Spontaneous Epidural Hematoma of the Cervical Spine Mimicking a Cerebrovascular Accident: A Case Report

Objective The present study is a case report of a 57-year-old female with controlled hypertension who presented with spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma (SSEH) mimicking a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) and was successfully treated by surgical decompression. Methods A 57-year-old woman with a medical history of hypertension presented with a sudden onset of weakness in the right upper and lower extremities. Weakness of grade 3/5 was noted in her right upper and lower extremities, but there was no motor weakness of the right facial muscles. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exam of the cervical spine revealed an epidural hematoma extending from level C5 to level C7, causing spinal cord compression. Results During surgery, a cervical spinal epidural hematoma (SEH) was evacuated. Postoperatively, the power in both limbs improved to grade 5/5 just after surgery. Conclusions A high degree of suspicion, meticulous history taking, and physical examination have a great importance in these rare conditions because anticoagulant therapy as a routine treatment for ischemic CVA could be life-threatening.

Generalidades de trauma cráneo encefálico en medicina legal / Generalities of traumatic brain injury in legal medicine

Resumen:El Trauma Cráneo Encefálico (TCE) tiene hoy en día una incidencia muy alta de morbilidad y mortalidad en nuestra población, por lo que es de suma importancia esclarecer los conceptos básicos de las lesiones producidas por el TCE, su cronología y el pronóstico de dichos traumas. Este artículo se basa en identificar las lesiones primarias y secundarias más frecuentes y las características más importantes de cada una de ellas, así como describir los mecanismos de trauma frecuentemente implicados.

Abstract:The Brain Trauma (TCE) has a very high incidence of morbidity and mortality in its population today, so it is very important to clarify the basic concepts of the injuries produced by the TCE, its timing and the prognosis of these traumas. This article is based on identifying the most frequent primary and secondary lesions and the most important characteristics of each, as well as describing the mechanisms of trauma frequently involved

Diagnóstico diferencial de hernia discal / Diagnostic differences for disc herniation

Disc herniation is a frequent pathology in the radiologist's daily practice. There are different pathologies that can simulate a herniated disc from the clinical and especially the imaging point of view that we should consider whenever we report a herniated disc. These lesions may originate from the vertebral body (osteophytes and metastases), the intervertebral disc (discal cyst), the intervertebral foramina (neurinomas), the interapophyseal joints (synovial cyst) and from the epidural space (hematoma and epidural abscess).

La hernia discal es una patología frecuente en la práctica diaria del radiólogo. Hay distintas patologías que pueden simular una hernia discal desde el punto de vista clínico y especialmente imagenológico que debemos considerar cada vez que informamos una hernia discal. Estas lesiones pueden provenir del cuerpo vertebral (osteofitos y metástasis), del disco intervertebral (quiste discal), de los forámenes intervertebrales (neurinomas), de las articulaciones interapofisiarias (quiste sinovial) y desde el espacio epidural (hematoma y absceso epidural).

Spontaneous intracranial epidural hematoma during rivaroxaban treatment / Hematoma epidural intracraniano espontâneo durante tratamento com rivaroxaban

Summary According to our research, this is the first case described in the literature of spontaneous intracranial epidural hematoma secondary to the use of Xareltor. Spontaneous intracranial epidural hematomas are rarely described in the literature. They are associated with infectious diseases of the skull, coagulation disorders, vascular malformations of the dura mater and metastasis to the skull. Long-term post-marketing monitoring and independent reports will probably detect the full spectrum of hemorrhagic complications of the use of rivaroxaban.

Resumo Segundo nossa pesquisa, descrevemos o primeiro caso na literatura de hematoma epidural intracraniano espontâneo secundário ao uso de Xareltor. Hematomas epidurais intracranianos espontâneos raramente são descritos na literatura, sendo comumente associados a doenças infecciosas cranianas, distúrbios de coagulação, malformações vasculares da dura-máter e metástases cranianas. A elaboração de relatórios de monitoramento em longo prazo de pós-comercialização e relatórios independentes provavelmente irá detectar o espectro completo de complicações hemorrágicas do uso desse medicamento.

Vertex epidural hematoma: A rare cause of post-traumatic headache and a diagnostic challenge.

BACKGROUND: Vertex epidural hematomas (VEH) account for only 8% of all epidural hematomas. However, these traumatic injuries may be underestimated or overlooked altogether when only computed tomography (CT) scans are used for diagnosis. The vertex may be a potential anatomic "blind spot" on this radiological method. In such cases, magnetic resonance (MRI) offers a great diagnostic aid. CASE DESCRIPTION: This manuscript reports a patient of a head trauma who developed progressive and intractable headache. MRI made the diagnosis of progressive VEH and highlighted the detachment of the superior sagittal sinus by the hematoma. Surgical treatment, because of the refractory clinical findings, was performed with good postoperative recovery. CONCLUSION: Multiple trauma patients with progressive and refractory headache should have their head CT thoroughly reviewed and, if necessary, be investigated with MRI.

Epidural Hematoma: A Prospective Analysis of Morbidity and Mortality in 173 Patients / Hematoma epidural: Uma análise prospectiva de morbidade e mortalidade em 173 pacientes

Objectives A few recent studies have focused on epidural hematomas (EDHs) that are routine in emergency rooms. The study was to evaluate the latest situation of affected patients by encephalic trauma associated with EDH in our service. Methods Prospective study between September 1, 2003 and May 30, 2009. Data were computed regarding age, sex, trauma mechanism, qualification by Glasgow coma scale admission, presence of anisocoria, and evaluation by the recovery of Glasgow scale high, with all patients by computed tomography (CT) scan. Results Among the 173 analyzed patients, mortality reached 20 patients (11.5%). Mortality was higher in the subgroup of 76 patients (44%) admitted with Glasgow coma scale (GCS ≤ 8) with 17 deceased, corresponding to 85% of total deaths. Prevalence of male subjects (140 cases, 81%) with bruises located in the temporal, frontal and parietal regions; 147 (85%) patients underwent neurosurgical treatment by craniotomy. The worst prognosis was in patients with hematomas of higher-volume (50 mL), midline structures deviations greater than 1.5 mm and basal cisterns CSF closed. Conclusion The authors emphasize the correct indication of neurosurgery and the postoperative intensive care unit (ICU) as key factors for success in the treatment of patients with EDHs.

Objetivos Poucos estudos atuais tem focado os hematomas epidurais que são rotina nos serviços de emergência. O estudo teve por objetivo avaliar a situação mais recente dos doentes acometidos por traumatismo crânio ancefálico associado a hematoma epidural no nosso serviço. Métodos Estudo prospectivo entre 1 de setembro de 2003 a 30 de maio de 2009. Foram computados dados referentes a idade, sexo, mecanismo do traumatismo, qualificação pela escala de coma de Glasgow` a admissão, presença de anisocoria e avaliação pela escala de recuperação de Glasgow na alta, tendo todos os pacientes realizado tomografia de crânio. Resultados Dentre os 173 pacientes analisados encontramos mortalidade de 20 pacientes (11,5%). No subgrupo de 76 pacientes (44%) admitidos em escala de coma de Glasgow (ECGLa) ≤ 8 pontos, a mortalidade foi superior com 17 óbitos, correspondendo a 85% do total de óbitos. Prevaleceram indivíduos do sexo masculinos (140 casos, 81%) com hematomas localizados na região temporal, seguido pelas regiões frontal e parietal; 147 (85%) foram submetidos a tratamento neurocirúrgico por craniotomia. O prognóstico foi pior nos pacientes com hematomas de volume superior a 50 mL, desvios de estruturas de linha mediana maiores que 1,5 mm e cisternas liquóricas basais fechadas. Conclusões Os autores enfatizam a correta indicação da neurocirurgia e o pósoperatório na unidade de terapia intensiva como fatores chave para o bom resultado no tratamento dos doentes com hematomas epidurais.

Hematoma epidural diagnosticado por diplopia - Relato de caso / Epidural Hematoma Diagnosed by Diplopia - Case Report

Os autores relatam e discutem o mecanismo pelo qual um paciente de 33 anos, com relato de traumatismo crânio encefálico ocorrido 5 dias antes comperda de consciência no momento do traumatismo, e assintomático nos 4 dias sequentes, iniciou diplopia no quinto dia após o traumatismo, sintoma que provocou sua ida ao pronto-socorro, a realização de exame físico neurológico normal e de tomografia do crânio devido a história e mecanismo de traumatismo, que revelou hematoma epidural occipital, prontamente operado, com o sintoma de diplopia tendo desaparecido no 14o dia após a cirurgia, já com o paciente em casa.

The authors report a male of 33 years that after head trauma occurred 5 days before developed diplopia, which motivated him to go to the emergency room, where even without changes in neurological examination, brain CT scan performed revealed an epidural hematoma occipital, operated with good functional outcome.

Giant acute epidural hematoma after ventriculoperitoneal shunt: a case report and literature review.

Cerebrospinal fluid over-drainage is a common complication of ventriculoperitoneal devices. In terms of haemorrhage, subdural haematomas are usually more frequent lesions than epidural hematomas, which, more rarely, may also be seen after ventricular shunt procedures and may lead to rapid neurological decline and even death unless a surgical procedure can be promptly performed. This study reports the case of a 47 years-old Dandy Walker man, with clinical condition compatible with the diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus submitted to a ventriculoperitoneal shunt with a high fixed pressure valve. After discharge, on the second day after the procedure, he presented with headache and impaired level of consciousness. At hospital admission he was in a coma and anisochoric. Underwent endotracheal intubation and a head CT, showed epidural hematoma. We performed emergency craniotomy to drain the hematoma, the patient died in the operating room despite resuscitation attempts. In conclusion, prompt diagnosis and emergency craniotomy is recommended in these cases. We must be aware of this possible evolution and maintain high suspicion besides a longer in-hospital observation after these procedures.