Vertebral artery dissection as the underlying cause of ventral spinal epidural haematoma.

Spontaneous spine epidural haematoma is a rare occurrence, with an incidence of 0.1/100 000 inhabitants/year. The anterior location of the haematoma is very uncommon since the dural sac is firmly attached to the posterior longitudinal ligament. Vertebral artery dissection as its underlying cause is an exceptionally rare event, with only two documented cases.This article presents the case of young woman who arrived at the emergency room with a spinal ventral epidural haematoma extending from C2 to T10, caused by a non-traumatic dissecting aneurysm of the right vertebral artery at V2-V3 segment. Since the patient was tetraparetic, she underwent emergent laminectomy, and the vertebral artery dissection was subsequently treated endovascularly with stenting.Vertebral artery dissection with subsequent perivascular haemorrhage is a possible cause of spontaneous spine epidural haematoma, particularly when located ventrally in the cervical and/or high thoracic column. Hence the importance of a thorough investigation of the vertebral artery integrity.

A pig model of symptomatic spinal epidural hematoma.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to establish an animal model capable of simulating the development and decompression process of symptomatic spinal epidural hematoma (SSEH). METHODS: A total of 16 male Bama miniature pigs were included in this study and randomly allocated into four groups: Group A (4 h 20 mmHg hematoma compression), Group B (4 h 24 mmHg hematoma compression), Group C (4 h 28 mmHg hematoma compression), and Group Sham (control). Real-time intra-wound hematoma compression values were obtained using the principle of connectors. Electrophysiological analyses, including the latency and amplitude of somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEP) and motor evoked potentials (MEP), along with behavioral observations (Tarlov score), were performed to assess this model. RESULTS: ANOVA tests demonstrated significant differences in the latency and relative amplitude of SSEP and MEP between Groups C and Sham after 4 h of hematoma compression and one month after surgery (P < 0.01). Behavioral assessments 8 h after surgery indicated that animals subjected to 28 mmHg hematoma compression suffered the most severe spinal cord injury. Pearson correlation coefficient test suggested a negative correlation between the epidural pressure and Tarlov score (r = -0.700, p < 0.001). With the progression of compression and the escalation of epidural pressure, the latency of SSEP and MEP gradually increased, while the relative amplitude gradually decreased. CONCLUSIONS: When the epidural pressure reaches approximately 24 mmHg, the spinal cord function occurs progressive dysfunction. Monitoring epidural pressure would be an effective approach to assist to identify the occurrence of postoperative SSEH.

Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma leading to acute paraplegia: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma is an infrequent yet potentially debilitating condition characterized by blood accumulation in the epidural space, with only 300 documented cases globally. Although the exact etiology of spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma remains poorly understood, theories suggest arteriovenous malformations, rupture of epidural vessels, or epidural veins as possible causes. CASE PRESENTATION: This study presents a 58-year-old Malay woman patient from Singapore with well-controlled hypertension, hyperlipidemia, type II diabetes mellitus, and microscopic hematuria. Despite a prior cystoscopy revealing no abnormalities, she presented to the emergency department with sudden-onset back pain, weakness, and numbness in both lower limbs. Rapidly progressing symptoms prompted imaging, leading to the diagnosis of a spinal epidural hematoma from thoracic (T) 9 to lumbar (L) 1. Prompt decompressive surgery was performed, and the patient is currently undergoing postoperative rehabilitation for paralysis. CONCLUSION: This case emphasizes the severity and life-altering consequences of spontaneous spinal epidural hematomas. Despite various proposed causative factors, a definitive consensus remains elusive in current literature. Consequently, maintaining a low threshold of suspicion for patients with similar presentations is crucial. The findings underscore the urgent need for swift evaluation and surgical intervention in cases of acute paraplegia.

Management of traumatic cervical epidural hematoma in patients on Xa-inhibitors: a case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Cervical epidural hematoma (CEH) is defined as a collection of blood in the suprameningeal space. Mechanisms of this rare pathology include spontaneous, postsurgical, and traumatic as the main subtypes. This unique case of traumatic CEH represents an even smaller subset of these cases. Management varies by symptom presentation, mechanism of injury, and other contraindications. CASE PRESENTATION: This case presents a 32 year old African American female on an oral anticoagulant sustaining traumatic cervical hematoma after a motor vehicle collision. Patient complained of neck, abdominal, and back pain. Imaging revealed a cervical spinal hematoma at the level of C3-C6. This case discusses the management of CEH for the general population and in the setting of anticoagulation. CONCLUSION: Management of each case of CEH must be carefully considered and tailored based on their symptom presentation and progression of disease. As the use of anticoagulation including factor Xa inhibitors becomes more prevalent, there is greater need to understand the detailed pathophysiological aspect of the injuries. Targeted reversal agents such as Prothrombin Concentrate can be used for conservative treatment. Adjunct testing such as thromboelastogram can be used to help guide management.

Spontaneous Cervical Epidural Hematoma Presenting with Respiratory Failure: A Case Report and Literature Review.

CASE: A 62-year-old woman who had an unremarkable medical history presented with sudden headache and neck pain. After the presentation, complete quadriplegia and respiratory arrest developed, and the patient was urgently intubated. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an extensive epidural hematoma (EH), and emergency hematoma evacuation was performed. At the 1-year follow-up visit, the patient had no motor deficits. CONCLUSION: We reported a case of spontaneous cervical EH presenting with respiratory failure that was successfully treated with surgical management. Literature review has shown that the surgical outcome is very poor; nevertheless, prompt surgical decompression of the spinal cord can minimize neurological sequelae.

Delayed Diagnosis of Cervical Epidural Hematoma in a 3-Year-Old Boy: A Case Report.

CASE: A 3-year-old boy presented to the emergency department with torticollis after a fall. With normal cervical radiographs and neurologic exam, he was diagnosed with cervical strain and discharged. After 2-week progressive symptoms, he was referred to a pediatric spine surgeon. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a cervical epidural hematoma, which was then surgically evacuated. He recovered fully and remains symptom-free 2 years later. CONCLUSION: Pediatric spinal epidural hematoma is a rare condition with potentially serious outcomes yet often nonspecific symptoms. Timely management based on a comprehensive evaluation of symptoms and imaging findings is crucial in improving patient outcomes.

First report of lumbar spinal epidural hematoma after pelvic ring fracture.

INTRODUCTION: Spinal epidural hematoma is a rare condition that most commonly occurs as a complication of spinal surgery. For patients with neurological deficits, surgical decompression can generally provide good outcome. CASE: A 56-year-old, otherwise healthy, patient was admitted to the orthopedic emergency department with a pelvic ring fracture. Over the course of 4 days, a lumbar spinal epidural hematoma developed, with the patient complaining of pain radiating to the S1 dermatome and saddle paresthesia. The hematoma was surgically decompressed, and the patient had a complete recovery. DISCUSSION: To our knowledge, this is the first report of a spinal epidural hematoma after pelvic ring fracture. The etiology of spinal epidural hematoma is diverse, but it is most frequently observed after spinal surgery. It has rarely been observed after lumbar spinal fractures, nearly exclusively in patients with ankylosing spondylitis. CONCLUSION: Pelvic ring fracture might result in spinal epidural hematoma. The presence of neurological deficits after such fractures is an indication for lumbosacral MRI. Surgical decompression will generally resolve the neurological symptoms.

Insidious onset of spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma in immune thrombocytopenic purpura: a case-based review.

INTRODUCTION: Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma (SSEH) can result from various etiologies with a variable degree of neurological deficits. Here, we describe a rare case of SEH secondary to immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) in a child and review the literature of SSEH caused by ITP. CASE REPORT: A 9-year-old female who presented with rapid neurological decline, including bowel and bladder incontinence and paraparesis. A SSEH was observed extending from C2 to T6, causing a mass effect on the spinal cord. Her platelet count was only 7000/µL. Multidisciplinary care was established with neurosurgery, pediatric hematology, and pediatric surgery. The patient was managed emergently with splenectomy and surgical evacuation, with multilevel laminectomy and laminoplasty for evacuation of the hematoma. After a short course of rehabilitation, the patient regained all neurological function. CONCLUSION: We report the first case of cervicothoracic SSEH secondary to ITP in a child managed with emergent splenectomy and surgical evacuation with multilevel lamoplasty. We also described the methods of timely diagnosis, urgent management, and overall prognosis of patients with this condition.

Paradoxical contralateral hemiparesis in spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Hemiparesis associated with spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma (SSEH) usually occurs ipsilateral to the hematoma. We here report the case of a patient with paradoxical hemiparesis contralateral to a spinal lesion due to SSEH. CASE PRESENTATION: A 70-year-old woman was identified in routine clinical practice; she presented with acute-onset neck pain and left hemiparesis. Neurological examination showed left-sided sensory-motor hemiparesis without facial involvement. Cervical MRI showed a dorsolateral epidural hematoma compressing the spinal cord at the C2 to C3 level. Axial imaging demonstrated a crescent hematoma on the right side, which is contralateral to the hemiparesis, and lateral displacement of the spinal cord. Spinal angiography revealed no abnormal vessels. Based on clinical presentation and MRI findings, a diagnosis of SSEH was made. The patient was managed conservatively. The symptoms completely resolved without any neurological deficits, and the hematoma disappeared on the follow-up MRI. CONCLUSIONS: Paradoxical contralateral hemiparesis is one of the possible presenting symptoms in patients with SSEH. This case demonstrates the existence of the paradoxical contralateral hemiparesis associated with spinal compressive lesions. A plausible mechanism of the phenomenon is discussed.

Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma in a toddler presenting with torticollis: case report and literature review.

INTRODUCTION: Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma (SSEH) is a rare entity, especially in toddlers and infants. The nonspecificity of its presenting symptoms in children may be a source of delayed diagnosis. CASE DESCRIPTION: We report the case of a 20-month-old young boy without medical history who presented with irreducible torticollis, worsened a few days later by severe tetraplegia and respiratory distress. Spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a posterior epidural hematoma, extending from C3 to T1 and compressing the spinal cord. An urgent decompressive surgery via an extensive laminectomy and evacuation of the clot was performed. The patient demonstrated a partial neurological recovery on follow-up. CONCLUSION: SSEH is a rare and serious condition that may compromise the functional and vital prognosis of the patient, hence the importance of prompt diagnosis and urgent treatment.

Prognostic Factors for Surgically Managed Spontaneous Spinal Epidural Hematoma: A Single-Center Case Series of 18 Patients.

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma (SSEH) is a rare pathology, which carries a significant morbidity. OBJECTIVE: To review our institutional experience of surgically managed patients with SSEH, seeking to better understand clinical prognostic factors related to postoperative outcomes and thereby improve counseling of patients before treatment. METHODS: All patients who underwent surgical management of SSEH between September 2011 and 2021. Baseline and postoperative clinical and radiological characteristics are presented, including the American Spinal Injury Association grade (ASIA). Statistical analyses were performed using Stata 13.1. RESULTS: Eighteen patients were identified in total (11 male patients and 7 female patients) with a median age of 59.5 (range 3-83) years. The most common spinal region affected was cervicothoracic (33.3%). Limb weakness (94.4%) and urinary dysfunction (83.3%) represented the most common presenting symptoms. Preoperatively, the presence of spinal cord edema on imaging was associated with worse preoperative Medical Research Council (MRC) grade ( P = .033), female sex was associated with preserved saddle sensation ( P = .04), and patients receiving antiplatelet medication were associated with a higher risk of preoperative axial back pain ( P = .005). Higher postoperative MRC grade was associated with higher preoperative ASIA ( P = .012) and MRC grade ( P = .005), and preservation of saddle sensation ( P = .018). Postoperative improvements in axial back pain were associated with higher preoperative ASIA grade ( P = .035) and anticoagulation treatment ( P = .029). CONCLUSION: Neurosurgical intervention for SSEH yields positive outcomes and benefits patients. Patients with higher preoperative ASIA, MRC grade, and those presenting with preserved saddle sensation may experience further improved clinical outcomes after intervention.

Unique case of successful surgical treatment of recurrent spinal epidural hematoma after lumbar disc surgery in a Glanzmann thrombasthenia patient.

We report a case of recurrent postoperative spinal hemorrhage after lumbar disc surgery in a Glanzmann thrombasthenia patient.

Technical note: Novel use of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator for the evacuation of an acute extensive spinal epidural haematoma in a patient with coagulopathy.

Spontaneous extensive spinal epidural haematoma poses a unique challenge for the neurosurgeon. Performing extensive laminectomies to remove all of the compressive haematoma can destabilise the patient's spinal column, which may require fixation. This is further complicated in patients with significant coagulopathy. We present a novel use of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) in a patient with therapeutic coagulopathy, presenting with myelopathy secondary to an acute extensive spinal epidural haematoma. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of acute multilevel spinal epidural haematoma that has been successfully evacuated via single level laminectomy and topically applied rt-PA.