Multiple Spinal Chronic Subdural Hematomas Associated with Thoracic Hematomyelia: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is uncommon in the spine. Most spinal CSDHs occur as solitary lesions in the lumbosacral region. We report a rare case of multiple spinal CSDHs associated with hematomyelia. The diagnostic and therapeutic management of these complex spinal CSDHs is reviewed as well as the pertinent literature.

CASE DESCRIPTION:

A 79-year-old woman on warfarin therapy presented with lower back pain and progressive lower extremity weakness that had developed in the previous 2 weeks. She subsequently developed paraplegia and urinary incontinence. Thoracolumbar magnetic resonance imaging showed a CSDH from T12-L3 compressing the cauda equina. Single-shot whole-spine magnetic resonance imaging showed another CSDH and hematomyelia at T2-3. She underwent L2-3 hemilaminectomy, which revealed a liquefied subdural hematoma. Delayed T2 laminectomy exposed an organized subdural hematoma and xanthochromic hematomyelia. After each surgery, the patient showed significant motor recovery. Finally, the patient could walk, and the urinary catheter was removed.

CONCLUSIONS:

Spinal CSDH may occur in multiple regions and may be associated with hematomyelia. Whole-spine magnetic resonance imaging is useful to examine the entire spine for CSDH accurately and thoroughly. Comprehensive surgical exploration of all symptomatic hematomas may restore neurologic functions even with delayed surgery.

• Authors: Yuki Oichi, Hiroki Toda, Koji Yamagishi, Yoshitaka Tsujimoto
• Journal: World neurosurgery (World Neurosurg) Vol. 131 Pg. 95-103 (Nov 2019) ISSN: 1878-8769 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 31394354 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article, Review)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Topics

• Aged
• Female
• Hematoma, Subdural, Chronic (complications, diagnostic imaging, surgery)
• Hematoma, Subdural, Spinal (complications, diagnostic imaging, surgery)
• Humans
• Laminectomy
• Lumbar Vertebrae (diagnostic imaging, surgery)
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Paraplegia (etiology)
• Spinal Cord Vascular Diseases (diagnostic imaging, etiology)
• Thoracic Vertebrae (diagnostic imaging, surgery)
• Urinary Retention (etiology)