Clopidogrel-induced spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma.

Abstract

The hemorrhagic side effects associated with the use of clopidogrel are within the acceptable range and occur mainly at skin or gastrointestinal sites. We report a case of spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma (SSEH) in a 60-yr-old woman who was treated with clopidogrel for frequent transient ischemic attacks. To our knowledge, this is the second reported case of clopidogrel-induced SSEH. The patient's symptoms and past history of clopidogrel use suggested the diagnosis and made the procedure proceed quickly to operate SSEH 9 hr after the onset of paraplegia. The outcome was excellent. Therefore, with the popularity of antiplatelet prescription, physicians should keep in mind and urgently treat this unusual but critical side effect.

• Authors: Jae Hoon Sung, Jae Taek Hong, Byung Chul Son, Sang Won Lee
• Journal: Journal of Korean medical science (J Korean Med Sci) Vol. 22 Issue 3 Pg. 577-9 (Jun 2007) ISSN: 1011-8934 [Print] Korea (South)
• PMID: 17596676 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors
• Clopidogrel
• Ticlopidine

Topics

• Aged
• Brain (pathology)
• Cerebral Angiography
• Clopidogrel
• Female
• Hematoma, Epidural, Spinal (chemically induced)
• Humans
• Ischemia (drug therapy)
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors (adverse effects)
• Ticlopidine (adverse effects, analogs & derivatives)
• Time Factors
• Treatment Outcome