Is there a link between acute spinal epidural hematoma and aspirin?

Abstract

STUDY DESIGN:

This is a report of a patient with acute spinal epidural hematoma taking aspirin, 250 mg/day.

OBJECTIVE:

To describe the association of spinal epidural hematoma and aspirin.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA:

In about 50% of patients, the cause of acute spinal epidural hematoma is obscure. Analysis of possible mechanisms is necessary.

METHODS:

Diagnostic lumbar puncture, suboccipital myelography, and surgical removal of the hematoma was performed.

RESULTS:

Increased bleeding was noticed during these procedures. Bleeding time was normal 6 days after discontinuance of aspirin.

CONCLUSION:

Because aspirin is widely used, its role in causing spinal epidural hematoma will remain conjectural. For the present patient, however, it was postulated that aspirin had a major impact on the extent of the epidural bleeding. There should be awareness of a possible link between aspirin and spinal epidural hematoma.

• Authors: N Heye
• Journal: Spine (Spine (Phila Pa 1976)) Vol. 20 Issue 17 Pg. 1931-2 (Sep 01 1995) ISSN: 0362-2436 [Print] United States
• PMID: 8560344 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors
• Aspirin

Topics

• Acute Disease
• Aged
• Aspirin (adverse effects)
• Hematoma, Epidural, Cranial (chemically induced)
• Humans
• Male
• Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors (adverse effects)