Spinal subdural hematoma following craniotomy: case report.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Spinal subdural hematomas (SSH) are a rare cause of spinal cord compression. SSH following clipping of an aneurysm has only been reported once. We now report such a case and discuss the mechanism of SSH development after aneurysmal neck clipping.

CASE DESCRIPTION:

A 32-year-old man complained of lumbago 7 days after craniotomy for the clipping of an aneurysm. Neurologic examination revealed no abnormality, but magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated a lumbosacral spinal subdural hematoma. He received conservative management and his lumbago showed improvement. An MRI taken 19 days after surgery revealed a residual hematoma.

CONCLUSION:

The downward movement of blood from the cranial subdural compartment under the influence of gravity is the most appropriate explanation for SSH following craniotomy.

• Authors: Myoung Soo Kim, Chun Kee Chung, Jin Woo Hur, Jong-Won Lee, Su-Ok Seong, Hyun Koo Lee
• Journal: Surgical neurology (Surg Neurol) Vol. 61 Issue 3 Pg. 288-92 (Mar 2004) ISSN: 0090-3019 [Print] United States
• PMID: 14985009 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Topics

• Adult
• Craniotomy
• Follow-Up Studies
• Hematoma, Subdural (diagnosis)
• Humans
• Intracranial Aneurysm (diagnosis, surgery)
• Low Back Pain (etiology)
• Lumbar Vertebrae (pathology)
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Male
• Postoperative Complications (diagnosis)
• Spinal Cord Compression (diagnosis)