Spontaneous Spinal Epidural Hematoma: Report of Two Cases and Literature Review

Abstract

Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma (SSEH) is a rare disease but may lead to life-threatening consequences if not timely diagnosed and managed. Emergent hematoma evacuation is indicated before neurological deficits become irreversible. We report two cases. The first case was a 45-year-old man brought to hospital because of an acute onset of quadriparesis and urinary incontinence. His cervical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed an epidural hematoma at the C5-C6 level with severe spinal cord compression. He underwent an emergency C5-C6 right hemi-laminotomy to remove the clot and decompress the cord. Postoperatively, his left-sided deficits immediately resolved. His urinary function returned to normal two weeks after the surgery. He could independently walk two months later. The second case was a 57-year-old man admitted to the hospital because of severe neck pain and paresthesia in both arms. He had been using an antiplatelet for two months. His MRI revealed an epidural hematoma from C2 to C4 with spinal cord compression on the right. This patient was successfully treated with conservative treatment. If SSEH is left undiagnosed and untreated, the neurological deficits may be permanent. Early emergent hematoma evacuation contributes to a favorable outcome. Conservative management is reasonable if neurological deficits are not severe.

Keywords

• spinal epidural hematoma
• neurologic deficits
• myelopathy
• laminotomy