Initial spinal epidural hematoma symptoms mimic artery dissection

Abstract

Key Clinical Message An elderly patient with upper back pain and hypertension was diagnosed as having spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma (SSEH) after excluding artery dissection. The initial symptoms of SSEH mimic those of artery dissection, and the symptoms of spinal damage frequently appear later. Physicians should, therefore, be mindful of SSEH.

Keywords

• acute upper‐back pain
• artery dissection
• elderly patient
• hypertension
• spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma