Spinal chronic subdural hematoma in association with anticoagulant therapy: a case report and literature review

• Published in: Spine (Philadelphia, Pa. 1976) Vol. 31; no. 6; pp. E184 - E187
• Main Authors: Jimbo, Hiroyuki, Asamoto, Shunji, Mitsuyama, Tetsuryu, Hatayama, Kazumi, Iwasaki, Yasuo, Fukui, Yasuyuki
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 15-03-2006
• Subjects: Aged; Anticoagulants - adverse effects; Diagnosis, Differential; Hematoma, Subdural, Chronic - chemically induced; Hematoma, Subdural, Chronic - diagnostic imaging; Hematoma, Subdural, Chronic - surgery; Hematoma, Subdural, Spinal - chemically induced; Hematoma, Subdural, Spinal - diagnostic imaging; Hematoma, Subdural, Spinal - surgery; Humans; Male; Radiography; Spinal Cord Compression - diagnostic imaging; Spinal Cord Compression - surgery
• ISSN: 0362-2436; 1528-1159
• DOI: 10.1097/01.brs.0000202760.30257.88

A case of spinal chronic subdural hematoma (SCSDH) in association with anticoagulant therapy was treated surgically.
To clarify the etiopathogenesis, clinical presentation, and surgical outcomes of SCSDH.
Intracranial chronic subdural hematoma is a well-recognized complication of anticoagulant therapy. However, SCSDH is very rare and its etiopathogenesis is uncertain.
A 72-year-old man with SCSDH who had received anticoagulant therapy for atrial fibrillation complained of bilateral lower extremity pain, cramps, and gait disturbance. The patient underwent an operation for evacuation of the hematoma.
Lower-extremity pain, cramps, and gait disturbance improved, and the patient was discharged 10 days after surgery.
SCSDH should be included in the differential diagnosis of progressive spinal cord and nerve root compression in patients receiving anticoagulant therapy. Prompt diagnosis and early surgical decompression lead to a good outcome.