Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma: a case report

Ooi Chin Sheng,I-Hsin Chang,Ren-Chieh Wu

doi:10.1186/s12245-021-00379-0

Ooi Chin Sheng, I-Hsin Chang + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12245-021-00379-0

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Abstract

BackgroundSpinal epidural hematomas usually occur under certain conditions; they rarely occur spontaneously. The prevalence of spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma is ~ 0.1 per 100,000, and the male-to-female ratio is approximately 1.4 to 1. Herein, we describe a rare case of spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma.Case presentationA 63-year-old Taiwanese woman, with underlying hypertension, anemia, and a history of cardiovascular accident without sequela, was admitted to our emergency department with a chief complaint of sudden bilateral weakness in the lower limbs. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a spontaneous epidural hematoma. The patient underwent emergency surgery to remove the epidural hematoma and laminectomy for decompression. The bilateral lower limb weakness was alleviated immediately after the surgery.ConclusionIn patients with no risk factors related to spinal epidural hematoma, symptoms of bilateral lower limb weakness must be investigated carefully because this condition may occur spontaneously.

Highlights

In patients with no risk factors related to spinal epidural hematoma, symptoms of bilateral lower limb weakness must be investigated carefully because this condition may occur spontaneously
Spinal epidural hematomas usually occur under certain conditions; they rarely occur spontaneously
Our purpose of presenting this case report is to warn physicians that lower limb weakness or back pain must be investigated for this condition, even though affected patients might not have any risk factors or any other possible cause

Summary

Introduction

Spinal epidural hematomas usually occur under certain conditions; they rarely occur spontaneously. Conclusion: In patients with no risk factors related to spinal epidural hematoma, symptoms of bilateral lower limb weakness must be investigated carefully because this condition may occur spontaneously. Our purpose of presenting this case report is to warn physicians that lower limb weakness or back pain must be investigated for this condition, even though affected patients might not have any risk factors or any other possible cause.

Results

Conclusion