Traumatic retroclival epidural hematoma—a pediatric entity?

Abstract

Traumatic retroclival epidural hematoma is very rare and only a few cases are described in literature. All previous cases occurred in the pediatric population and were classically seen in pedestrians or cyclists hit by speeding motor vehicles. It is probable that horizontal articulation between the cranium and the atlas and ligamentous laxity at the craniocervical junction in this age group predispose them to ligamentous injury at the craniospinal junction and formation of retroclival hematoma. MRI or three-dimensional reconstructed CT is considered essential for diagnosing this condition. Conservative treatment is an option if neurological deficits are mild and brainstem compression is not significant. Bony fixation is, however, required if there is suspicion of instability. The authors describe the case of an 8-year-old girl who developed traumatic retroclival epidural hematoma after a motor vehicle accident and who was managed conservatively with good recovery. This case and the review of literature suggest that retroclival epidural hematoma is a pediatric entity usually associated with ligamental injury at the craniocervical junction.