Work

Delayed presentation of traumatic cervical epidural hematoma: a case report and review of the pertinent literature

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: A delayed presentation of traumatic spinal epidural hematoma (SEH) is a rare disease in which most patients are asymptomatic for days to weeks after the injury, followed by pain and then a neurological deficit. A 66-year-old woman who suffered a fractured right clavicle due to a bicycle accident 42 days previously, presented with left shoulder pain and left hemiplegia. The manual muscle test (MMT) scores of the left upper and lower limbs were all 1. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed no cervical fracture but showed cervical epidural hematoma. She underwent surgery for the removal of the SEH. Her MMT score improved to 4 at 10 days after surgery. Even in cases with a delayed presentation, suspecting SEH can help clinicians make an early diagnosis. Additionally, the prompt surgical evacuation of the SEH can lead to favorable neurological outcomes in symptomatic cases.

Source: Oxford Medical Case Reports

DOI: 10.1093/omcr/omae086

Authors: Taiki Isaji, Tadato Yukiue, Takayuki Amano

Institution: Nagoya Tokushukai General Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Spinal Hematomas and Complications

Subfield: Surgery

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,180