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Fatal Spontaneous Rebleeding of Subdural Haematoma Following COVID-19 Infection: A Case Report

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: COVID-19 is associated with various neurological complications, including intracranial haemorrhage. However, spontaneous rebleeding of pre-existing subdural haematomas triggered by COVID-19 infection remains exceptionally rare. We report an 88-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis who presented with acute-on-chronic subdural haematoma following a fall. Conservative management was pursued, given her advanced age and comorbidities. After seven days of clinical stability, she contracted COVID-19 via PCR screening. Within 24 hours, she experienced catastrophic neurological deterioration (Glasgow Coma Scale declining from 15 to 3) without trauma or anticoagulation. Imaging confirmed worsening subdural haemorrhage with increased midline shift (12 mm) and acute rebleeding. Despite supportive care, she died 10 days later. This case demonstrates a temporal association between COVID-19 infection and fatal subdural haematoma rebleeding, possibly mediated through vascular injury, neuroinflammation, and coagulopathy. Patients with pre-existing intracranial haemorrhage who develop COVID-19 may require heightened neurological surveillance.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.98623

Authors: Rimsha Ghufran, Sana Aleem, Winluck Shayo, Abdul Hannan Siddiqui

Institution: University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust

Language: English

Topic: Neurosurgical Procedures and Complications

Subfield: Neurology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4417090673