Korean J Spine.  2015 Dec;12(4):279-282. 10.14245/kjs.2015.12.4.279.

Idiopathic Spontaneous Intramedullary Hemorrhage: A Report of a Rare Case of Repeated Intramedullary Hemorrhage with Unknown Etiology

• Choi BS
• Lee S

• KMID: 2288377
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.14245/kjs.2015.12.4.279

Abstract

A 48-year-old woman presented with acute voiding difficulty, numbness and weakness of both lower extremities. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed an intramedullary hemorrhagic mass that extended from T9 to T10. T8-T10 laminotomy and surgical removal of the hemorrhagic mass was performed. The pathological diagnosis was hematoma. Her neurological status remained the same after the operation. At 5 days post-operation, the patient suddenly became paraplegic, and MRI that was immediately performed revealed a recurrent intramedullary hemorrhage. Emergent surgical evacuation was performed. Again, histological examination showed only hematoma, without any evidence of abnormal vessels or a tumor. A postoperative MRI revealed no abnormal lesions other than those resulting from postoperative changes. At a 9-month follow up, the patient could walk a short distance with the aid of a walker. Because spontaneous intramedullary hemorrhage with unknown etiology is very rare, it is essential to perform a meticulous inspection of the hemorrhagic site to find the underlying cause. Repeated hemorrhage can occur; therefore, close observation of patients after surgery is important in cases without an apparent etiology. Urgent surgical evacuation is important to improve outcomes in these cases.

Keyword

Intramedullary hemorrhage; Intraspinal hemorrhage; Hematomyelia; Spinal cord; Idiopathic; Spontaneous

MeSH Terms

Diagnosis
Female
Follow-Up Studies
Hematoma
Hemorrhage*
Humans
Hypesthesia
Laminectomy
Lower Extremity
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Middle Aged
Spinal Cord
Spinal Cord Vascular Diseases
Walkers