J Korean Soc Emerg Med.  2014 Apr;25(2):206-209.

A Case of Spontaneous Spinal Epidural Hematoma Misidentified as a Middle Cerebral Artery Infarction

• Koh CY

Abstract

Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma (SSEH) is an uncommon cause of spinal cord compression. Early diagnosis and appropriate management are important, however, diagnosis is often difficult due to variable neurologic deficit. We report on the case of a 69-year-old female patient in right hemiparesis. She was treated with thrombolysis therapy for acute cerebral infarction before being transferred to our hospital. Findings on a cervical spine magnetic resonance image showed spinal epidural hematoma and cord compression. She was prepared to undergo decompressive surgery, however, neurologic deficits began to show improvement. She was managed conservatively and was discharged without deficits approximately nine days after onset.

Keyword

Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma; Middle cerebral artery infarction; Thrombolytics; Hemiparesis

MeSH Terms

Aged
Cerebral Infarction
Diagnosis
Early Diagnosis
Female
Hematoma, Epidural, Spinal*
Humans
Infarction, Middle Cerebral Artery*
Neurologic Manifestations
Paresis
Spinal Cord Compression
Spine