Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma. Another neurologic complication of cocaine?

OBJECTIVES: To describe a patient with a spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma associated with cocaine use and to present issues related to pathogenesis and management of this potential complication. DESIGN: Case report. SETTING: Municipal hospital. CASE: A spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma developed at the thoracic level in a 62-year-old man in association with cocaine use. Clinical, laboratory, and radiologic data are presented. MAIN OUTCOME AND RESULTS: The patient was treated medically with intravenous and oral dexamethasone sodium phosphate. His neurologic status gradually improved during a 12-day hospitalization. CONCLUSION: Cocaine use should be considered in the evaluation of spontaneous spinal epidural hemorrhage.