Technical note: Novel use of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator for the evacuation of an acute extensive spinal epidural haematoma in a patient with coagulopathy.

Spontaneous extensive spinal epidural haematoma poses a unique challenge for the neurosurgeon. Performing extensive laminectomies to remove all of the compressive haematoma can destabilise the patient's spinal column, which may require fixation. This is further complicated in patients with significant coagulopathy. We present a novel use of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) in a patient with therapeutic coagulopathy, presenting with myelopathy secondary to an acute extensive spinal epidural haematoma. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of acute multilevel spinal epidural haematoma that has been successfully evacuated via single level laminectomy and topically applied rt-PA.

Spinal epidural hematoma in a child with hemophilia A with high titer inhibitors and follow-up with prophylactic emicizumab: case report and literature review.

Hemorrhage in the central nervous system is the most severe and debilitating manifestation affecting patients with hemophilia A. The spinal epidural space is the most unusual and clinically challenging site of central nervous system hemorrhage in hemophilia A. These patients often show insidious neurological signs and symptoms that delay diagnosis and treatment. We share our experience treating a 4-year-old male patient with severe hemophilia A and high titer inhibitors with a spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma. The patient presented initially with intense headache and neck pain. After blood tests and imaging studies, bypassing agent therapy with recombinant-activated factor VII was used until discharge; this was later replaced with emicizumab. After 18 months, the patient is without neurological sequelae and has not experienced subsequent bleeding episodes. We review the available literature and discuss the relevance of emicizumab compared with standard therapies in the context of spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma.

Conservative therapy for spinal epidural hematoma in a child with hemophilia A with high-titer VIII inhibitors.

The occurrence of a spinal epidural hematoma in patients with hemophilia A with high-titer VIII inhibitors is extremely rare and intractable. A 15-year-old male patient presented to our institution with acute back pain and progressive sensorimotor disorder of the bilateral lower extremities. He had hemophilia A with high-titer VIII inhibitors and had experienced recurrent hemorrhagic episodes for many years. Prompt magnetic resonance imaging revealed a spinal epidural hematoma. We administered bypassing agent therapy with prothrombin complex concentrates and performed intensive neurological monitoring. The neurological dysfunction improved with days, and the patient recovered completely within 3 weeks. Magnetic resonance imaging 1 year later showed that the hematoma had been completely absorbed. Spinal epidural hematomas in patients with hemophilia A with high-titer inhibitors can be successfully treated using prothrombin complex concentrates. Multidisciplinary discussions based on intensive neurological monitoring should be performed as early in the clinical course as possible.

Spinal Hematoma Following Coronary Angioplasty: An Uncommon Complication.

We report an unusual case of post-procedural spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma in a 65 year old man who presented with an acute coronary syndrome and underwent complex coronary intervention with adjunct use of a GPIIb/IIIa inhibitor. Although spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma (SSEH) following coronary intervention is extremely rare, clinicians should be aware of this unusual diagnosis. Prompt investigation with MRI and early referral for neurosurgical input are recommended to prevent potentially significant sequelae.

Cervical epidural hematoma following interlaminar epidural steroid injection via the contralateral oblique view in patient taking omega-3 fatty acids.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: We sought to describe a case of an epidural hematoma after a cervical interlaminar epidural steroid injection (ILESI) performed using contralateral oblique view. We also discuss factors that could have placed this patient at increased risk, including concurrent use of omega-3 fatty acids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications. CASE REPORT: A 74-year-old woman returned to the pain clinic, within 15 min of discharge, after an apparent uncomplicated cervical ILESI using the contralateral oblique technique with severe periscapular pain and muscle spasms. Cervical MRI showed a large epidural hematoma which was subsequently emergently evacuated. On postoperative examination, the patient had no neurologic deficits and full resolution of her painful symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of cervical epidural hematoma in which the contralateral oblique technique was used. Also, this is the second case in which the combination of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications and omega-3 fatty acids has been considered as a contributor to increased hematoma risk. This case underscores the risk of epidural hematoma using a novel fluoroscopic technique and the need for potential discontinuation of supplements like omega-3 fatty acids.

Timing and risks of chemoprophylaxis after spinal surgery: a single-center experience with 6869 consecutive patients.

OBJECTIVE Venous thromboembolism (VTE) after spinal surgery is a major cause of morbidity, but chemoprophylactic anticoagulation can prevent it. However, there is variability in the timing and use of chemoprophylactic anticoagulation after spine surgery, particularly given surgeons' concerns for spinal epidural hematomas. The goal of this study was to provide insight into the safety, efficacy, and timing of anticoagulation therapy after spinal surgery. METHODS The authors retrospectively examined records from 6869 consecutive spinal surgeries performed in their departments at Northwestern University. Data on patient demographics, surgery, hospital course, timing of chemoprophylaxis, and complications, including deep venous thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), and spinal epidural hematomas requiring evacuation, were collected. Data from the patients who received chemoprophylaxis (n = 1904) were compared with those of patients who did not (n = 4965). The timing of chemoprophylaxis, the rate of VTEs, and the incidence of spinal epidural hematomas were analyzed. RESULTS The chemoprophylaxis group had more risk factors, including greater age (59.70 vs 51.86 years, respectively; p < 0.001), longer surgery (278.59 vs 145.66 minutes, respectively; p < 0.001), higher estimated blood loss (995 vs 448 ml, respectively; p < 0.001), more comorbid diagnoses (2.69 vs 1.89, respectively; p < 0.001), history of VTE (5.8% vs 2.1%, respectively; p < 0.001), and a higher number were undergoing fusion surgery (46.1% vs 24.7%, respectively; p < 0.001). The prevalence of VTE was higher in the chemoprophylaxis group (3.62% vs 2.03%, respectively; p < 0.001). The median time to VTE occurrence was shorter in the nonchemoprophylaxis group (3.6 vs 6.8 days, respectively; p = 0.0003, log-rank test; hazard ratio 0.685 [0.505-0.926]), and the peak prevalence of VTE occurred in the first 3 postoperative days in the nonchemoprophylaxis group. The average time of initiation of chemoprophylaxis was 1.46 days after surgery. The rates of epidural hematoma were 0.20% (n = 4) in the chemoprophylaxis group and 0.18% (n = 9) in the nonchemoprophylaxis group (p = 0.622). CONCLUSIONS The risks of spinal epidural hematoma among patients who receive chemoprophylaxis and those who do not are low and equivalent. Administering anticoagulation therapy from 1 day before to 3 days after surgery is safe for patients at high risk for VTE.

[Clinical Manifestations of Spinal Epidural Hematoma-Stroke Mimic and Pitfalls in Diagnosis].

Clinical manifestations of spinal epidural hematoma are presented, and the cases mimicking acute ischemic stroke have been reviewed from the literature. Many reports described the cases of spinal epidural hematoma with acute hemiparesis mimicking ischemic stroke in which intravenous thrombolytic treatment with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator was considered. A correct diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke must be made within 4.5 hours from the onset of symptoms, a relatively short window period. A spinal epidural hematoma is a potentially important stroke mimic in a wide variety of conditions that mimic a stroke. The literature review and discussion will emphasize allowing the distinction between these hemiparetic presentation of spinal epidural hematoma and acute ischemic stroke. A spinal epidural hematoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with acute onset of hemiparesis when associated with neck pain and signs of Horner's syndrome and Brown-Sequard syndrome.

Effective Steroid Treatment in Traumatic Cervical Spinal Epidural Hematoma Presenting with Delayed Tetraparesis: Two Case Reports and Literature Review.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic spinal epidural hematoma (TSEH) is a rare neurosurgical condition that according to conventional treatment requires prompt surgical decompression. Recent reports, however, suggest that conservative management within the acute phase after trauma also can lead to similar long-term functional outcomes without the need for immediate neurosurgical intervention. CASE DESCRIPTION: In the present paper, we describe 2 cases of TSEH located in the ventral upper cervical spine, which presented with delayed neurologic deficits. In both cases, conservative management with steroid treatment was initiated before neurosurgical decompression, resulting in improved neurologic outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Urgent surgical decompression may not be necessary acutely in patients with TSEH who respond well to conservative therapy. Although there is currently no consensus for the initial management strategies, steroid treatment could individually tailored and applied according to the clinical condition and evolving symptoms.

Torticollis in a haemophilic infant with inhibitor: a case of spinal epidural haematoma.

Central nervous system bleeding, which can be a life-threatening complication, is seen in 2.7% of patients with haemophilia. Spinal epidural haematomas represent about one-tenth of such cases. Here, we report on a 10-month-old boy with severe haemophilia A, who presented with torticollis. Although administration of factor VIII at a dose of 50 U/kg, the patient developed flaccid paralysis of the upper extremities. Factor VIII inhibitor screen was positive. Magnetic resonance imaging of the spine revealed spinal epidural haematomas, extending from C-1 to the cauda equina. Treatment was continued with recombinant activated factor VIIa without surgery. After 1 month, complete neurological recovery was achieved and fully resolved haematomas were detected on spinal MRI. A prompt radiological evaluation of the cervical spine with MRI should be made in patients with haemophilia presenting with torticollis. In addition, in the case of life-threatening bleeding in patients with haemophilia, the possibility of an inhibitor should be kept in mind.

Spinal cord injury with unilateral versus bilateral primary hemorrhage--effects of glibenclamide.

In spinal cord injury (SCI), block of Sur1-regulated NC(Ca-ATP) channels by glibenclamide protects penumbral capillaries from delayed fragmentation, resulting in reduced secondary hemorrhage, smaller lesions and better neurological function. All published experiments demonstrating a beneficial effect of glibenclamide in rat models of SCI have used a cervical hemicord impact calibrated to produce primary hemorrhage located exclusively ipsilateral to the site of impact. Here, we tested the hypothesis that glibenclamide also would be protective in a model with more extensive, bilateral primary hemorrhage. We studied the effect of glibenclamide in 2 rat cervical hemicord contusion models with identical impact force (10 g, 25 mm), one with the impactor positioned laterally to yield unilateral primary hemorrhage (UPH), and the other with the impactor positioned more medially, yielding larger, bilateral primary hemorrhages (BPH) and 6-week lesion volumes that were 45% larger. Functional outcome measures included: modified (unilateral) Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan scores, angled plane performance, and rearing times. In the UPH model, the effects of glibenclamide were similar to previous observations, including a functional benefit as early as 24h after injury and 6-week lesion volumes that were 57% smaller than controls. In the BPH model, glibenclamide exerted a significant benefit over controls, but the functional benefit was smaller than in the UPH model and 6-week lesion volumes were 33% smaller than controls. We conclude that glibenclamide is beneficial in different models of cervical SCI, with the magnitude of the benefit depending on the magnitude and extent of primary hemorrhage.

Methylprednisolone worsening neuropathic pain in non-traumatic thoracic myelopathy.

Methylprednisolone (MP) is the only neuroprotective medication currently in widespread use for the treatment of spinal cord injury. Increasingly, published studies challenge its clinical effects in view of its serious side-effects including wound infection, pneumonia, sepsis and steroid myopathy. Most cases with spontaneous spinal epidural haematoma (SSEH) need emergency evacuation, and typically show good neurologic recovery. Some patients with SSEH given preoperative or postoperative MP within hours of the onset of symptoms, and have had good motor recovery, although no mention was made of sensory function. Severe, intractable neuropathic pain has not been reported in patients with SSEH. We present a case of SSEH treated with a high-dose MP 16 h after onset of symptoms. Surgical decompression was performed 1 h after MP treatment. Motor recovery was good; however, intractable neuropathic pain developed 5 weeks postoperatively. We discuss the factors contributing to intractable pain. We speculate that the severe, intractable pain might be due to misuse of large-dose steroids in this case of non-traumatic spinal myelopathy, and not because of the injury per se.