Recurrent Cranial Chronic Subdural Hematoma due to Cervical Cerebrospinal Fluid Fistula: Repair of Both Entities in the Same Session

J Craniofac Surg. 2016 Sep;27(6):e578-80. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000002882.

Abstract

Cranial chronic subdural hematoma (CSH) occurs secondary to trauma or just spontaneously. In this clinical report, the authors presented a 39-year-old male patient who was admitted with cranial CSH. In further assessment of the patient, the authors found an underlying cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak at the level of cervical spine. Following evacuation of the CSH, it recurred. In the second session, the hematoma was re-evacuated and the CSF fistula repaired. The CSH did not recur again. In young adult patients with recurrent CSH and prior presence of bilateral CSH, a survey for an underlying spinal CSF leak should be considered in the differential, especially in the background of trauma. Conservative treatment, epidural blood patching, or microsurgical repair of the dural defect should be conceptualized according to the circumstances of the individual patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension and spinal CSF fistula.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak / complications*
  • Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak / diagnosis
  • Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak / surgery
  • Cervical Vertebrae
  • Fistula / complications*
  • Fistula / diagnosis
  • Fistula / surgery
  • Hematoma, Subdural, Chronic / diagnosis
  • Hematoma, Subdural, Chronic / etiology
  • Hematoma, Subdural, Chronic / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Neurosurgical Procedures / methods*
  • Recurrence