Multiple Remote Sequential Supratentorial Epidural Hematomas-An Unusual and Rare Complication After Posterior Fossa Surgery

Abstract

Background: Postoperative hemorrhage is a serious complication of intracranial surgery. Epidural hematomas (EDHs) are one of the common forms of bleeding after surgery, with ≤12% of patients requiring re-exploration. However, distant or remote site EDHs have been rare, in particular, those in a supratentorial location after infratentorial surgery.

Case description: We report an unusual complication of surgery for fourth ventricular outlet obstruction. A young male patient developed multiple sequential supratentorial EDHs after posterior fossa surgery. He required 2 re-explorations after the primary surgery for evacuation of the EDHs within 24 hours. In the available data, we found only 28 such reported cases previously. Only 2 additional cases have been reported to have sequential EDHs after surgery. Various theories have been postulated, ranging from sudden intracranial pressure decompression, pin site hematoma, and shunt site bleeding due to dural stripping. None has been proven to definitively explain the complication.

Conclusions: We wished to highlight this unusual complication of posterior fossa surgery, with an emphasis on rapid computed tomography scanning of the brain for patients in the early postoperative period with any neurological deterioration. Early radiological detection and timely intervention can be lifesaving.

Keywords: Complications of trapped fourth ventricle surgery; Epidural hematoma; Multiple EDH; Postoperative hemorrhage; Remote EDH; Sequential EDH; Supratentorial EDH infratentorial surgery.