Spontaneous bilateral supratentorial subdural and retroclival extradural hematomas in association with cervical epidural venous engorgement

J Korean Neurosurg Soc. 2009 Aug;46(2):172-5. doi: 10.3340/jkns.2009.46.2.172. Epub 2009 Aug 31.

Abstract

We describe a case of 36-year-old man who presented with a subacute headache preceded by a 1-month history of posterior neck pain without trauma history. Head and neck magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies disclosed bilateral supratentorial subdural and retroclival extradural hematomas associated with marked cervical epidural venous engorgement. Cerebral and spinal angiography disclosed no abnormalities except dilated cervical epidural veins. We performed serial follow-up MRI studied to monitor his condition. Patient's symptoms improved gradually. Serial radiologic studies revealed gradual resolution of pathologic findings. A 3-month follow-up MRI study of the brain and cervical spine revealed complete resolution of the retroclival extradural hematoma, disappearance of the cervical epidural venous engorgement, and partial resolution of the bilateral supratentorial subdural hematoma. Complete resolution of the bilateral supratentorial subdural hematoma was confirmed on a 5-month follow-up brain MRI. The diagnosis and possible mechanisms of this rare association are discussed.

Keywords: Cervical epidural venous engorgement; Retroclival extradural hematoma; Supratentorial subdural hematoma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports