Background: Ruptured cerebral aneurysms represent a neurosurgical emergency with characteristic clinical presentation and imaging findings. However, atypical presentations may occur in association with acute subdural hematomas (SDHs).
Methods: A retrospective review was conducted at our institution between 2013 and 2021 to identify patients with aneurysmal rupture presenting with SDH. Cases were reviewed for clinical presentation, imaging findings, management, and outcome.
Results: A total of 8 patients were included in this review with an average age of 48.5 years. Six patients were women. The average Glasgow coma scale upon arrival was 6.3, and the Hunt-Hess average grade was 4.6. Aneurysm locations included posterior communicating artery (n = 3), anterior communicating artery (n = 2), middle cerebral artery (n = 2), and internal carotid artery terminus (n = 1). The size of aneurysm varied between 3 and 11 mm. Seven patients required surgical intervention, either craniotomy or craniectomy for hematoma evacuation, and aneurysms were treated by coiling (n = 2) or clipping (n = 6).
Conclusions: Ruptured aneurysms may present with SDH with or without significant subarachnoid hemorrhage. This illustrative case series highlights this challenging presentation and the importance of early recognition and appropriate management.
Keywords: Cerebral aneurysm; Subarachnoid hemorrhage; Subdural hematoma.
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