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Acta Neurochirurgica

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01-10-2009 | Case Report

Vertebral artery dissection as an extremely rare cause of spinal epidural hematoma: case report and review of the literature

Authors: Zsolt Kulcsar, Zsolt Berentei, Miklos Marosfoi, Istvan Nyary, Istvan Szikora

Published in: Acta Neurochirurgica | Issue 10/2009

Abstract

Objective

To present a patient with a cervico-thoracic ventrally located epidural hematoma caused by dissection and subsequent bleeding of the cervical portion of the vertebral artery.

Summary and background data

Non traumatic epidural hematoma is a rare entity. The etiology usually is not clarified: a venous origin is usually suspected although an arterial source is also possible.

Clinical report

A 32-year-old woman presented with a ventrally located cervico-thoracic epidural hematoma caused by non traumatic dissection and dissecting aneurysm rupture of the cervical portion of the vertebral artery. The dissection was demonstrated by magnetic resonance imaging and digital subtraction angiography. The patient had no neurological symptoms and was treated by conservative methods. Follow up imaging showed healing of the vertebral artery and resorption of the epidural hematoma.

Conclusion

Dissection of the cervical portion of the vertebral artery with subsequent perivascular bleeding is not well recognized as a possible cause of a spinal epidural hematoma. Even though this entity and the underlying cause may be rare, we suggest a vigilant search for vertebral artery injury in cases of ventrally located cervical and upper thoracic epidural hematoma.

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Title: Vertebral artery dissection as an extremely rare cause of spinal epidural hematoma: case report and review of the literature
Authors: Zsolt Kulcsar
Zsolt Berentei
Miklos Marosfoi
Istvan Nyary
Istvan Szikora
Publication date: 01-10-2009
Publisher: Springer Vienna
Published in: Acta Neurochirurgica / Issue 10/2009
Print ISSN: 0001-6268
Electronic ISSN: 0942-0940
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00701-009-0223-7

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Vertebral artery dissection as an extremely rare cause of spinal epidural hematoma: case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Objective

Summary and background data

Clinical report

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objective

Summary and background data

Clinical report

Conclusion

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