Chronic Spinal Subdural Hematoma Associated with Antiplatelet Therapy.

Abstract

Spinal subdural hematoma is a rare clinical entity marked by the onset of pain and paralysis, which is usually associated with hemorrhagic disorders, trauma, and iatrogenic causes such as lumbar puncture or epidural anesthesia. A 71-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with 2 weeks' history of bilateral lower leg pain, dysesthesia, paraparesis, and urinary disturbance. Magnetic resonance imaging showed characteristic findings at the thoracolumbar spine, and surgical evacuation successfully treated this condition. The postoperative course was uneventful. The patient gradually recovered from paraparesis and was discharged 4 weeks after operation. We report an extremely rare case of chronic spinal subdural hematoma associated with antiplatelet therapy. Spinal subdural hematoma should be considered as the differential diagnosis of gait disturbance in patients undergoing antiplatelet therapy. Early diagnosis and identification of the extent of the hematoma are necessary for successful treatment.