Аn Unusual Case of an Epidural Lesion of the Lumbar Spine: Tumor or Hematoma?

Cureus. 2023 Dec 10;15(12):e50256. doi: 10.7759/cureus.50256. eCollection 2023 Dec.

Abstract

Spinal epidural hematoma is a rare clinical entity with an incidence of approximately one per 1,000,000 patients per year. Spinal epidural hematoma is a lesion that can cause spinal cord compression or cauda equina syndrome. We report a clinical case of а 69-year-old male patient who presented to the Neurosurgery Clinic of the General Hospital for Active Treatment "Dobrich" with pain and weakness in both legs for two months after falling in the bathroom. MRI revealed an L2-L3 fracture and a formation in the L2-L3 epidural space, which was compressing the nerve roots. An operative treatment was performed under general anesthesia and, intraoperatively, it was discovered that the formation was a hematoma. Aspiration of the hematoma and decompression of the spinal canal were performed. An L2-L3 stabilization with pedicle screws was done due to total laminectomy and potential instability. Postoperatively, the patient was mobilized on the day after intervention, and no surgery-related complications were observed. The patient experienced relief from his symptoms and was discharged on the fifth day. Six months post-surgery, the patient started to experience pain in his left leg. Radiography showed coxarthrosis on the left hip joint and the patient was referred to the orthopedics for further treatment.

Keywords: acute epidural hematoma; case report; epidural tumor; lumbar spine; mri.

Publication types

  • Case Reports