Relapsed spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma associated with aspirin and clopidogrel

Neurol Sci. 2011 Aug;32(4):687-9. doi: 10.1007/s10072-011-0508-5. Epub 2011 Mar 8.

Abstract

An acute spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma (SSEH) is a rare spinal pathology. A 57-year-old man who had hypertension and had been on dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and clopidogrel for primary prevention presented with the sudden onset of mid back pain and monoplegia of the left lower extremity. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an epidural hematoma, and the patient underwent emergency hemilaminectomy for evacuation. However, the symptoms worsened, and complete paraplegia developed. A second procedure to remove the recurrent hematoma was performed. No vascular malformation or other possible cause for SSEH was found other than the aspirin and clopidogrel medication. This case report describes relapsed SSEH caused by the combination of aspirin and clopidogrel medication and urges caution in prescribing dual antiplatelet agents.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aspirin / adverse effects*
  • Clopidogrel
  • Hematoma, Epidural, Spinal / chemically induced*
  • Hematoma, Epidural, Spinal / pathology
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neurologic Examination
  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / adverse effects*
  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Recurrence
  • Spine / diagnostic imaging
  • Spine / pathology
  • Stroke / prevention & control
  • Ticlopidine / adverse effects
  • Ticlopidine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Ticlopidine / therapeutic use
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Substances

  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors
  • Clopidogrel
  • Ticlopidine
  • Aspirin