Life-threatening large subcutaneous hematoma after minor head trauma: A young female patient who was suspected of having new Ehlers-Danlos syndrome

Asian J Neurosurg. 2015 Apr-Jun;10(2):148-50. doi: 10.4103/1793-5482.154985.

Abstract

Life-threatening large subcutaneous hematomas after minor injury are rare clinical states for young people; however these patients may have hidden diseases, which can cause a tendency to bleed. A 31-year-old woman visited our hospital after minor injury. The first computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a small subcutaneous hematoma, but her head bulged and the second CT scan revealed her subcutaneous hematoma had become enlarged. Two surgeries were needed to stop the bleeding and. Though she received intensive care, she died 48 days after onset. The new Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), known as EDS Kosho type (EDSKT), is a connective tissue disease, in which patients often experience large subcutaneous hematomas. We suspected our patient had EDSKT because her clinical features were compatible with this syndrome. Our findings support the notion that large subcutaneous hematomas in young patients with connective tissue disease can be fatal; a careful follow-up is required.

Keywords: Ehlers-Danlos syndrome Kosho type; large subcutaneous hematoma; minor head injury; tendency of bleeding.

Publication types

  • Case Reports