Rapid absorption of frontal lobe contusion and laceration with hematoma: A case report and review of literature

Medicine (Baltimore). 2023 May 5;102(18):e33522. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000033522.

Abstract

Rationale: It is rare for a traumatic intracranial hematoma to self-absorb rapidly after conservative treatment. To the best of our knowledge, there has been no report in the relevant literature of rapid absorption of hematoma formation following cerebral contusion and laceration.

Patient concerns: A 54-year-old male was admitted to our hospital with head trauma at 3 hours prior to admission. He was alert and oriented, glasgow coma scale score of 15. Head computed tomography (CT) showed left frontal brain contusion with hematoma, however, a reexamination of CT about 29 hours following the trauma revealed that the hematoma had been absorbed.

Diagnoses: A diagnosis of contusion and laceration of left frontal lobe with hematoma formation was made based on the CT images.

Interventions: The patient underwent conservative treatment.

Outcomes: After treatment, dizziness and headache subsided for the patient, and no special discomfort was reported.

Lessons: It is likely that the reason for rapid absorption in this case is that the hematoma is prone to liquefaction because of abnormal platelet values and coagulation dysfunction. As the liquefaction hematoma breaks into the lateral ventricle, it is redistributed and absorbed in the lateral ventricle and subarachnoid space. Further evidence is required to support this hypothesis.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Brain Contusion* / complications
  • Brain Contusion* / diagnostic imaging
  • Craniocerebral Trauma*
  • Frontal Lobe / diagnostic imaging
  • Hematoma / etiology
  • Humans
  • Lacerations*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged