The value of XYZ/2 technique compared with computer-assisted volumetric analysis to estimate the volume of chronic subdural hematoma. (25/87)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: A simple estimation method of intracerebral hematoma volume known as XYZ/2 method has been described previously. This method has also been shown to be valid for the estimation of acute subdural hematoma volume. However, chronic subdural hematomas differ in shape and extension from acute subdural hematomas, which makes the validity of the same method in the estimation of hematoma volume questionable. We aimed to determine the value of XYZ/2 method to estimate the volume of chronic subdural hematoma when compared with computer-assisted volumetric analysis. METHODS: Computed tomography scans of 28 patients with unilateral hemispheric chronic subdural hematoma were reviewed. Hematoma volumes were measured using 5 different XYZ/2 formulas and compared with volumes measured by computer-assisted analysis. Nonparametric correlation coefficient (Spearman's rho) was used in statistical comparison. RESULTS: All 5 formulas showed excellent correlation with the gold standard, proving the validity of XYZ/2 method in the estimation of chronic subdural hematoma volume (level of significance <0.001). Our results suggest that maximum hematoma length and width, which are not necessarily on the same slice, should be used rather than length and width of hematoma on the central slice when using XYZ/2 method in patients with chronic subdural hematoma. CONCLUSIONS: This study proves the validity of XYZ/2 technique for the estimation of chronic subdural hematoma volume as well.  (+info)

A non-traumatic interhemispheric subdural haematoma: presented with headache as the sole complaint. (26/87)

Due to their localisations and symptoms, interhemispheric subdural haematomas (ISH) compose a distinct category. Altered level of consciousness and hemiparesis are the most frequent symptoms. We report a case of ISH who presented with headache as the sole complaint. Left cerebellar haematoma and ISH were found in cranial MRI and cranial computed tomography Cranial MR angiogram was normal. Haemogram and coagulation parameters were within normal limits. ISH should be considered among the diagnostic possibilities in elderly patients who present with headache as the sole symptom without other clinical features such as meningeal irritation signs, focal neurological symptoms and alteration of consciousness. Cranial imaging studies should be done in such cases.  (+info)

Effect of platelet-activating factor receptor antagonist, etizolam, on resolution of chronic subdural hematoma--a prospective study to investigate use as conservative therapy. (27/87)

Inflammatory reaction is very important for formation of the neomembrane of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH). The present study evaluated medical treatment with the platelet-activating factor receptor antagonist, etizolam, for the resolution of CSDH, and the factors indicating surgery or conservative therapy. Alternate patients were assigned to the etizolam group or control group without medical treatment. Patients in the etizolam group received 3.0 mg etizolam per day for 14 days. A total of 53 patients were followed up for at least 6 months. Univariate analysis of differences in demographic characteristics, clinical findings, and initial computed tomography (CT) findings, and multiple logistic regression analysis of the relationship between etizolam treatment and requirement for surgery using age, sex, low density of hematoma on CT, and paresis as confounders were performed. Etizolam treatment (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0.156, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.024-0.999, p = 0.049) was negatively correlated with requirement for surgery. Low density of hematoma (adjusted OR 0.125, 95% CI 0.019-0.846, p = 0.033) was found to be an independent negative predictor, and paresis as an initial symptom (adjusted OR 6.35, 95% CI 1.04-38.7, p = 0.045) was an independent positive predictor of requirement for surgery. Etizolam administration can promote the resolution of CSDH, especially at the stage of hygroma appearing as low density on CT. Surgery is recommended if the patient presents with paresis.  (+info)

Imaging characteristics of the subdural evacuating port system, a new bedside therapy for subacute/chronic subdural hematoma. (28/87)

The Subdural Evacuating Port System is a new device intended to simplify the treatment of subacute/chronic subdural hematomas. The appearance of the winged canula positioned with its tip in the diploic space overlying the subdural space should allow the radiologist to identify it correctly. Its radiographic features are described here to help the radiologist comment on appropriate placement, and avoid mistaking it for a misplaced subdural drain.  (+info)

Various magnetic resonance imaging patterns of chronic subdural hematomas: indicators of the pathogenesis? (29/87)

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging can detect various patterns in chronic subdural hematomas. These patterns were compared to the computed tomography (CT) appearances and chemical analysis of the content in 60 hematomas from 44 patients. The hematomas could be classified into five types on both T(1)- and T(2)-weighted images: low, high, and mixed intensity, isointensity, and layered. Combining the T(1)- and T(2)-weighted images of all 60 hematomas revealed a total of 14 different imaging patterns. Combining the CT and MR imaging findings of 55 hematomas identified 25 different patterns. Analysis of the hematoma contents showed that hemolysis-related parameters, such as potassium, glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, bilirubin, lactate dehydrogenase, and protein concentration, were markedly higher than in the peripheral blood, and there were significant correlations between these parameters. Mixed intensity hematomas were significantly thicker than the other types, and showed markedly higher values of hemolysis-related parameters. Factors affecting the CT and MR imaging findings, such as fresh bleeding, hemolysis, and hemoglobin changes, coexist in a hematoma to varying degrees, and these factors may interact with the age of the hematoma to produce the different patterns that are observed.  (+info)

Chronic subdural hematoma coexisting with ligamentum flavum hematoma in the lumbar spine: a case report. (30/87)

We present a case of a chronic spinal subdural hematoma combined with a ligamentum flavum hematoma in the lumbar spine treated surgically. An 83-year-old woman receiving antiplatelet medicine due to an angina suffered from pain in her lower extremity and gait disturbance after a backward fall. Radiological findings including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed hematoma in the ligamentum flavum at the level of L2 - L3 and a chronic subdural hematoma at the level from L3 to L5. Laminectomy through L2 to L5 was performed and a hematoma existing in the ligamentum flavum and cystic mass was removed. A chronic subdural hematoma was spontaneously evacuated after splitting of the dura mater and an intact arachnoid membrane was observed with no leakage of cerebrospinal fluid. Her clinical symptoms completely disappeared after surgery. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of combination of chronic subdural hematoma and ligamentum flavum hematoma in the lumbar spine treated by surgery. Chronic spinal subdural hematoma and hematoma in the ligamentum flavum should be considered as a cause of progressive nerve root compression in patients with anticoagulant therapy, and an appropriate pre-operative diagnosis would be needed to achieve complete decompression of subdural and epidural hematoma.  (+info)

The effectiveness of simple drainage technique in improvement of cerebral blood flow in patients with chronic subdural hemorrhage. (31/87)

OBJECTIVE: In the present study, the clinical effectiveness of a surgical procedure in which no draining tubes are installed following simple burr hole drainage and saline irrigation is investigated. METHODS: 10 patients, having undergone operative intervention for unilateral chronic subdural hemorrhage, having a clinical grade of 2 and a hemorrhage thickness of 2 cm, were included in the study. The cerebral blood flow rates of middle cerebral artery were evaluated bilaterally with Doppler before and after the surgery. All the cases underwent the operation using the simple burr hole drainage technique without the drain and consequent saline irrigation. Statistical analysis was performed by Wilcoxon signed rank test (p<0.05). RESULTS: There was a pronounced decrease in the preoperative MCA blood flow in the hemisphere the hemorrhage had occurred (p=0.008). An increased PI value on the side of the hemorrhage drew our attention (p=0.005). Postoperative MCA blood flow measurements showed a statistically significant improvement (p=0.005). Furthermore, the PI value showed normalization (p<0.05). The paresis and the level of consciousness improved in all cases. CONCLUSION: Simple burr hole drainage technique is sufficient for the improvement of cerebral blood flow and clinical recovery in patients with chronic subdural hemorrhage.  (+info)

Chronic subdural hematoma after endoscopic third ventriculostomy: case report. (32/87)

Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is an effective and rather safe treatment for noncommunicating hydrocephalus secondary to aqueductal stenosis and other obstructive pathologies. It has become a popular alternative to ventricular shunts for noncommunicating hydrocephalus. Although it is a safe procedure, several complications related to this procedure have been reported in the literature. We report a rare case of a large chronic subdural hematoma (ChSDH) after ETV in a patient with aqueductal stenosis. A 42-year-old female patient presented with acute symptoms of obstructive hydrocephalus, headaches and blurring of consciousness. A computerized tomogram (CT) of the patient's brain revealed marked triventricular supratentorial hydrocephalus and an external ventricular drainage (EVD) was performed first. After this procedure, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated hydrocephalus secondary to aqueductal stenosis. ETV was performed and the EVD removed uneventfully. The patient was discharged home after a few days without any complications. She then presented with headaches 4 weeks following ETV. A CT demonstrated chronic subdural hematoma on the contralateral side. This was treated with burr-hole evacuation. Postoperatively, her headaches improved. During the follow-up period, she remains symptom-free and has radiographic evidence of a patent ventriculostomy. This case confirms chronic subdural hematoma formation is a possible complication following endoscopic third ventriculostomy.  (+info)