Spinal subdural hematoma: a rare case of spinal subdural hematoma complicating routine, minimally invasive lumbar discectomy and decompression and relevant literature review

• Published in: Journal of spine surgery (Hong Kong) 2017-03, Vol.3 (1), p.112-118
• Main Authors: Boe, Chelsea C., Freedman, Brett A., Kumar, Ravi, Lee, Kendall, McDonald, Robert, Port, John
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Case Report
• ISSN: 2414-469X; 2414-4630
• DOI: 10.21037/jss.2017.03.01

We present a case of apparently uncomplicated lumbar decompression and discectomy with delayed postoperative neurological deterioration secondary to subdural hematoma at the thoracolumbar level of the spinal cord. Previously described subdural hematomas have occurred spontaneously or related to iatrogenic injury. Hitherto, no case of acute postoperative subdural hematoma has been reported in the postoperative setting in the absence of known iatrogenic dural injury. A 76-year-old male with central and lateral recess spinal stenosis underwent apparently uncomplicated bilateral L3–4 and left sided L4–5 decompressive partial laminectomies and discectomy. No incidental dural injury or cerebrospinal fluid leak was detected. On postoperative day two, he developed progressive, profound weakness, sensory changes and urinary retention. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated a compressive subdural fluid collection extending between T11−L2, which was confirmed to be xanthochromic and under pressure superficial to an undisturbed arachnoid at emergent surgical exploration and evacuation. The mechanism of this complication is unknown. The patient went on to a complete recovery following surgical evacuation of the fluid via durotomy. While this is a very rare event, it reminds that a high index of suspicion is required with a low threshold for urgent imaging and intervention in the postoperative period upon development of unexpected, progressive and/or profound neurological findings regardless of intraoperative course.