[Extended spontaneous spinal epidural anterior hematoma over multiple spinal segments. A case report]

We reported a case of extended spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma over multiple spinal segment. A 68-year-old man presented with sudden onset of back pain. He rapidly developed tetraplegia within 15 minutes. On admission, he showed tetraplegia, sensory loss below C4 dermatome, right Horner's sign and bilateral Babinski's signs. These neurological signs gradually improved and disappeared completely within 5 hours. MR imaging showed extended hematoma in the anterior part of spinal epidural space. Spinal angiogram showed no vascular anomaly. The patient had nine years history of antiplatelet therapy, which would produce this episode of the spinal epidural hematoma. The hematoma located in the anterior part of the epidural space and extended over multiple spinal segments was characteristic features in this case. In the case which could have early neurological recovery, conservative therapy might be indicated.