[A chronic intracerebral hematoma for which corticosteroid was effective: case report]

Chronic intracerebral hematoma is rare. Computerized tomography almost consistently demonstrates ring-shaped lesions with mass effect and perifocal edema. All patients in published studies have been treated surgically. Most of the hematomas have been encapsulated and contained blood in various stages of organization. The thick capsule has usually consisted of an outer layer of collagenous tissue and an inner layer of granulation tissue. A 60-year-old male, who had had sudden neurological symptoms, left hemiparesis and aphasia, was admitted to our hospital. Fourteen days after admission, CT revealed an expanding low density mass with brain edema. He was treated surgically and with corticosteroid. In this case, the surgical treatment was not effective but the corticosteroid medication was effective. Strategies of treatment are discussed.