Subdural hematoma after inadvertent dura mater puncture. Case report

Post-dural puncture headache is a well-known complication of epidural and subarachnoid blockades and the blood patch is the treatment used more often. In most patients, the blood patch relieves the headache completely, but for the remaining there is no improvement or only partial relief of the symptom. In those cases, it is prudent to look for other differential diagnosis, such as subdural hematoma or pneumoencephalus. In those situations, imaging exams are extremely useful. The objective of this report was to present the case of a patient who developed subdural hematoma after accidental puncture of the dura mater during epidural block. CASE REPORT A 47-year old male patient, 147 kg, 1.90 m, physical status ASA II, was admitted for abdominal dermolipectomy after undergoing gastroplasty. The dura mater was accidentally punctured during the epidural block. The patient developed postdural puncture headache treated with an epidural blood patch, with partial improvement of his symptoms. However, it was followed by worsening of the headache and an MRI showed the presence of an intracranial subdural hematoma, which was treated clinically The patient evolved with progressive improvement of the symptom and full recovery after 30 days.

Subdural hematoma is a rare, but severe, complication of dura mater puncture. It is difficult to diagnose, but it should always be remembered when post-dural puncture headache shows no resolution or even worsens after an epidural blood patch. An imaging exam is fundamental for the diagnosis of this rare complication.