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Published on: August 30, 2020
[Chronic subdural hematoma: a review of the literature. Part 1]
1Klinika Neurochirurgii i Neurotraumatologii Collegium Medicum Uniwersytetu Jagiellońskiego ul. Botaniczna 3, 31-503 Kraków.
Insights
Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) affects 2-11 per 100,000 people. Its exact causes and the pathophysiology of associated neurological symptoms remain unclear, despite advances in diagnostic imaging.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Neurology
- Radiology
Context:
- Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is a significant clinical challenge with an incidence of 2-11 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.
- Despite extensive research, the precise etiopathogenesis and pathomechanism of CSDH remain incompletely understood.
- CSDH diagnosis relies on computed tomography, but magnetic resonance imaging offers superior structural detail.
Purpose:
- To review the current literature regarding the history, etiopathogenesis, clinical presentation, and diagnostic methods for chronic subdural hematoma.
- To highlight the gaps in knowledge concerning the underlying mechanisms of CSDH development and its neurological sequelae.
Summary:
- This review synthesizes existing knowledge on chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH), covering its historical context, causes, symptoms, and diagnostic approaches.
- While computed tomography is standard, MRI provides more detailed hematoma information. The pathophysiology of CSDH-related mental changes and hemiparesis is not fully elucidated, though cerebral hemodynamic disturbances are implicated.
Impact:
- Provides a comprehensive overview of CSDH for clinicians and researchers.
- Identifies areas requiring further investigation, particularly in understanding CSDH pathomechanisms and neurological deficits.
- Emphasizes the complementary roles of CT and MRI in CSDH diagnosis.
Abstract:
The first part of this publication is a review of the literature on the history, etiopathogenesis, clinical signs, and diagnosis of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH). The incidence rate of CSDH is 2-11 cases per 100000 inhabitants. In spite of many anatomopathologic and biochemical studies, the pathomechanism of CSDH has not been fully explained. Although head computed tomography is the method of choice for the diagnosis of CSDH, magnetic resonance imaging can provide much more structural information on the hematoma. The pathophysiology of mental changes and hemiparesis in CSDH remains unclear. However, disturbances of cerebral haemodynamics seem to play a major role.
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