Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 6, 2026
10:34
Double Direct Injection of Blood into the Cisterna Magna as a Model of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Published on: August 30, 2020
Spontaneous acute subdural hematoma complicating arachnoid cyst
Michael Philip Burke1, Chris O'Donnell, Kenneth Opeskin
1Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, Southbank, Victoria, Australia. michaelb@vifm.org
The American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology
|November 11, 2010
Summary
Acute subdural hematoma typically results from head trauma. This case highlights an uncommon complication where a ruptured arachnoid cyst caused spontaneous subdural hemorrhage and sudden death.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Forensic Pathology
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Acute subdural hematoma (ASH) is predominantly associated with head trauma in forensic contexts.
- Arachnoid cysts are congenital abnormalities of the brain, typically benign.
- Hemorrhage into arachnoid cysts is a rare but documented phenomenon.
Observation:
- A middle-aged woman with a known arachnoid cyst experienced sudden, severe headache followed by collapse and death.
- Autopsy revealed a large acute subdural hematoma.
- Computed tomography (CT) demonstrated hemorrhage originating from the arachnoid cyst.
Findings:
- The patient's death was attributed to a spontaneous acute subdural hematoma.
- The subdural hematoma was directly associated with hemorrhage from an underlying arachnoid cyst.
- This case underscores a rare etiology for subdural hemorrhage.
Implications:
- Highlights the potential for spontaneous, life-threatening complications from arachnoid cysts.
- Emphasizes the importance of considering non-traumatic causes of acute subdural hematoma in forensic investigations.
- Suggests a need for increased awareness among clinicians regarding the risks associated with arachnoid cysts.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology
A hemorrhagic stroke develops when a cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to escape into the surrounding brain tissue, as in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), or into the subarachnoid space, as in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Because the skull is a rigid compartment, the sudden presence of extravascular blood rapidly increases intracranial pressure and compresses adjacent neural structures, leading to immediate tissue injury and impaired cerebral perfusion.Mass Effect and Primary...
01:17Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction
A hemorrhagic stroke is an acute neurological event that occurs when a weakened cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to accumulate within or around the brain. The sudden release of blood forms a focal hematoma that increases intracranial pressure, displaces neural tissue, and can obstruct cerebrospinal fluid pathways. These effects may be compounded by intraventricular extension of the hemorrhage, cerebral edema, or compression of adjacent structures, all of which contribute to...
01:14Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction
Intracranial hypertension is a sustained elevation of intracranial pressure (ICP) above 22 mm Hg. In supine adults, normal ICP is ~7–15 mm Hg.The rigid, nonexpandable cranium contains three components—brain tissue, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)—that total ~1,700 mL in a typical adult: 1,400 mL brain (~80%), 150 mL blood (~10%), and 150 mL CSF (~10%). According to the Monro–Kellie doctrine, total intracranial volume is effectively fixed. When one component expands, CSF and venous blood...
01:26Brain Abscess l: Introduction
A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...
01:19Cranial and Spinal Meninges
The cranial and spinal meninges are complex protective structures surrounding the central nervous system (CNS), consisting of the brain and spinal cord. These meninges consist of the dura mater, the arachnoid mater, and the pia mater. They protect the CNS, provide structural support, and aid in circulating cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
Cranial Meninges
These meningeal layers cover the cranium. The dura mater is the outermost layer of cranial meninges. It is a thick and durable membrane of dense...
Cranial Meninges
These meningeal layers cover the cranium. The dura mater is the outermost layer of cranial meninges. It is a thick and durable membrane of dense...
01:22Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology
Vasogenic edema is a major form of cerebral edema characterized by abnormal accumulation of fluid in the brain’s extracellular space due to disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The BBB is a specialized structure composed of endothelial cells connected by tight junctions, supported by astrocytic endfeet and a basement membrane. Under normal conditions, it tightly regulates the movement of ions, proteins, and solutes between the bloodstream and brain parenchyma. When this barrier loses...