Traumatic cervical epidural hematoma in an infant

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Neurosurgery
• Spinal Cord Injury Research
• Trauma Management

Background:

• Spinal epidural hematomas (SEH) are rare in pediatric populations.
• Traumatic SEH in infants is exceptionally uncommon, with limited case reports.
• Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for neurological outcomes.

Observation:

• An 8-month-old infant presented with progressive lower limb weakness after a fall.
• Cervical spine magnetic resonance (MR) imaging revealed an epidural hematoma (C4-D1) causing cord compression.
• The infant exhibited spastic paraplegia without identifiable bleeding disorders.

Findings:

• Surgical cervical laminoplasty (C6-C7) and hematoma evacuation were performed.
• Immediate cervical cord pulsation was observed post-evacuation.
• Dramatic improvement in paraplegia occurred within 48 hours post-surgery.

Implications:

• This case represents the youngest reported patient with traumatic pediatric SEH.
• Prompt surgical decompression is vital for reversing neurological deficits in pediatric traumatic SEH.
• Highlights the need for high clinical suspicion for SEH in infants with neurological decline after trauma.