Recurrent Cervical Spinal Epidural Hematoma: Case Report and Literature Review

Spinal epidural hematoma (SEDH) is an uncommon pathology. Here, we report a case of SEDH with recurrences, along with a literature review of relevant cases to identify characteristics of SEDH recurrence. A 13-year-old girl experienced sudden-onset of back pain and bilateral leg weakness. She was diagnosed with a cervical idiopathic epidural hematoma, and the symptoms subsided with conservative management. Four months after the event, she again experienced back pain due to recurrence of the cervical epidural hematoma, but she was observed because no neurological deficits could be detected. Fifteen months after the initial SEDH, she experienced severe back pain and tetra-paresis due to recurrence. The SEDH was located in the left ventral and dorsal aspect at the C6-T1 level, with severe spinal cord compression. The hematoma was removed through left hemilaminectomy. Bleeding was noted from the epidural venous plexus along the left C6 spinal root, which had coagulated. After hematoma resection, her symptoms gradually improved, and she was discharged 3 weeks after surgery without any neurological deficits. No hematoma recurrence has since been experienced. Recurrent SEDH is relatively rare, with only 11 cases previously reported. Recurrent hematoma cases are more common in young, female patients, while SEDH, in general, is more common in males in their late forties. The recurrence interval is shorter in non-surgical cases than those requiring surgery. Knowledge of these characteristics may be useful in the future management of SEDH.