Bilateral extradural haematoma. Report of two cases

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Neuroradiology

Background:

• Bilateral extradural hematomas are uncommon neurological emergencies.
• Historically, diagnosis and surgical outcomes have been challenging.

Observation:

• Two cases illustrate simultaneous and sequential development of bilateral extradural hematomas.
• Case I involved simultaneous hematomas, likely from sagittal sinus tear.
• Case II showed sequential hematomas detected via serial CT scans post-surgery for a unilateral lesion.

Findings:

• Literature review confirms the rarity of bilateral extradural hematomas.
• Computed tomography (CT) has improved diagnosis of simultaneous bilateral extradural hematomas.
• Delayed bilateral extradural hematomas may be missed on initial CT scans.

Implications:

• Serial CT scanning is vital for acute head injury management.
• Emphasizing the potential for delayed bilateral extradural hematomas improves diagnostic vigilance.
• Improved diagnostic capabilities with CT enhance patient prognosis for this rare condition.