Head Trauma Associated with Supra- and Infratentorial Epidural Hematoma: Diagnostic and Surgical Considerations

Supra- and infratentorial epidural hematoma (SIEDH) is a rare type of intracranial epidural hematoma. Due to the potential of vigorous hemorrhage from the injured transverse sinus (TS), it poses a challenge for neurosurgeons to evacuate the SIEDH.

The medical records and radiographic studies were retrospectively reviewed to investigate the clinical and radiographic characteristics, clinical course, surgical findings and outcome in 34 patients with head trauma associated with SIEDH.

Patients treated surgically had a lower Glasgow Coma Scale score than those treated conservatively (P = 0.005). The surgical group had statistically larger thickness and volume of the SIEDH than those in the conservative group (P < 0.0001 and P < 0.0001, respectively). Six patients experienced significant intraoperative blood loss, and copious bleeding from the injured TS was noted in 5 (83.3%) of these patients. Five (50%) of 10 patients undergoing simple craniotomy experienced significant blood loss. However, only 1 patient (11.1%) undergoing strip craniotomy experienced significant blood loss, but no intraoperative shock. All patients experiencing massive blood loss and intraoperative shock underwent simple craniotomy. There was no statistical difference in the outcome between the conservative and surgical groups.

When operating on SIEDH, the possibility of vigorous bleeding from the injured TS and intraoperative massive bleeding should be kept in mind. Strip craniotomy that allows hitching the stripped dura to the bone strip overlying the TS may be a better method for the evacuation of SIEDH.