[A case of chronic subdural hematoma in a hemodialyzed patient]

In proportion to a rapid increase of dialysis patient, death caused by neurological complications is increasing annually among long-term hemodialyzed patients. A case of chronic subdural hematoma during long-term hemodialysis is presented. A 35-year-old male had undergone hemodialysis three times weekly for four years. He had marked changes in body-weight and blood pressure between hemodialysis. In March 1983, he had a headache, vomiting, and left hemiparesis. The CT scan showed a right subdural hematoma. He was admitted to our hospital 10 days later because of progressive hemiparesis and speech disturbance. The neurological examination showed left hemiparesis with sensory deficit and dysarthria. The CT scan showed an increase in the size of the subdural hematoma. Bleeding time was over 10 minutes. A right-sided burr hole was made and altered blood was removed and irrigated. After operation, headache and weakness rapidly subsided, but the next morning, attacks of convulsion occurred. The CT scan showed the rebleeding in the subdural space. After correcting the level of serum potassium by hemodialysis, a right parietal craniotomy was performed. Hematoma of about 100 g was removed and the capsule of the hematoma showed organized tissue histologically. Postoperatively, although attacks of convulsion occurred temporarily, he gradually improved. The levels of serum potassium and BUN were controlled by several treatments of hemodialysis. He was discharged with only mild hemiparesis. Subdural hematoma caused by hemodialysis is a very important complication. Chronic subdural hematoma is sometimes very difficult to differentiate from dysequilibrium syndrome or dialysis dementia. The CT scan is a very valuable examination to rule out subdural hematoma.