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Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma in the young
Neurology
|January 1, 1979
Summary
Spinal epidural hematomas are rare in children. This case highlights that prolonged back pain can indicate spinal cord compression from spontaneous bleeding in pediatric patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Spinal Cord Medicine
Background:
- Spontaneous spinal epidural hematomas (SSEH) are uncommon in pediatric populations.
- Previous reports of SSEH in children typically describe symptom durations ranging from hours to days.
Observation:
- A 6-year-old girl presented with a 3-month history of thoracic back pain.
- The patient developed paraplegia, indicating significant spinal cord compression.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with a spinal epidural hematoma causing cord compression.
- This case suggests that SSEH in children can present with a prolonged, subacute symptom course.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider SSEH in the differential diagnosis of pediatric back pain, even with chronic symptoms.
- Delayed diagnosis of SSEH can lead to severe neurological deficits, including paralysis.
- Further research is needed to understand the etiology and optimal management of SSEH in children.