Spontaneous intramedullary haematoma as a complication of anticoagulant therapy

We report an intramedullary haematoma that occurred as a complication of anticoagulant therapy. Contrary to the well-known epidural spinal haematomas an intramedullary haemorrhage, to our knowledge, has not been reported. The necessity for myelography and operation immediately after the appearance of typical clinical signs such as local vertebral pain and early paraparesis is stressed. The possibilities for reversing the effect of anticoagulants are outlined, and the problem of continuing thrombo-embolic prophylaxis postoperatively are discussed.