[Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma (author's transl)]

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Obstetrics
• Neurosurgery

Background:

• Spinal epidural hematoma (SEH) is a rare condition, particularly during pregnancy.
• Pregnancy-associated SEH can present with significant neurological deficits.

Observation:

• A case of spontaneous SEH in a pregnant patient is presented.
• The patient underwent surgery 14 hours after symptom onset, resulting in a poor functional prognosis.
• Rapid spinal cord edema was implicated in irreversible spinal cord damage.

Findings:

• Pregnancy-induced increases in epidural venous pressure may cause rupture of the epidural venous plexus, leading to SEH.
• This report highlights the rarity of SEH during pregnancy, with only one prior case documented since 1966.

Implications:

• Prompt diagnosis and surgical decompression are vital for improving outcomes in pregnancy-associated SEH.
• Understanding the pathophysiology, including venous pressure changes, is crucial for effective management.
• Further research and case reporting are needed to better delineate this rare obstetric emergency.