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Acute interdural hematoma mimicking epidural hematoma: a case report

Humain Baharvahdat1, Hamid Etemadrezaie, Samira Zabihyan

  • 1Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Department of Neurosurgery, Mashhad, Islamic Republic of Iran. humainbv@yahoo.fr

Turkish Neurosurgery
|June 6, 2012
PubMed

Insights

This case report details a rare interdural hematoma, which mimics epidural hematoma on CT scans. Prompt surgical intervention and dural closure were performed for this unusual intracranial bleed.

Area of Science:

  • Neurosurgery
  • Neuroradiology
  • Neuropathology

Background:

  • Intracranial hematomas are commonly encountered in neurosurgical practice.
  • Hematomas typically occur within the cranial vault, with epidural and subdural hematomas being most frequent.
  • Interdural hematomas, located between the dural layers, are exceptionally rare.

Observation:

  • A 51-year-old male sustained a left temporal contusion after a motor vehicle accident.
  • Post-craniotomy for contusion removal, a subsequent CT scan revealed a parietal intracranial hematoma.
  • The hematoma's imaging characteristics closely resembled those of an epidural hematoma.

Findings:

  • Surgical exploration confirmed the presence of an interdural hematoma, situated between the two layers of the dura mater.
  • The hematoma was successfully evacuated.
  • The dural layers were approximated and sutured following hematoma removal.

Implications:

  • Interdural hematomas represent a rare differential diagnosis for intracranial hemorrhages.
  • Radiological misinterpretation is possible due to the similar CT appearance to epidural hematomas.
  • Awareness of this rare entity is crucial for accurate diagnosis and appropriate surgical management.

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