Is there a link between acute spinal epidural hematoma and aspirin?
METHODS
This is a report of a patient with acute spinal epidural hematoma taking aspirin, 250 mg/day.


OBJECTIVE
To describe the association of spinal epidural hematoma and aspirin.


BACKGROUND
In about 50% of patients, the cause of acute spinal epidural hematoma is obscure. Analysis of possible mechanisms is necessary.


METHODS
Diagnostic lumbar puncture, suboccipital myelography, and surgical removal of the hematoma was performed.


RESULTS
Increased bleeding was noticed during these procedures. Bleeding time was normal 6 days after discontinuance of aspirin.


CONCLUSIONS
Because aspirin is widely used, its role in causing spinal epidural hematoma will remain conjectural. For the present patient, however, it was postulated that aspirin had a major impact on the extent of the epidural bleeding. There should be awareness of a possible link between aspirin and spinal epidural hematoma.
Heye
N
N
Neurologische Klinik, St. Josef Hospital, Ruhr Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany.
D000208:Acute Disease; D000368:Aged; D001241:Aspirin / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006407:Hematoma, Epidural, Cranial / Q000139:chemically induced*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects*
D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; D001241:Aspirin