Outcome after spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma in children: case report and review of the literature.
OBJECTIVE
Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma (SSEH) is an idiopathic accumulation of blood in the vertebral epidural space without identifiable predisposing factors. First reported in 1869, the clinical outcome in children younger than 18 years old has not been clearly delineated.


METHODS
A comprehensive review of the English language literature revealed 26 patients younger than 18 years old with reported clinical outcomes. The 27th case is presented.


RESULTS
Complete neurologic recovery occurred in 14 of 27 (52%) patients, partial recovery in 12 of 27 (44%) patients, and death in 1 of 27 (4%) patients.


CONCLUSIONS
There is an overall good prognosis for neurologic recovery in children who experience SSEH.
Pecha
M D
MD
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio 78284-7798, USA.
Able
A C
AC
Barber
D B
DB
Willingham
A C
AC
D000293:Adolescent; D006407:Hematoma, Epidural, Cranial / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D011379:Prognosis; D013131:Spine / Q000473:pathology