title: Resolution of spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma without surgery: report of two cases.
abstract: METHODS
  Case report.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To report two cases of spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma that completely resolved, clinically and radiographically, without surgical treatment.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  The treatment of spinal epidural hematoma is usually surgical. Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma is an uncommon phenomenon and may be of uncertain cause.
  
  
  METHODS
  One patient with acute onset of complete quadriplegia and another with complete paraplegia caused by spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma were treated without surgery.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Both patients recovered nearly completely with respect to their neurologic function at 3-month follow-up. No source of hematoma was ever identified.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of sudden onset of spinal cord compression in association with back pain. Patients initially presenting with severe neurologic dysfunction are potential candidates for conservative management if they demonstrate rapid and progressive improvement in neurologic function. Patients treated in this manner can have nearly complete restoration of function.
authors.affiliation: Vancouver Hospital and Health Sciences Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
authors.forename: S J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Hentschel
authors.forename: A R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Woolfenden
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Fairholm
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006407:Hematoma, Epidural, Cranial / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D010264:Paraplegia / Q000209:etiology; D011782:Quadriplegia / Q000209:etiology; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012075:Remission, Spontaneous; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed