Huge epidural hematoma after surgery for spinal cord stimulation.
OBJECTIVE
Spinal epidural haematoma (SEH) following implantation of an epidural spinal cord electrode is a very rare complication but one that must not be overlooked. This case is unusual because of the almost "holocord" extension of the haematoma and the excellent recovery obtained by prompt surgical treatment.


METHODS
A 69 years old man with normal serum coagulation parameters was submitted to spinal cord stimulation (SCS) for chronic pain syndrome. After a minimal L1 laminotomy the patient developed paraplegia due to a large haematoma at D4-L2.


METHODS
Surgical removal of the entire clot by a D4-L2 laminectomy was performed immediately.


CONCLUSIONS
Large epidural haematoma can result from SCS and this complication may be cured by appropriate and prompt surgery.
Franzini
A
A
Department of Neurosurgery, Istituto Nazionale Neurologico C. Besta, Milan, Italy.
Ferroli
P
P
Marras
C
C
Broggi
G
G
D000368:Aged; D019299:Decompression, Surgical; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004567:Electrodes, Implanted / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004824:Epidural Space / Q000473:pathology; D046748:Hematoma, Epidural, Spinal / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007796:Laminectomy; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D010148:Intractable Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D010264:Paraplegia / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D011128:Polyradiculopathy / Q000150:complications; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D012086:Reoperation; D012307:Risk Factors; D012585:Sciatica / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000098:blood supply; D013117:Spinal Cord Compression / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome