Spinal subarachnoid hematoma resulting from lumbar myelography.
We describe a rare complication of myelography. A subarachnoid filling defect was apparent on the postmyelographic CT but not on conventional myelography. MR imaging performed later showed a spinal subarachnoid hematoma (SSAH), extending from L3 to L5. Lumbar puncture may rarely be a cause for SSAH and is more common in patients with coagulopathy. Significant back pain, paresis, radiculopathy, and even altered consciousness or meningeal signs may herald an SSAH.
Sather
M D
MD
Section of Neurosurgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Neb, USA. msather@unmc.edu
Gibson
M D
MD
Treves
J S
JS
D005260:Female; D006406:Hematoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008875:Middle Aged; D009192:Myelography / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011843:Radiculopathy / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D013345:Subarachnoid Hemorrhage / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed