Contralateral acute epidural hematoma after decompressive surgery of acute subdural hematoma: clinical features and outcome.
BACKGROUND
Delayed contralateral epidural hematoma (EDH) after decompressive surgery for acute subdural hematoma (SDH) is uncommon. If unrecognized, this delayed hematoma can cause devastating consequences. We present our experience with this group of patients and discuss the diagnosis and management of this dangerous condition.


METHODS
This study included 12 traumatic patients with acute SDH who developed delayed contralateral EDH after acute SDH evacuation. Clinical and radiographic information was obtained through a retrospective review of the medical records and the radiographs.


RESULTS
There were seven males and five females. Nine patients had severe head injury (Glasgow Coma Scale {GCS} score < or = 8). Ten patients underwent acute SDH evacuation within 4 hours after the trauma. Intraoperative brain swelling during SDH evacuation was noted in 10 patients. A skull fracture at the site of the EDH on computed tomography (CT) was noted only in 10 patients. However, a skull fracture overlying the EDH was found during EDH evacuation in all patients. Only three patients with less severe head injury (GCS > 8) had good recovery. Other patients with severe head injury (GCS < or = 8) had poor outcome.


CONCLUSIONS
Severe head injury, a skull fracture contralateral to the original hematoma, intraoperative brain protrusion, and a poor outcome are typical clinical findings in this disorder. In patients with acute SDH and a contralateral skull fracture, immediate postoperative CT scan is indicated to evaluate this rare but potentially lethal complication. According to the findings of the postoperative CT scan, the neurosurgeon can make an appropriate strategy of treatment promptly. Early detection and prompt treatment may improve the poor outcome in this group of patients.
Su
Thung-Ming
TM
Department of Neurosurgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Kaohsiung Medical Center, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taiwan.
Lee
Tsung-Han
TH
Chen
Wu-Fu
WF
Lee
Tao-Chen
TC
Cheng
Ching-Hsiao
CH
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001929:Brain Edema / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D019299:Decompression, Surgical; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D015600:Glasgow Coma Scale; D006407:Hematoma, Epidural, Cranial / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D006408:Hematoma, Subdural / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D011379:Prognosis; D012086:Reoperation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012887:Skull Fractures / Q000601:surgery; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D055815:Young Adult