Spontaneous chronic subdural hematomas in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients with normal platelet count and no appreciable brain atrophy: Two case reports and review of literature.
BACKGROUND
Chronic subdural hematomas (CSDHs) usually occur in elderly patients following minor head trauma. Their occurrence is usually linked to cerebral atrophy secondary to alcohol, old age, or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Spontaneous CSDHs have also been documented but are rare. They are usually caused by coagulopathies and various pathologies resulting in intracranial hypotension.


METHODS
We have observed a number of spontaneous CSDHs in HIV patients with normal platelet counts and no appreciable cerebral atrophy possibly caused by platelet dysfunction, hence we report about two such cases. To the best of our knowledge, no such cases have been reported in literature before.


CONCLUSIONS
It is important to include CSDHs in the differential diagnosis of HIV patients presenting with neurological deficits even without a history of trauma.
Department of Surgery, College of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe.
Luxwell
L
Jokonya
Department of Surgery, College of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe.
Aaron
A
Musara
Department of Haematology, College of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe.
Andrew
A
Cakana
Department of Surgery, College of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe.
Kazadi K N
KK
Kalangu
Human immunodeficiency virus coagulopathy; spontaneous chronic subdural hematoma; subdural bleeds