Spontaneous cervical epidural hematoma

Case contributed by Chris O'Donnell
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Sudden neck and interscapular pain associated with right hemiparesis progressing to quadriparesis. No recent trauma.

Patient Data

Age: 70
Gender: Female

An extradural, heterogeneous mass extending from C2 to C7 on the right compresses the cervical cord causing subtle T2 brighteneing indicative of edema.  Note mass is not T1 hyperintense (3T magnet) rather isointense to cord but is of low signal intensity on gradient echo indicating magnetic susceptibility.   Patient taken to urgent surgery, decompressed and drained, but persistently quadriparetic. At autopsy a vascular malformation was identified in the dura at the site of hematoma. The cord was infarcted on the right.

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.