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Huge epidural hematoma after surgery for spinal cord stimulation.

Franzini A, Ferroli P, Marras C, Broggi G

Department of Neurosurgery, Istituto Nazionale Neurologico C. Besta, Milan, Italy.

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: 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. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: 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. INTERVENTION: Surgical removal of the entire clot by a D4-L2 laminectomy was performed immediately. CONCLUSION: Large epidural haematoma can result from SCS and this complication may be cured by appropriate and prompt surgery.

Published 19 April 2005 in Acta Neurochir (Wien), 147(5): 565-7; discussion 567.
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