Primary Diagnosis

Spontaneous epidural hematoma secondary to warfarin therapy.

Secondary Diagnosis

N/A

Diagnosis Discussion

Spontaneous bleeding from anticoagulation is a known complication of coumadin (warfarin) therapy. Although it is uncommon, spontaneous epidural hematomas have been reported in the epidural space. In some instances they can cause spinal cord compression and myelopathy. The hematomas are often in the dorsal epidural space compared to traumatic spinal epidural hematomas which are usually ventral. Fluid levels are present in the hematoma in this case providing a clue that the patient has an intrinsic coagulopathy. Spontaneous hemorrhages are more commonly reported intracranially and in the retroperitoneal space.

General Anatomic Area:

Cervical

Secondary Anatomic Area:

Thoracic

Disease Category:

Iatrogenic

Contributor:

AE Flanders, MD

Date:

11/01/2004

Difficulty Level:

Medium

Pathology Confirmed?:

Yes
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ACR Category Number:

N/A

Keywords:

anticoagulation, epidural hematoma, complications