Postoperative epidural hematoma or cerebrovascular accident? A dilemma in differential diagnosis

Abstract

An elderly lady developed an epidural hematoma following combined spinal-epidural anesthesia with a local anesthetic-opioid mixture for a vaginal hysterectomy. This occurred in association with the use of prophylactic subcutaneously administered unfractionated heparin. She had diabetes, hypertension and had previously undergone coronary artery bypass surgery and right carotid endarterectomy. Warfarin and aspirin were discontinued 2 weeks before the surgery. Postoperatively, an atypical presentation of backache, bilateral sensory loss and left lower limb monoplegia ensued. The initial clinical impression was of a cerebrovascular accident. Magnetic resonance imaging, however, revealed an extensive epidural hematoma that necessitated decompression laminectomy. Progression to paraparesis occurred but the patient gradually regained much of her functionality over the next 2 years.