CASE REPORT
Spinal epidural hematoma due to anticoagulant
therapy: a case report and literature review
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1
Rehabilitation Unit, Department of Orthopaedic and Traumatology,
University KebangsaanMalaysia Medical Centre
2
Sime Darby Subang Jaya Medical Centre, Selangor, Malaysia
Publication date: 2016-08-06
Corresponding author
Ohnmar Htwe
Consultant Rehabilitation Physician, Rehabilitation Unit, Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, University Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, JalanYaacobLatif, Bandar TunRazak, Cheras (56000) Kuala Lumpur, West. Malaysia
Eur J Gen Med 2016;13(3):61-62
KEYWORDS
ABSTRACT
This case report is to enlighten the awareness on spinal epidural haematoma due to warfarin. A 58-year-old man who had been on prophylactic anticoagulant therapy
after aortic valve replacement since 1998, had presented with acute onset of reduced sensation and weakness in both lower extremities 3 days prior to the admission
to our centre. His prothrombin time (PT) was 46.8 seconds, international normalized ratio (INR) was 5.11, and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) was 167.6
seconds (control, 31.3-46.1 seconds). Magnetic resonant imaging scan revealed haematoma in post epidural space at the level of Lumbar 2 and 3. He underwent
evacuation and posterior instrumentation on the 6th day. Spinal epidural haematoma should be included in the differential diagnosis of progressive spinal cord and
nerve root compression in patients whom are receiving anticoagulant therapy. Prompt diagnosis and early surgical decompression would positively lead to a good
outcome.