Bilateral subdural hematoma caused by spontaneous intracranial hypotension originating from a discogenic microspur successfully treated with duraplasty: A case report

• Published in: Brain & spine Vol. 2; p. 100879
• Main Authors: Casanova, Andrea, Entz, László, Weinmann, Simon, Wanke, Isabel, Reisch, Robert
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 2022; Elsevier
• Subjects: Cerebrospinal fluid leak; Discogenic microspur; Duraplasty; Neurosurgery; Spontaneous intracranial hypotension; Subdural hematoma; Cerebrospinal fluid leak; Duraplasty; Discogenic microspur; Spontaneous intracranial hypotension; Subdural hematoma
• ISSN: 2772-5294; 2772-5294
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bas.2022.100879

Discogenic microspurs are calcified outgrowths from the intervertebral disc which can perforate the dura, causing a leak of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Spontaneous leaks of the CSF present a recognized cause of spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH). Moreover, subdural hematomas (SDH) are a potentially severe complication of SIH. We present a case of a bilateral subdural hematoma without orthostatic headaches caused by a discogenic microspur protruding from the T1-2 intervertebral disc. The microspur is conjectured to be the culprit of the leak by ventrally perforating the dura and catalyzing the causal chain leading to the formation of the subdural hemorrhage. A 79-year woman noticed a progressive gait disturbance accompanied by a decline of short-term memory over several months without experiencing orthostatic headaches. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed extensive bilateral subdural fronto-parietal hematoma, signs of CSF hypotension (dilated venous compartments), and computed tomography (CT) myelography revealed a CSF leak originating at the T1-2 level. The leakage site was treated with microsurgical duraplasty leading to a regression of the symptoms and complete resolution of the subdural hematomas within five postoperative months. Discogenic microspurs can perforate the dura causing a CSF leak, leading to spontaneous intracranial hypotension, finally resulting in a bilateral subdural hematoma. This constellation of symptoms does not necessarily induce orthostatic headaches and can be treated with microsurgical duraplasty. •Discogenic microspur perforating the dura and inducing a liquor leak.•Discogenic microspur leading to spontaneous intracranial hypotension.•Discogenic microspur leading to bilateral subdural hematoma.•Liquor leak treated by microsurgical duraplasty.•Bilateral subdural hematoma retraction after microsurgical duraplasty.