Epidural blood patch for spontaneous intracranial hypotension with subdural hematoma: A case report and review of literature

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage at C1/2 in spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) is rare. Subdural hematoma (SDH), a serious complication of SIH, may lead to neurological deficits. This report presents a case of SDH after spontaneous C1/2 CSF leakage, which was treated with a targeted epidural blood patch (EBP).

CASE SUMMARY

A 60-year-old man with no history of trauma was admitted to our hospital with orthostatic headache, nausea, and vomiting. Brain computed tomography imaging revealed bilateral, subacute to chronic SDH. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings were SDH with dural enhancement in the bilateral cerebral convexity and posterior fossa and mild sagging, suggesting SIH. Although the patient underwent burr hole trephination, the patient’s orthostatic headache was aggravated. MR myelography led to a suspicion of CSF leakage at C1/2. Therefore, we performed a targeted cervical EBP using an epidural catheter under fluoroscopic guidance. At 5 d after EBP, a follow-up MR myelography revealed a decrease in the interval size of the CSF collected. Although his symptoms improved, the patient still complained of headaches; therefore, we repeated the targeted cervical EBP 6 d after the initial EBP. Subsequently, his headache had almost disappeared on the 8^th day after the repeated EBP.

CONCLUSION

Targeted EBP is an effective treatment for SDH in patients with SIH due to CSF leakage at C1/2.

Key Words: Cerebrospinal fluid, Chronic subdural hematoma, Epidural blood patch, Myelography, Spontaneous intracranial hypotension, Case report

Core Tip: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage at C1/2 in spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) is rare. Subdural hematoma (SDH), a serious complication of SIH, may lead to neurological deficits. After a repeated targeted cervical epidural blood patch using an epidural catheter under fluoroscopic guidance, the patient’s symptoms had almost disappeared, and a magnetic resonance myelography revealed a decrease in the interval size of the CSF collected. This case highlights the efficacy of the delivery of autologous blood via an epidural catheter inserted into the lower cervical spine as a treatment for SDH in patients with SIH due to CSF leakage at C1/2.

INTRODUCTION

Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) is a clinical syndrome of low cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure (less than 60 mmH₂O) resulting from spontaneous CSF leakage in patients without any previous history of dural puncture or trauma. Commonly underdiagnosed, SIH has an estimated incidence of 5 per 100000 people in the general population[1-3]. SIH is predominant in women, and the mean age of occurrence is 40 to 45 years in both genders[4-6]. CSF leakage has been most commonly reported in the cervicothoracic junction and thoracic area at a single site or at multiple sites[5]. The classic presentation of SIH is an abrupt-onset, daily, persistent, orthostatic headache that improves in the supine position. Additionally, it is characterized by neck pain, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. Occasionally, other neurological symptoms may also be present, including tinnitus, muffled hearing, photophobia, phonophobia, nerve palsies, dementia, peripheral neuropathy, and seizures[7,8]. Neuroradiological imaging facilitates the diagnosis of SIH and helps avoid invasive procedures[9]. Magnetic resonance (MR) myelography is an important diagnostic tool for detecting the leakage site of CSF[10].

SIH generally resolves spontaneously and is often treated conservatively with hydration, bed rest, caffeine, and an abdominal binder. If the condition fails to resolve, an autologous epidural blood patch (EBP) is considered the treatment of choice for patients who have failed initial conservative treatments. For SIH with CSF leakage in the high cervical region, EBP has traditionally been performed in the lumbar area or the thoracic and lower cervical areas[11], because a direct EBP at the leakage site may present challenges due to the narrow space in the region and its proximity to important neural structures[12]. However, a targeted EBP was shown to have higher success rates[13].

Subdural hematoma (SDH), a serious complication of SIH, can cause neurological deficits[14]. SDH and subdural hygromas are common radiographic manifestations of SIH, occurring in 50% of the patients[15]. However, the etiology of SDH in SIH patients remains unclear[15], and the optimal management of SDH associated with SIH is still undetermined. Whether EBP or surgery should be performed as the initial procedure remains controversial; EBP should be performed prior to irrigation of the hematoma. However, in some cases where SDH becomes symptomatic or the hematoma volume increases, irrigation of the hematoma should be considered[16].

We report the case of an SDH patient with CSF leakage at the C1/2 spinal level, who was successfully treated with a targeted cervical EBP using an epidural catheter under fluoroscopic guidance after surgical intervention.

CASE PRESENTATION

Chief complaints

A 60-year-old man (160 cm, 70 kg) presented to our Neurosurgery Department with a one-month history of progressively worsening parietal headache, posterior neck pain, nausea, vomiting, and vertigo.

History of present illness

The headache worsened when sitting or standing and partially regressed when lying down. Initially, the symptoms lasted for one hour but gradually worsened and began to last the entire day. The pain intensity of the headache measured on a Numeral Rating Scale (NRS) was aggravated from 4 to 8 throughout the month prior to presentation. During the month when his symptoms developed, the pain became increasingly global, with worsening orthostatic headache, nausea, and vomiting.

History of past illness

He had a free previous medical history and no trauma history.

Personal and family history

He had no relevant family history.

Physical examination

He showed no neurologic signs.

Laboratory examinations

The results of routine blood and urine tests, blood biochemistry, and immune and infection indexes were normal.

Imaging examinations

Brain computed tomography (CT) imaging revealed probable subacute to chronic stage of SDH along the bilateral frontoparietotemporal cerebral convexities (Figure 1A).

Figure 1 Axial computerized tomographic scanning. A: Subacute to chronic stage of bilateral subdural hematoma (SDH); B: Increased attenuation of SDH along the left frontoparietotemporal cerebral convexities; C: Re-increased amount of SDH along the right frontoparietotemporal cerebral convexities. Black arrows: SDH.

Further diagnostic work-up

The patient was initially treated with conservative management, including bed rest, intravenous fluid administration, and analgesics. However, the headache and associated symptoms did not improve. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a large amount of multistage SDH with recent bleeding in the left cerebral convexity, a mild subfalcine herniation to the right, dural enhancement in both cerebral convexity and posterior fossa, and a mild sagging appearance of the brain (Figure 2).

Figure 2 Magnetic resonance T1-weighted imaging. A: Axial scanning showing a large amount of multistage subdural hematoma (SDH) in the left cerebral convexity and dural enhancement in both cerebral convexities (especially prominent right cerebral convexities); B: Sagittal scanning showing dural enhancement and mild sagging appearance of the brain; C: Coronal scanning showing a large amount of multistage SDH in the left cerebral convexity and dural enhancement in both cerebral convexities. Asterisk: SDH; Arrowhead: Dural enhancement; White arrow: Sagging appearance of the brain.

FINAL DIAGNOSIS

SIH was suspected based on these findings.

TREATMENT

Follow-up CT findings included the increased attenuation of SDH along the left frontoparietotemporal cerebral convexities with mild midline shifting (Figure 1B). Accordingly, the patient underwent a burr hole trephination at hospital day (HD) 7.

However, the patient’s orthostatic headache was aggravated, and follow-up CT findings included a slightly re-increased amount of SDH along the right frontoparietotemporal cerebral convexities (Figure 1C). MR myelography of the entire spinal column was performed, leading to the suspicion of CSF leakage at C1/2 with a suspicious focal dural sac defect at the C1/2 level on the right side and fluid collection in the bilateral and posterior C1/2 epidural space (Figure 3A-C). Therefore, the patient consulted our pain clinic for EBP.

Figure 3 Magnetic resonance myelography. A-C: Axial, sagittal, and coronal scanning images showing focal dural sac defect at the right C1/2 level and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection in bilateral and posterior C1/2 epidural space; D-F: Axial, sagittal, and coronal scanning images showing focal dural sac thinning at the right C1/2 level and decreased size of CSF accumulation. White arrow: Dural sac defect; Oval: CSF accumulation.

We performed a targeted cervical EBP using an epidural catheter under fluoroscopic guidance at HD 17. The patient was placed in a prone position with a pillow under the chest. The skin was infiltrated with lidocaine. An 18 G epidural needle was slowly inserted at the C6/7 interlaminar space using a right paramedian approach under fluoroscopic guidance. The needle was advanced into the epidural space using a loss-of-resistance technique. The epidural space was confirmed with visualization of the contrast agent using anteroposterior and lateral fluoroscopic views. The epidural catheter was passed through the needle and directed in the cephalad direction to the C3/4 level in the right paramedian. However, we were unable to advance the catheter further in the cephalad direction, despite multiple attempts. We injected 1 mL of the contrast medium and confirmed the spread of the contrast dye at the C1/2 level (Figure 4A and B). Then, 5 mL of autologous blood was injected via the epidural catheter.

Figure 4 C-arm imaging. A and B: Anteroposterior and lateral views showing an epidurogram during initial targeted cervical epidural blood patch; C and D: Anteroposterior and lateral views showing an epidurogram during repeat targeted cervical epidural blood patch. Arrowhead: Catheter; Circle: Catheter tip.

OUTCOME AND FOLLOW-UP

At 5 d after EBP, a follow-up MR myelography revealed a decreased interval size of CSF collected at C1/2 (from 15 mm × 7 mm to 13 mm × 4 mm) with focal right-side dural sac thinning (Figure 3D-F). Although the symptoms improved, we decided to repeat the EBP 6 d after the initial EBP as the patient still complained of headaches. The EBP was performed in the same way as the previous procedure; however, this time, the catheter tip approached the correct C1/2 level (Figure 4C and D). We injected 1 mL of the contrast medium to confirm the spread of the contrast dye at the correct C1/2 level followed by 5 mL of autologous blood into the epidural space through the cervical epidural catheter. No paresthesia was encountered during the injection of blood, and the catheter was removed at the end of the procedure. The patient’s headache and associated symptoms gradually improved. Follow-up CT findings included reduced attenuation of SDH along the left frontoparietotemporal cerebral convexities and reduced amount of SDH along the right frontoparietotemporal cerebral convexities (Figure 5). As the headache almost disappeared on the 8^th day after the repeated EBP, the patient was discharged.

Figure 5 Follow-up axial computerized tomographic scanning. A: Reduced attenuation of subdural hematoma (SDH) along the left frontoparietotemporal cerebral convexities; B: Reduced amount of SDH along the right frontoparietotemporal cerebral convexities. Black arrow: SDH.

DISCUSSION

The primary goal of SIH treatment is to stop the CSF leakage and increase the CSF volume[17]. Traditionally, treatment for SIH begins with conservative therapy including hydration, analgesics, and abdominal binders[1]. Autologous EBP is considered the treatment of choice for patients who have failed initial conservative treatments. The exact mechanism of autologous EBP is still not precisely defined. It is hypothesized that blood clots, once injected, could stop dural leakage and promote rapid healing of punctures. In addition, given that most patients experience immediate pain relief, it is hypothesized that EBP increases intracranial CSF pressure and volume through an epidural mass effect[18]. An increase in CSF volume helps to reverse the mechanical traction applied to the pain-sensitive area, as well as to reverse the transient central venous dilatation that contributes to pain[19].

One of the therapeutic mechanisms of the blood patch involves covering the meningeal tear site with a blood clot[5]. Therefore, autologous EBP procedures are performed as close to the leakage site as possible to increase their success rate[20]. Targeted EBP is an autologous blood injection that identifies and targets the source of a CSF leak. On the other hand, blind EBP is an autologous blood injection, usually into the lumbar spine, without prior identification of the source of the leak[13]. Although there is no consensus on the benefits of targeted EBP compared to blind EBP in SIH, targeted EBP has a higher rate of success than blind EBP[13]. In a study comparing the efficacy of targeted EBP to that of blind EBP, 87.1% of the patients, who received targeted EBP, showed marked clinical improvement after only one EBP procedure, whereas 52% of the patients, who received blind lumbar or upper thoracic EBP, showed improvement after one EBP procedure[12]. In addition, 21% of the patients, who were treated with targeted EBP, underwent repeated EBP procedures while 61% of the patients, who were treated with blind EBP, had to get repeated EBP procedures[13].

Various complications can occur after autologous EBP. The most common complication is mild, self-limiting pain near the injection site, often related to the amount of blood injected[21]. EBP is also associated with rare complications of meningitis, epidural or intradural hematomas, pneumocephalus, arachnoiditis, epidural or subdural abscesses, facial nerve palsy, and cauda equina syndrome[22]. Targeted EBP may be associated with an increased risk of complications including spinal cord and nerve root compression, dural puncture, chemical meningitis, neck stiffness, and seizures[12]. Moreover, EBP in the upper cervical spine is technically difficult because of anatomical complexities and poses a greater risk of complications than lumbar EBP[23]. In our case, because the patient’s orthostatic headache was aggravated despite the surgical intervention, we planned to perform targeted EBP immediately.

In the present case, the EBP was delivered at the C1/2 level via a cervical epidural catheter inserted at the C6/7 level and advanced into the cephalad under fluoroscopic guidance. There have been some reports of targeted EBP using an epidural catheter in SIH due to C1/2 leakage[24-26]. Our report differs from previous reports in the following ways. First, we showed the C-arm image of the location of the epidural catheter tip and the spread of the contrast agent in detail. Second, we confirmed that the amount of CSF leakage was reduced by performing follow-up MR myelography after EBP. Thus, targeted EBP was implemented successfully in an SIH patient with SDH.

Remarkable technological improvements have led to imaging techniques becoming significant diagnostic tools for SIH. MR myelography is the most common non-invasive technique for detecting CSF leak sites, which may reveal pachymeningeal enhancement, epidural fluid outflow extending into the soft tissues surrounding the spinal cord, and engorgement of the epidural venous plexus[27]. Enhanced MRI may also show subdural fluid collection, diffuse pachymeningeal enhancement, obliteration of basal cisterns, descending of the cerebellar tonsils, congested cerebral venous sinuses, enlarged pituitary gland, and decreased ventricular size[1].

Although the pathophysiology of SDH in patients with SIH remains unknown, studies have proposed several mechanisms. Downward displacement of the brain due to low CSF pressure may produce tears in the bridging veins of the dural border cell layer, causing their rupture. Alternatively, as subdural CSF collections gradually enlarge the subdural space, the bridging veins may stretch and rupture in some cases[17].

The optimal management of SDH associated with SIH remains to be determined. Chen et al[28] demonstrated that SIH patients with SDH maximal thickness < 10 mm had good outcomes without the need for surgical intervention, and the risk of neurological deterioration increased dramatically in patients with acute SDH maximal thickness ≥ 10 mm. Surgical intervention for critically symptomatic SDH was not detrimental to patients with SIH but was necessary to relieve a life-threatening increase in intracranial pressure and avoid uncal herniation. Cases of large SDH require surgical drainage and treatment of the underlying cause of SIH[29]. De Noronha et al[30] reported four consecutive SIH patients with acute deterioration of consciousness related to enlarged subdural collections, who had favorable outcomes after surgical drainage[30]. Some authors noted that subdural fluid collection could be managed safely by directing treatment to the underlying CSF leakage without hematoma evacuation[15]. In contrast, other authors reported the ineffectiveness of surgery or even postoperative acute neurological worsening or brain herniation[15,31-33].

CONCLUSION

Targeted EBP via a cervical epidural catheter inserted from the lower cervical spine under fluoroscopic guidance was an effective method of treatment for SDH in a patient with SIH due to CSF leakage at the C1/2 level.