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Review
. 2023 Jul;39(7):1935-1939.
doi: 10.1007/s00381-023-05870-y. Epub 2023 Feb 4.

Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma in a toddler presenting with torticollis: case report and literature review

Farouk Hajhouji  1   2 , Zakariae Benyaich  3   4 , Mehdi Laghmari  1   2 , Houssine Ghannane  1   2 , Said Ait Benali  1   2
Affiliations
Review

Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma in a toddler presenting with torticollis: case report and literature review

Farouk Hajhouji et al. Childs Nerv Syst. 2023 Jul.

Abstract

Introduction: Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma (SSEH) is a rare entity, especially in toddlers and infants. The nonspecificity of its presenting symptoms in children may be a source of delayed diagnosis.

Case description: We report the case of a 20-month-old young boy without medical history who presented with irreducible torticollis, worsened a few days later by severe tetraplegia and respiratory distress. Spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a posterior epidural hematoma, extending from C3 to T1 and compressing the spinal cord. An urgent decompressive surgery via an extensive laminectomy and evacuation of the clot was performed. The patient demonstrated a partial neurological recovery on follow-up.

Conclusion: SSEH is a rare and serious condition that may compromise the functional and vital prognosis of the patient, hence the importance of prompt diagnosis and urgent treatment.

Keywords: Laminectomy; Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma; Toddler; Torticollis.

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References

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