Is there a link between acute spinal epidural hematoma and aspirin?

Abstract

Study design: This is a report of a patient with acute spinal epidural hematoma taking aspirin, 250 mg/day.

Objective: To describe the association of spinal epidural hematoma and aspirin.

Summary of background data: In about 50% of patients, the cause of acute spinal epidural hematoma is obscure. Analysis of possible mechanisms is necessary.

Methods: Diagnostic lumbar puncture, suboccipital myelography, and surgical removal of the hematoma was performed.

Results: Increased bleeding was noticed during these procedures. Bleeding time was normal 6 days after discontinuance of aspirin.

Conclusion: Because aspirin is widely used, its role in causing spinal epidural hematoma will remain conjectural. For the present patient, however, it was postulated that aspirin had a major impact on the extent of the epidural bleeding. There should be awareness of a possible link between aspirin and spinal epidural hematoma.