Case Report
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World J Radiol. Aug 28, 2013; 5(8): 325-327
Published online Aug 28, 2013. doi: 10.4329/wjr.v5.i8.325
Resolution of epidural hematoma related to osteoporotic fracture after percutaneous vertebroplasty
Hidenari Hirata, Akio Hiwatashi, Takashi Yoshiura, Osamu Togao, Koji Yamashita, Hironori Kamano, Kazufumi Kikuchi, Hiroshi Honda
Hidenari Hirata, Akio Hiwatashi, Takashi Yoshiura, Osamu Togao, Koji Yamashita, Hironori Kamano, Kazufumi Kikuchi, Hiroshi Honda, Department of Clinical Radiology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
Author contributions: Hirata H, Hiwatashi A, Yoshiura T, Togao O, Yamashita K, Kamano H, Kikuchi K and Honda H were contributed to the manuscript writing and revision.
Correspondence to: Akio Hiwatashi, MD, PhD, Department of Clinical Radiology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan. hiwatasi@radiol.med.kyushu-u.ac.jp
Telephone: +81-92-6425695 Fax: +81-92-6425708
Received: April 12, 2013
Revised: June 9, 2013
Accepted: July 18, 2013
Published online: August 28, 2013
Processing time: 138 Days and 11.3 Hours
Abstract

We are the first to report a case that showed spontaneous resolution of epidural hematoma which was related to a steroid-induced osteoporotic compression fracture. The patient had a painful fracture with an intravertebral cleft at L1 accompanying an epidural hematoma posteriorly. Immediate pain relief was achieved after percutaneous vertebroplasty. Complete resolution of hematoma was noted three months after procedure. We theorized that intravertebral stability after treatment might have played a role in this patient.

Keywords: Vertebroplasty; Osteoporosis; Epidural hematoma; Spinal canal compromise; Intravertebral cleft

Core tip: We are the first to report a case treated with PVP that showed spontaneous resolution of epidural hematoma related to a compression fracture with an intravertebral cleft, resulting in an amelioration of spinal canal compromise. We theorized that intravertebral stability after PVP might have played a role in this patient.