{"id":"840c8b4b-606c-4cb6-a07f-d6e3b5b763c1","slug":"spontaneous-thoracolumbar-epidural-hematoma-in-an-apixaban-anticoagulated-patient","title":"Spontaneous thoracolumbar epidural hematoma in an apixaban anticoagulated patient","authors":["Andreas Theofanopoulos","Petros Zampakis","Eleftheria Antoniadou","Dimitrios Papadakos","Dionysia Fermeli","Constantine Constantoyannis","Lambros Messinis","Vasileios Panagiotopoulos"],"abstract":"Background: Spontaneous spinal epidural hematomas (SSEHs) are often attributed to anticoagulation. Although they are rare, they may contribute to significant morbidity and mortality. Case Description: An 83-year-old female with a history of atrial fibrillation on apixaban, presented with 4 days of back pain, progressive lower extremity weakness and urinary retention. When the patient’s MRI showed a dorsal thoracolumbar SSEH, the patient underwent a T10–L3 laminectomy for hematoma evacuation. Within 2 postoperative months, her neurological deficits fully resolved. Conclusion: Apixaban is associated with SSEH resulting in severe neurological morbidity and even mortality. Prompt MRI imaging followed by emergency surgical decompressive surgery may result in full resolution of neurological deficits.","thumbnailUrl":"https://sni-digital-videos.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/840c8b4b-606c-4cb6-a07f-d6e3b5b763c1/featured/hero-cropped-1781562359988.jpg","publishDate":"2021-06-07T00:00:00.000Z","doi":"10.25259/SNI_434_2021","categories":["Spine","Case Report"],"fullTextUrl":"https://surgicalneurologyint.com/api/articles/840c8b4b-606c-4cb6-a07f-d6e3b5b763c1/pdf"}