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Bilateral acute on chronic subdural hematomas

Case contributed by Ian Bickle
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Altered conscious level on medical wall. No direct history of trauma.

Patient Data

Age: 70 years
Gender: Male
  • Note: This case has been tagged as "legacy" as it no longer meets image preparation and/or other case publication guidelines.

Bilateral acute on chronic subdural hematomas illustrating a 'layered' effect due to the varied ages of blood.

The equally-sized bilateral subdurals have resulted in no net midline shift or mass effect.

Case Discussion

Hematoma collecting, usually following trauma, between the meningeal and arachnoid layers of the dura.

May cross sutures but not dural attachments.

Bilateral subdural hematomas are less common than unilateral.

Subdurals may contain: hyperacute, acute, subacute and chronic blood components.

Half of subdural hematomas are due to rupture of a bridging vein and the other half due to torn cortical arteries.

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