Age-dependent specifics of epidural hematoma
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Year of publication | 2021 |
| Type | Article in Periodical |
| Magazine / Source | Česká a slovenská neurologie a neurochirurgie |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Web | https://www.csnn.eu/casopisy/ceska-slovenska-neurologie/2021-3-10/specifika-epiduralniho-hematomu-v-zavislosti-na-veku-127779 |
| Doi | http://dx.doi.org/10.48095/cccsnn2021269 |
| Keywords | epidural hematoma; traumatic brain injury; conservative therapy; surgical therapy |
| Description | Aim: Epidural hematoma (EDH) is a potentially life-threatening condition that belongs to the complex of traumatic brain injuries. The management of EDH requires early diagnosis with optimal treatment to prevent subsequent neurological impairment. In adults, the clinical course generally corresponds to the extent of an intracranial lesion. However, in pediatric patients, EDH represents a diagnostic challenge due to the different features of this entity. Therefore, the therapeutic approach should be based on the patient‘s clinical status and individual requirements. The aim of this study was to describe and highlight the different aspects of EDH in the various age groups. We also present a cohort study from our hospital. Materials and methods: Adult and pediatric patients admitted to the hospital between 2009 and 2019 with developed EDH were retrospectively reviewed. All data including demographic information, mechanism of injury, characteristics of hematoma, associated brain pathologies, treatment, and duration of hospitalization were acquired and statistically analyzed. Results: Seventy-four adult and eighty pediatric patients were included. The mean age in the adult group was 42.4 years and 8.5 years in the pediatric group. The most common causes of EDH were falls of different etiologies. The majority of adult patients were managed surgically due to significant neurological deficits and other cranial pathologies. Pediatric patients were predominantly treated conservatively. Surprisingly, the difference regarding the type of therapy was not as significant in the pediatric group as we assumed. Conclusion: We described specific features of EDH in adult and pediatric patients with emphasis on clinical and radiological differences. In children, the indolent course is often described, despite the presence of significant EDH. Early diagnosis, optimal choice of therapy, and individual approach can prevent the development of neurological deficits. |