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Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma in a toddler presenting with torticollis: case report and literature review

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Abstract

Introduction

Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma (SSEH) is a rare entity, especially in toddlers and infants. The nonspecificity of its presenting symptoms in children may be a source of delayed diagnosis.

Case description

We report the case of a 20-month-old young boy without medical history who presented with irreducible torticollis, worsened a few days later by severe tetraplegia and respiratory distress. Spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a posterior epidural hematoma, extending from C3 to T1 and compressing the spinal cord. An urgent decompressive surgery via an extensive laminectomy and evacuation of the clot was performed. The patient demonstrated a partial neurological recovery on follow-up.

Conclusion

SSEH is a rare and serious condition that may compromise the functional and vital prognosis of the patient, hence the importance of prompt diagnosis and urgent treatment.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurosurgery, CHU Mohammed VI of Marrakech, Marrakech, Morocco

    Farouk Hajhouji, Mehdi Laghmari, Houssine Ghannane & Said Ait Benali

  2. Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Marrakech, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech, Morocco

    Farouk Hajhouji, Mehdi Laghmari, Houssine Ghannane & Said Ait Benali

  3. Department of Neurosurgery, CHU Souss Massa, Agadir, Morocco

    Zakariae Benyaich

  4. Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Agadir, Ibn Zohr University, Agadir, Morocco

    Zakariae Benyaich

Authors
  1. Farouk Hajhouji
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  2. Zakariae Benyaich
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  3. Mehdi Laghmari
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  4. Houssine Ghannane
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  5. Said Ait Benali
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Contributions

Farouk Hajhouji made substantial contributions to the conception of the work, drafted the work, approved the final version to be published, and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work in ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately investigated and resolved. Zakariae Benyaich made substantial contributions to the conception of the work, drafted the work, approved the final version to be published, and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work in ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately investigated and resolved. Mehdi Laghmari made substantial contributions to the design of the work, revised it critically for important intellectual content, approved the final version to be published, and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work in ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately investigated and resolved. Houssine Ghannane made substantial contributions to the design of the work, revised it critically for important intellectual content, approved the final version to be published, and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work in ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately investigated and resolved. Said Ait Benali made substantial contributions to the design of the work, revised it critically for important intellectual content, approved the final version to be published, and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work in ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately investigated and resolved.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Zakariae Benyaich.

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Hajhouji, F., Benyaich, Z., Laghmari, M. et al. Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma in a toddler presenting with torticollis: case report and literature review. Childs Nerv Syst 39, 1935–1939 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-023-05870-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-023-05870-y

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