Recurrent spinal epidural hematoma accompanied by intermittent paraplegia from a ruptured arteriovenous malformation: Case report and literature review

Spinal epidural hematoma arising from vascular malformation with or without previous trauma is rare. We reported a patient with ruptured spinal epidural arteriovenous malformation (AVM) resulting in spinal epidural hematoma presented with chest pain and intermittent paraplegia. A 38-year-old male patient experienced three times of chest pain followed by paraplegia. Myelography and postmyelo computed tomogrophy image and magnetic resonance imaging showed spinal epidural hematoma. Emergent decompressive laminectomy to remove the spinal hematoma was performed. Intraoperative finding and pathology revealed epidural AVM with bleeding. The neurological deficits were recovered completely six months after surgery. The presentation of chest pain and intermittent paraplegia for spinal epidural hematoma is unique and recognizable. Early operation may bring satisfactory clinical result.