Three cases of non-traumatic acute subdural hematoma

The authors present three cases of non-traumatic acute subdural hematoma showing interesting clinical features and operative findings. Case 1: A-50-year-old male was admitted because of sudden headache and epileptic seizure. Computed tomographic (CT) scan showed a right thin subdural hematoma, but cerebral angiography demonstrated no pathological findings, that might cause acute subdural hematoma on the follow-up CT scans. The hematoma changed to a chronic one within only 15 days, which was proved by the operation. Case 2: A 52-year-old male was hospitalized because of loss of consciousness. CT scan revealed a right subdural hematoma without subarachnoid hemorrhage and cerebral angiography demonstrated a right middle cerebral artery aneurysm. The hematoma was surgically proved to be due to rupture of the aneurysm. Case 3: A 52-year-old male was admitted because of headache, vomiting and left motor weakness. CT scan showed a thick right subdural hematoma and right carotid angiography revealed two internal carotid artery aneurysms. It was surgically certified that the subdural hematoma was caused by a tear in a cortical artery attached to the dura, not by the rupture of the aneurysms. Clinical cause and pathogenesis of so-called "non-traumatic" or "spontaneous" acute subdural hematomas were discussed, and the importance of emergency angiography for this condition is stressed.