Iatrogenic Acute Spinal Epidural Hematoma in Children

Abstract Spinal epidural hematoma (SEH) is a relatively rare spine space occupying lesion with approximated incidence of 0.1 per 100,000. SEH can be acute or chronic, spontaneous, posttraumatic, or iatrogenic following lumbar puncture (LP) or spine surgery. In this study, we present the case of a 12-year-old girl with a history of leukemia who was referred to us with acute progressive paraparesis and urinary retention following LP that was performed for intrathecal chemotherapy injection. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed SEH opposite the T10–T12 level. Emergency laminectomy and hematoma evacuation were performed. SEH can be a potentially devastating lesion that can result in progressive neurological deficits and permanent disability if it is not diagnosed early and treated properly. Immediate surgical decompression and hematoma evacuation can preserve the neurological function and insure favorable clinical recovery.