Retroclival hematoma: two case reports and a literature review

Abstract

Background. Тraumatic hematomas in the posterior fossa rarely occur, which account for 0.01%–0.6% of brain injury cases. Retroclival location for such hematomas is uncommon, as they are mostly epidural and diagnosed almost exclusively in the pediatric population.

Clinical cases. Herein, we report two pediatric cases of traumatic epidural and traumatic subdural retroclival hematomas that developed after high-energy trauma in motor-vehicle accidents.

Discussion. Related studies were reviewed, and anatomical features and neuroimaging findings associated with various compartments of the retroclival hemorrhage in children were discussed.

Conclusion. Considering the nonspecific clinical features and special topographic correlation of anatomical structures in this region, neuroimaging is regarded as the most reliable method to diagnose and correctly classify this pathology, which is essential for further treatment.

Keywords

epidural retroclival hematoma / subdural retroclival hematoma / neuroimaging

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RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

Khodorovskaya A.M., Kondrashev I.A., Mandal V., Lyapin A.P.