Objectives:
To describe a patient with a spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma associated wth cocaine use and to present issues related to pathogenesis and management of this potential complication.
Design:
Case report.
Setting:
Municipal hospital.
Case:
A spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma developed at the thoracic level in a 62-year-old man in association with cocaine use. Clinical, laboratory, and radiologic data are presented.
Main Outcome and Results:
The patient was treated medically with intravenous and oral dexamethasone sodium phosphate. His neurologic status gradually improved during a 12-day hospitalization.
Conclusion:
Cocaine use should be considered in the evaluation of spontaneous spinal epidural hemorrhage.