Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma in a patient with a mechanical aortic valve taking warfarin

Can J Cardiol. 1995 May;11(5):429-32.

Abstract

A 59-year-old male with a mechanical aortic valve taking warfarin presented to hospital with Brown-Séquard syndrome caused by a spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma (SSEH) precipitated by a coughing fit. Guided by a literature review of the risks of administering or withholding anticoagulation in this patient, doctors advised a regimen of warfarin to achieve an international normalized ratio of 1.5 to 2 and dipyridamole (75 mg qid) to protect against thromboembolic complications while minimizing the risk of recurrent SSEH.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anticoagulants / administration & dosage
  • Anticoagulants / adverse effects
  • Aortic Valve
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Embolism / prevention & control
  • Epidural Space / blood supply*
  • Exercise
  • Heart Valve Prosthesis*
  • Hematoma, Epidural, Cranial / chemically induced*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Risk Factors
  • Spinal Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Thrombosis / prevention & control
  • Warfarin / administration & dosage
  • Warfarin / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Anticoagulants
  • Warfarin