Bleeding-Source Exploration in Subdural Hematoma: Observational Study on the Usefulness of Postmortem Computed Tomography Angiography

Overview

Journal Diagnostics (Basel)

Specialty Radiology

Date 2023 Jul 14

PMID 37443680

Authors

Kazuhisa Funayama

Akihide Koyama

Rieka Katsuragi-Go

Takashi Aoyama

Hiraku Watanabe

Naoya Takahashi

Hisakazu Takatsuka

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

In a few cases, postmortem computed tomography angiography (PMCTA) is effective in postmortem detection of cortical artery rupture causing subdural hematoma (SDH), which is difficult to detect at autopsy. Here, we explore the usefulness and limitations of PMCTA in detecting the sites of cortical arterial rupture for SDH. In 6 of 10 cases, extravascular leakage of contrast material at nine different places enabled PMCTA to identify cortical arterial rupture. PMCTA did not induce destructive arterial artifacts, which often occur during autopsy. We found that, although not in all cases, PMCTA could show the site of cortical arterial rupture causing subdural hematoma in some cases. This technique is beneficial for cases of SDH autopsy, as it can be performed nondestructively and before destructive artifacts from the autopsy occur.

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