Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization for Refractory Chronic Subdural Hematoma Associated with Acute Myeloid Leukemia: A Case Report.

OBJECTIVE: We describe a patient with leukemia-related chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) who was successfully treated using the combination of surgical evacuation and middle meningeal artery (MMA) embolization.

CASE PRESENTATION: A 73-year-old man without apparent head trauma history was admitted to our hospital because of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Head CT on admission revealed mild CSDH on both sides. Medical treatment options, including chemotherapy, were started. Since a decrease in platelet count and disseminated intravascular coagulation were observed on day 4, recombinant thrombomodulin was administered. As the patient exhibited signs of altered consciousness due to the enlargement of the right CSDH on day 10, we performed surgical drainage. Despite subsequent platelet transfusion and administration of goreisan, the right CSDH recurred within a short period. On day 17, we performed the second surgery and MMA embolization in one stage. The postoperative clinical course was favorable without recurrence of the hematoma. The patient eventually died on day 123 from a deterioration of his general condition.

CONCLUSION: Although MMA embolization has recently been recognized as an effective treatment option for recurrent CSDH, there are no published reports addressing the efficacy of MMA embolization for refractory CSDH associated with hematological malignancies. Findings from the management of this case suggest that MMA embolization can be the effective treatment option for CSDH in patients with severe hemorrhagic diathesis due to AML.