Spontaneous idiopathic cervical spinal epidural hematoma mimicking tumor: A case report

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Abstract
Background: Spontaneous spinal epidural hematomas (SSEHs) are a rare. Cervical SSEHs, though less common than thoracic or lumbar variants, pose a heightened risk of morbidity due to proximity to the brainstem and spinal cord making timely diagnosis treatment even more critical. Case Description: A 50-year-old female presented with chronic neck pain for 1 week presented with the rapid onset of a progressive quadriparesis. The cervical magnetic resonance imaging revealed a posterior SSEH extending from C4 to T2, with maximal cord compression at C6–C7; the radiological differential diagnosis favored epidural hematoma versus tumor. She underwent an urgent decompressive laminectomy for evacuation of hematoma; pathology revealed no neoplasia or vascular malformation. Postoperatively, she recovered marked neurological motor function. Conclusion: Cervical SSEHs are rare and require immediate magnetic resonance diagnosis and surgical decompression to optimize neurological recovery.

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