Case report: Rapid recurrence of a chronic subdural haematoma associated with prostate cancer metastasis to a haematoma capsule

Abstract

BackgroundChronic subdural haematoma (CSDH) has various causes, including trauma, coagulopathies, and intracranial hypotension. However, CSDH associated with extracranial malignancy is rare. Here, we report an extremely rare case of CSDH due to prostate cancer metastasis to a haematoma capsule.Case DescriptionA 79-year-old man with a history of prostate cancer had a progressive decline in consciousness during hospitalization for cancer treatment. CSDH was diagnosed from computed tomography (CT) imaging. We urgently performed burr hole drainage, and the patient’s symptoms improved rapidly after surgery. After removing the drainage tube, the patient’s symptoms worsened again, and the repeat head CT suggested recurrence of CSDH. In a second operation, most of the haematoma capsule was excised under craniotomy, and the thickened haematoma capsule was sent for routine pathologic examination. Pathological findings confirmed the metastasis of prostate cancer to the haematoma capsule, which we believed to be related to a rapid recurrence of CSDH. After the second operation, the disease course progressed without CSDH recurrence.ConclusionsFor patients with malignant tumours diagnosed with CSDH, the possibility of metastasis to a haematoma capsule needs to be considered. Burr holes and drainage can easily lead to a rapid relapse. Excision of the haematoma capsule is the key to successful treatment.