Traumatic Subdural Effusion Evolving into Chronic Subdural Hematoma

Background: Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is a common complication in head injuries. The objective of this study is to establish the evolution of traumatic subdural effusion (TSDE) into CSDH using clinical signs and symptoms as well as radiology. Our aim is to effectively manage such cases without postoperative recurrence (PR). Methodology: The study was a retrospective cohort carried out in the No. 1 People’s Hospital of Jingzhou from August 2007 to November 2013. The hospital is affiliated to the Yangtze University. All the patients included in this study were involved in road traffic accidents and sustained various degree of head injury. Serial CT scans were done to establish the development TSDE and the evolution of the TSDE into CSDH and treatment options. Results: In all 159 patients developed TSDE and out of these 34 which constitute 21.38% had their TSDE evolving into CSDH. Most of the patients were elderly. Twelve patients were treated conservatively while the remaining patients were treated surgically by drilling and drainage of hematoma. All the patients survived with marked improvement in their sign and symptoms with no recurrence. Conclusion: TSDE is one of the etiological factors for the development of CSDH in the elderly although in most cases the etiology of CSDH is usual multifactory. It must be stated clearly that, the evolution of TSDE into CSDH is initially a hidden process and presents with nonspecific signs and symptoms which can easily be missed. CT scan is usually the initial radiology of choice in making diagnosis of TSDE but MRI could be used to make early diagnosis of the transgression of TSDE into CSDH, and hence early surgical intervention before the formation of a neomembrane could reduce PR rate.