Objective: To determine the optimal time for reinstitution of anticoagulant therapy after evacuation of spinal epidural hematoma in patients who have a high risk for cardiogenic embolization.
Material and methods: The clinical histories of all patients with a spinal epidural hematoma encountered at Mayo Clinic Rochester between 1975 and 1996 were reviewed. We present three cases of spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma and the management of anticoagulation in each case.
Results: Of the 17 patients identified, 3 received anticoagulant therapy at the onset of the hematoma and were at high risk for cardiogenic embolization. In two patients with a metallic heart valve and one patient with long-standing atrial fibrillation, anticoagulant therapy was discontinued for 5, 13, and 18 days, respectively, after decompressive laminectomy. Systemic embolization occurred in one patient with a previous history of embolization to the femoral artery. No systemic embolization occurred in the two patients with a metallic valve.
Conclusion: Early resumption of warfarin therapy is indicated after a spinal surgical procedure; however, discontinuation of anticoagulation for several days seems safe while postoperative hemostasis is monitored.