Acute subdural hematoma originating from the lacerated intracranial internal carotid arteries - Case report

Abstract

A 51-year-old male presented with laceration of the bilateral intracranial internal carotid arteries (ICAs) manifesting as acute subdural hematoma (SDH) after a fall of 3 m. Brain computed tomography showed acute SDH appearing as irregular mixed high and low density and causing midline shift. During the operation, massive liquiform hematoma flowed out from the deep portion around the cranial base and systemic blood pressure decreased abruptly. Hemostasis was impossible and he died soon after the operation. Autopsy revealed skull fractures in the bilateral sphenoidal, orbital, temporal, frontal, parietal, and occipital bones, and laceration of the bilateral ICAs in the cavernous sinuses at the fracture sites. Acute SDH can be caused by laceration of the ICA.