Repeated intracranial hemorrhage after delivery induced by coagulopathy associated with multiple venous malformations - Case report

Background Venous malformations are classified as slow-flow vascular malformations. Coagulation abnormalities are known to be frequent among patients with venous malformations. We report a case of repeated intracranial hemorrhage after delivery, induced by coagulopathy associated with multiple venous malformations. Case Description A 28-year-old woman presented with left chronic subdural hematoma 1 month after successfully giving birth. She had a history of multiple venous malformations around the pubic region and hips. The hematoma was evacuated by burr hole surgery. Three hours later, her level of consciousness rapidly deteriorated and computed tomography showed acute epidural hematoma. The hematoma was removed immediately by craniotomy under general anesthesia. No bleeding points were apparent in the operative field. Continuous bleeding around the dura mater and subdural space were encountered, and hemostasis was not achieved by electrocoagulation. After using fresh frozen plasma, hemostasis was achieved. Level of consciousness and neurologic symptoms improved postoperatively. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed multiple venous malformations in bilateral lower extremities and the pelvis. Disseminated intravascular coagulopathy was diagnosed, and thrombomodulin and blood coagulation factor XIII were administered. She was discharged home without any neurologic deficits. Conclusions The delivery activated localized intravascular coagulopathy in the venous malformations and induced chronic subdural hematoma. Surgical interventions then resulted in progression of the coagulopathy to disseminated intravascular coagulopathy, inducing acute epidural hematoma.