Anticoagulant-related subdural hematoma in patients with mechanical heart valves

Introduction: There is uncertainty on the timing of surgery in patients with anticoagulant-related subdural hematoma (SDH) and also on the timing of reintroduction of anticoagulants. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed records of 7 patients with mechanical heart valves and anticoagulant-related SDH. Results: Of the 7 patients, 6 (83%) survived to discharge with good functional outcome, modified Rankin Scale 0-1. Reversal of anticoagulation (INR < 1.4) could be achieved in 5 patients. Three patients with minimal deficit and no CT evidence of midline shifts were managed non-surgically. Three patients had surgical evacuation, 2 with acute SDH and midline shift and one patient with bilateral subacute SDH and no midline shift. The mean duration of anticoagulation withholding was 20.3 days (range 8-28). None had thrombolic events while off anticoagulation. Five patients were restarted on acenocumarol/warfarin when follow-up cranial CT showed decrease or resolution of SDH. High risk for thromboembolism was the indication for early anticoagulation in the patient with mitral position of the prosthesis and atrial fibrillation. One of the patient with subacute SDH who had post surgical residual SDH and echocardiographic evidence of valve dysfunction was initially started on unfractionated heparin followed by nadroparin calcium and subsequently on acenocumarol. There was no hematoma expansion during this period. Conclusions: Patients with chronic SDH with minimal symptoms and no midline shift probably can be managed conservatively. Anticoagulant therapy can be safely be withheld for 3 to 4 weeks. If early anticoagulation is required, low molecular weight heparin can be considered.