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We present the unusual case of a middle-aged woman who developed a spontaneous subdural haematoma (SSH) while on oral anticoagulation therapy for a total artificial heart (TAH). Headache was followed by paraesthesia and numbness of the left hand. The diagnosis was made from a CT scan. Symptoms resolved with conservative management and careful control of anticoagulation. In this case report, the risk factors and pathophysiology behind this condition are explored. TAHs in their own entity are a rare phenomenon. Coupled with the highly unusual presentation of an SSH in which only a few cases have been documented, we hope to highlight the management of such a difficult case. After navigating this complication, we were able to successfully bridge this patient to a heart transplant 26 days after the SSH.

Original publication

DOI

10.1136/bcr-2019-230519

Type

Journal article

Journal

BMJ Case Rep

Publication Date

04/09/2019

Volume

12

Keywords

heart failure, interventional cardiology, radiology (diagnostics), Anticoagulants, Female, Heart, Artificial, Hematoma, Subdural, Humans, Middle Aged, Risk Factors, Tomography, X-Ray Computed, Warfarin