Delayed hematoma growth in a patient with thrombocytopenia

Background

Hematoma growth rarely occurs after 24 h in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Here we report a case with delayed hematoma growth caused by thrombocytopenia.

Case presentation

A 68-year-old leukemia patient presented with sudden left-sided weakness. Initial computed tomography scans revealed a small basal ganglia hemorrhage without early expansion. However, three days later, there was a significant hematoma expansion coupled with thrombocytopenia. The patient's condition remained stable after treatment. Our case suggests that hematoma expansion may occur even 3 days after symptom onset in patients with ICH.

Conclusion

This underscores the significance of promptly recognizing and closely monitoring delayed hematoma growth in cases of ICH associated with leukemia to facilitate timely intervention.