Acute subdural hematoma associated with disruption of tumor vessels due to rapid growth of falx meningioma: A case report and literature review

BACKGROUND: Meningiomas associated with acute subdural hematoma (ASDH) are rare. The rapid growth of meningiomas has been shown to be one of the mechanisms underlying bleeding. We report the first case of ASDH during an imaging follow-up for the rapid growth of a falx meningioma. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 77-year-old woman was diagnosed with an incidental tumor along the right falx cerebri 3 years before bleeding. The follow-up magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after 3 years showed that the tumor volume had rapidly increased from 4.31 cm(3) to 22.27 cm(3). The blood vessels around the tumor were stretched. The patient was scheduled to undergo tumor removal surgery. However, the patient experienced a sudden onset of disturbance of consciousness and was transferred to our hospital. On arrival, her Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score was 6 (E1V1M4) and right hemiplegia was observed. The patient had no history of traumatic events. Computed tomography (CT) showed left hemispheric and interhemispheric ASDH. Digital subtraction angiography revealed neither tumor staining nor abnormal vessels. Gross total tumor removal and hematoma evacuation were performed. There were no obvious active intraoperative bleeding points. The pathologic diagnosis was meningioma, the World Health Organization Grade I. Postoperative course revealed a GCS score of 10 (E4V1M5) and she was transferred to a rehabilitation hospital. CONCLUSION: The disruption of tumor vessels due to the rapid growth of meningiomas may be a cause of bleeding. Incidental falx meningiomas with stretched tumor vessels due to rapid growth could indicate the need for early surgery.