Treatment of a recurrent subdural hematoma using urokinase.

Previous reports describe the intraventricular, subarachnoid, and intraparenchymal use of thrombolytic agents. However, the use of thrombolytic agents in the management of extraaxial hematomas has not been described. Following the evacuation of a subacute subdural hematoma, this 48-year-old woman experienced declining neurologic function due to the reaccumulation of blood in the subdural space. Urokinase was administered via a subdural drain. The patient experienced rapid clinical improvement and radiographic resolution of the recrudescent subdural hematoma. If repeat surgical evacuation of a subdural hematoma is not possible, urokinase may be instilled into the subdural space to enhance drainage of a subdural hematoma.