Acute spinal cord compression by spontaneous subarachnoid haematoma.

An unusual case of spontaneous spinal subarachnoid haematoma (SAH) is reported. A 42-year-old man developed sudden and excruciating back pain immediately after sitting up from a supine position, and meningeal irritation and spinal cord compression signs of then appeared. Myelography disclosed a filling defect of contrast column at T2 level. After prompt surgical evacuation neurological function was totally regained. Physiopathology and diagnosis are discussed with reference to similar cases in literature.