Chronic encapsulated expanding hematoma in association with gamma knife stereotactic radiosurgery for a cerebral arteriovenous malformation. Case report.

The authors report a rare case of a patient with a chronic encapsulated expanding hematoma and progressive neurological deterioration who presented 2 years after gamma knife radiosurgery for a cerebral arteriovenous malformation (AVM). A tough capsule containing multiple layers of organized hematoma resulting from previous bleeding was confirmed surgically. Histological examination revealed that the capsule consisted of a dense collagenous outer layer and a granulomatous newly vascularized inner layer with marked fibrosis. Hemosiderin deposits were frequently observed in the inner layer, which suggested recurrent minor bleeding from fragile vessels in this layer. An AVM was found in the hematoma, which had degenerated as the result of radiosurgery. A cross-section of the abnormal vessels showed various stages of obliteration due to intimal hypertrophy. The clinical course, radiological features, and histological findings in this case were compatible with those of previously reported chronic encapsulated hematomas. A possible mechanism of hematoma formation and its expansion are discussed.