Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma.

Two cases of the spontaneous occurrence of spinal epidural hematomas of the high thoracic area are reported. Both acute and subacute presentations of paraplegia are represented. Neither patient had experienced any significant antecedent trauma. No predisposing medical conditions were present. Both patients recovered to independent ambulation following timely operative intervention. The pertinent literature on spinal epidural hematomas is reviewed, and the differential diagnosis of this entity is discussed. The need for prompt diagnosis and surgical treatment to achieve the best neurological outcome is emphasized.