Chronic subdural hematoma after open heart surgery.

Three cases of chronic subdural hematoma after open heart surgery are reported. In all cases, computed tomography scans revealed subdural accumulations of high density after cardiac surgery. The high-density areas changed into isodensity or low density with mass effect within 2 or 3 weeks. Anticoagulant (heparin) and a tearing of bridging veins after a rapid change of the brain volume by administration of mannitol can be a cause of chronic subdural hematoma. Forty-five to 60 mL of liquefied hematoma was aspirated and the outer membrane of the hematoma cavity was recognized by a trepanation.