Patient Case Study: Silent Subdural Hematomas

Whole body MRI is emerging as a powerful tool in the medical field, offering detailed and comprehensive scans that can detect a wide range of conditions, demonstrating its potential to transform patient care.

In our latest case, a 72-year-old man had a whole-body MRI scan after a recent trip and, despite having no specific symptoms, the scan found two small areas of bleeding under his skull. These could have become serious if left untreated. Thanks to the early detection, he had two procedures to remove the fluid and prevent further bleeding, stabilizing his condition and preventing potential complications.

Patient History

A 72 year old male came to Prenuvo for a proactive screening after a recent trip involving air travel. The patient reported no symptoms or specific concerns.

Findings

Two bilateral subdural hematomas (≤10mm) were found. No brain herniation or midline shift was noted (excess pressure from surrounding fluid can cause unwanted movement of the brain).?

How the Prenuvo Scan Impacted Patient Care

The whole body MRI (WB-MRI) scan detected two previously unknown subdural hematomas (bleeding under the skull caused by a blood vessel tear). This condition can silently progress and become serious if not treated; severe complications such as neurological deficits or brain herniation can occur.

Despite the patient remaining asymptomatic, a neurosurgical-driven follow-up revealed increasing fluid collection sizes. Therefore, the patient quickly underwent two procedures: burr hole drainage (to remove the excess fluid) and middle meningeal artery embolization (to prevent the hematomas from recurring). These treatment interventions stabilized the patient’s condition, preventing further severe, potentially life-threatening complications.

Key Benefits of Screening WB-MRI in This Case

• Comprehensive Screening: The scan identified two subdural hematomas in a patient without any symptoms, which enabled prompt and proactive treatment.
• Radiation-Free Imaging: WB-MRI provided a safe alternative to a CT scan for brain screening evaluation.
• Prevented Crisis: Without any presenting symptoms (such as headache, dizziness, slurred speech, etc.), it is unlikely that traditional health care would have discovered these silent hematomas, risking progression to life-threatening outcomes.?

Stories like this showcase the life-changing potential of proactive imaging and personalized healthcare.