Acute isodense subdural hematoma on computed tomography scan – diagnostic and therapeutic trap: a case report

BACKGROUND: Post-traumatic acute subdural hematomas generally appear hyperdense on a computed tomography scan. In the hyperacute stage, a subdural hematoma in rare cases appears heterogeneous with isodense images. This can pose a diagnostic problem and compromise patient care. Here we report a case of an isodense subdural hematoma and its management. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of a 59-year-old white European man who had a serious head injury with an acute subdural hematoma. The trauma was also responsible for blood loss and hemostasis disorders. A cerebral computed tomography scan revealed an isodense subdural hematoma. Our intervention confirmed that it was an acute hematoma. CONCLUSIONS: This unusual isodense appearance is due to anemia. It can be the cause of misdiagnosis and incorrect treatment choices.