Abstract
Aspiration of subdural hematomas in infancy can result in patient distress and occasional death. A method is described in which 113m In was injected intravenously to measure circulatory changes during the aspiration of a subdural hematoma in a 9-month-old child. The observed increase in blood volume in the head did not correspond exactly with the volume of fluid aspirated although the 4–7% increase in blood volume that occurred during aspiration could account for the observed distress by hypovolemic shock due to the sudden shift of blood into the intracranial veins. In addition, negative pressure aspiration could induce fresh bleeding into the subdural space.
