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.