Cerebrovascular Accident or Subdural Fluid Collection?

The subdural hematoma has been called the neurological imitator1; subdural fluid collections must always be included in the differential diagnosis of cerebrovascular accidents (CVA). The postmortem finding of a subdural collection of fluid which might have been treated surgically is a disheartening experience. In order to gain information which might be helpful in distinguishing cerebrovascular disease from other focal brain diseases, particularly subdural hematoma and hygroma, a survey of experiences at the Yale-New Haven Medical Center between 1955 and 1960 has been made. Material All charts signed out as subdural hematoma or subdural hygroma between Jan 1, 1955, and Dec 31, 1960, were reviewed. Only cases proved at operation or on autopsy to have subdural fluid collections were considered. The total number of charts included cases from all adult clinical services as well as from the pathology department. The records of the history and physical examinations were abstracted for