Organized Hematoma Developed after Suboccipital Craniectomy

An organized hematoma shows a heterogeneous signal intensity on T1-and T2-weighted images on MR imaging, reflecting variable stages of hemorrhage. Although rather nonspecific, precontrast CT images of an organized hematoma demonstrate inhomogeneous hyperdense mass with or without calcification. We report a case of an organized hematoma in a 44-year-old man, which developed 5 years after decompressive suboccipital craniectomy following acute cerebellar infarction. To our best knowledge, there has been no report describing organized hematoma in the suboccipital craniectomy site. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging findings of the organized hematoma are shown and discussed. We believe that recognition of the characteristic imaging findings of the organized hematoma as well as consideration of the history of surgery or anticoagulation treatment assists in its correct diagnosis enabling an inappropriate surgery to be avoided.