A Case of Paraplegia Associated with Epidural Anesthesia: A case report.
10.3344/kjp.2008.21.2.159
- Author:
Hyun Hea KIM
1
;
Doo Hwan KIM
;
Sung Hoon KIM
;
Jeong Gill LEEM
;
Cheong LEE
;
Jin Woo SHIN
Author Information
1. Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Management, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College, Seoul. jinwoos@amc.seoul.kr
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
arachnoiditis;
epidural block
- MeSH:
Adult;
Anesthesia, Epidural;
Arachnoid;
Arachnoiditis;
Bupivacaine;
Cauda Equina;
Cesarean Section;
Female;
Humans;
Ischemia;
Lidocaine;
Lower Extremity;
Paraplegia;
Postpartum Period;
Pregnancy;
Spinal Cord;
Spine
- From:The Korean Journal of Pain
2008;21(2):159-163
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Paraplegia is a relatively rare complication of epidural anesthesia. Several possible factors may contribute to the development of paraplegia including arachnoiditis, trauma and ischemia. We experienced a case where paraplegia had developed after epidural anesthesia for cesarean section. So we present the case and consider the possible etiologies. A 30-year-old previously healthy woman was referred to our hospital for postpartum motor weakness of the lower limbs. Six days prior, the patient was admitted at a local obstetric clinic for delivery at 39 weeks gestation. The patient underwent a Cesarean section under epidural anesthesia induced with 20 ml 2% lidocaine and 5 ml 0.5% bupivacaine. In the early morning of the day following the Cesarean section, a motor and sensory deficit in both lower extremities was noted. A lumbar MRI showed diffuse enhancement along the cauda equina and spinal cord surface in the lower lumbar spine, suggesting diffuse arachnoiditis.
