Ultrasound-guided Aspiration of the Iatrogenic Pneumothorax Caused by Paravertebral Block: A Case Report.

Author: Jin Suk PARK ¹ ; Young Hoon KIM ; Su Ah JEONG ; Dong Eon MOON
Author Information

1. Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea. demoon@catholic.ac.kr
Publication Type:Case Report
Keywords: aspiration; paravertebral; pneumothorax; ultrasonography
MeSH: Chest Tubes; Chronic Pain; Early Diagnosis; Emergencies; Humans; Needles; Neuralgia; Pneumothorax
From:The Korean Journal of Pain 2012;25(1):33-37
CountryRepublic of Korea
Language:English
Abstract: Thoracic paravertebral block is performed for the treatment of patients with chronic pain, such as complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) and post-herpetic neuralgia. Thoracic paravertebral block can result in iatrogenic pneumothorax. Because pneumothorax can develop into medical emergencies and needle aspiration or chest tube placement may be needed, early diagnosis is very important. Recently, thoracic ultrasonography has begun to be used to diagnose pneumothorax. In addition, ultrasound-guided aspiration can be an accurate and safe technique for treatment of pneumothorax, as the needle position can be followed in real time. We report a case of iatrogenic pneumothorax following thoracic paravertebral block for the treatment of chronic pain due to CRPS, treated successfully by ultrasound-guided aspiration.