Spinal Cord Infarction after C7 Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection Using Dexamethasone
10.35827/cp.2020.19.2.116
- Author:
Jong Hwa LEE
1
;
Young Sam KIM
;
Sang Beom KIM
;
Kyeong Woo LEE
;
Young Hwan KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Dong-A University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea
- Publication Type:Case Report
- From:
Clinical Pain
2020;19(2):116-119
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Cervical transforaminal epidural steroid injection (TFESI) is commonly performed to provide relief of pain caused by radiculopathy. Intra-arterial injection of particulate steroid or direct needle injury can lead to spinal artery embolism or thrombosis.Also there is a possibility of vascular spasm. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of spinal cord infarction that occurred after TFESI with non-particulate steroid in Korea. A 47-year-old female patient underwent C7 TFESI at local pain clinic. Injected materials were dexamethasone and mepivacaine. Right after the intervention, she felt muscle weakness and decreased sensation. On physical examination, she had decreased sensation from C4 to T2 dermatome in light touch and pin-prick test. Proprioception and vibration were intact. The motor grades of upper extremities were grade 1. Cervical and thoracic spine MRI was checked. Diffusion-weighted image and apparent diffusion coefficient image showed long extension of spinal cord infarction from C2 to T1 level.
