Abstract
Epidural blood patch (EBP) is a commonly performed procedure for the treatment of persistent severe post- dural-puncture headache (PDPH). It has a high success rate with a low incidence of complications. We report the case of a 27-year-old woman who developed progressive back pain and radicular symptoms after an EBP was performed for PDPH. An emergency MRI showed a subarachnoid hematoma. Gradual recovery occurred without the need for intervention. To our knowledge, this is the only case demonstrating the MRI findings of a rare complication of a common procedure. Radiologists may benefit from familiarity with epidural blood patching, including the technique, risks, benefits, and potential complications
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Horlocker TT, McGregor DG, Matsushige DK, Chantigian RC, Schroeder DR, Besse JA (1997) Neurologic complications of 603 consecutive continuous spinal anesthetics using macrocatheter and microcatheter techniques. Perioperative Outcomes Group. Anesth Analg 84: 1063–70
Olsen KS (1987) Article Review: Epidural blood patch in the treatment of post-lumbar puncture headache. Pain 30:293–301
Perez M, Olmos M, Garrido FJ (1993) Facial nerve paralysis after epidural blood patch. Reg Anesth 18:196–198
Duffy PJ, Crosby ET (1999) The epidural blood patch. Resolving the controversies. Can J Anaesth 46:878–886
Tekkok IH, Carter DA, Brinker R (1996) Spinal subdural haematoma as a complication of immediate epidural blood patch. Can J Anaesth 43:306–309
McGruder JM, Cooke JE, Conroy JM, Baker JD 3rd (1988) Headache after lumbar puncture: review of the epidural blood patch. South Med J 81:1249–1252
Griffiths AG, Beards SC, Jackson A, Horsman EL (1993) Visualization of extradural blood patch for post lumbar puncture headache by magnetic resonance imaging. Br J Anaesth 70:223–225
Beards SC, Jackson A, Griffiths AG, Horsman EL (1993) Magnetic resonance imaging of extradural blood patches: appearances from 30 min to 18 h. Br J Anaesth 71:182–188
Beers RA, Cambareri JJ, Rodziewicz GS (1993) Acute deterioration of mental status following epidural blood patch. Anesth Analg 76:1147–1149
Rainbird A, Pfitzner J (1983) Restricted spread of analgesia following epidural blood patch. Case report with a review of possible complications. Anaesthesia 38:481–484
Kardash K, Morrow F, Beique F (2002) Seizures after epidural blood patch with undiagnosed subdural hematoma. Reg Anesth Pain Med 27:433–436
Andrews PJ, Ackerman WE, Juneja M, Cases-Cristobal V, Rigor BM (1992) Transient bradycardia associated with extradural blood patch after inadvertent dural puncture in parturients. Br J Anaesth 69:401–403
Sperry RJ, Gart5ell A, Johnson JO (1995) Epidural blood patch can cause acute neurologic deterioration. Anesthesiology 82:303–305
Mercieri M, Mercieri A, Paolini S, Arcioni R, Lupoi D, Passarelli F, Pinto G, Celleno D (2003) Postpartum cerebral ischemia after accidental dural puncture and epidural blood patch. Br J Anaesth 90:98–100
Beers RA, Cambareri JJ, Rodziemicz GS (1993) Acute deterioration of mental status following epidural blood patch. Anesth Analg 76:1147–1149
Tarkkila PJ, Miralles JA, Palomaki EA (1989) The subjective complications and efficiency of the epidural blood patch in the treatment of postdural puncture headaches. Reg Anesth 14:247–250
Seeberger MD, Urwyler A (1992) Lumbovertebral syndrome after extradural blood patch. Br J Anaesth 69:414–416
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Kalina, P., Craigo, P. & Weingarten, T. Intrathecal injection of epidural blood patch: a case report and review of the literature. Emerg Radiol 11, 56–59 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10140-004-0365-0
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10140-004-0365-0