Korean J Perinatol.  2006 Mar;17(1):105-109.

Herniated Nucleus Pulposus during Pregnancy

• Lee HH
• Kim SY
• Byun AR
• Oh HY
• Lee HL
• Yoon JH
• Lee SG

Abstract

A herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP) during pregnancy has been a rare occurrence with a reported incidence of 1:10,000 case. It is hard to diagnose because of the potentially hazardous effect of ionizing radiation to the fetus when complaining back pain during pregnancy. In this case, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provide safe and useful modality and in general, back pain usually respond readily to conservative treatment. Cauda equina syndrome or severe and/or progressive neurologic deficit is a medical emergency that necessitates prompt surgery during pregnancy. She admitted at 31 weeks gestation for sudden development of right leg paresthesia and ankle motor weakness, an MRI showing compression on right nerve root at the level of L5~S1. After 4 weeks treated with bed rest and analgesics, we delivered by cesarean section and laminectomy at the same time. We have experienced a pregnancy with HNP, so report of this case with brief review of literature.

Keyword

Pregnancy; Herniated nucleus pulposus; Laminectomy

MeSH Terms

Analgesics
Ankle
Back Pain
Bed Rest
Cesarean Section
Emergencies
Female
Fetus
Incidence
Laminectomy
Leg
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Neurologic Manifestations
Paresthesia
Polyradiculopathy
Pregnancy*
Radiation, Ionizing
Analgesics