Anesth Pain Med.  2017 Jul;12(3):266-270. 10.17085/apm.2017.12.3.266.

Drainage of an acute spinal epidural hematoma that developed without risk factors in the thoracic spine using epidural needle: A case report

• Cha YD
• Kim GW
• Yang CW
• Oh SR
• Ryoo SW
• Kim BG

• KMID: 2388845
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.17085/apm.2017.12.3.266

Abstract

Epidural hematoma after epidural block is a rare complication in healthy patients without risk factor. However, this rare disease can lead to neurological symptoms or paralysis. It is usually treated with surgical drainage. Herein we report a case of acute thoracic epidural hematoma associated with neurologic symptoms after epidural block in a healthy male without risk factors. We performed drainage of the epidural hematoma using 18-gauge Tuohy needle without surgical intervention. The patient's neurological symptoms and pain were relieved. He was discharged without sequelae.

Keyword

Epidural block; Epidural needle; Spinal epidural hematoma

MeSH Terms

Drainage*
Hematoma
Hematoma, Epidural, Spinal*
Humans
Male
Needles*
Neurologic Manifestations
Paralysis
Rare Diseases
Risk Factors*
Spine*

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Sagittal T2-weighted image. Acute epidural hematoma (white arrow) at posterior epidural space of T3 to T6 level with severe cord compression at T4-5-6 level.

• 

  Fig. 2 Transaxil T2-weighted image. Nodular enhancing foci (white arrow) is noted inside the epidural hematoma at the level of T5 (right side).

• 

  Fig. 3 Drainage of epidural hematoma with 18-gauge Tuohy needle.

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