The Korean Journal of Pain

The Korean Pain Society (대한통증학회)
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A Case of Paraplegia Associated with Epidural Anesthesia -A case report-

산모에서 발생한 경막외 블록 후 하지 마비 -증례보고-

  • Kim, Hyun Hea (Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Management, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College) ;
  • Kim, Doo Hwan (Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Management, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College) ;
  • Kim, Sung Hoon (Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Management, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College) ;
  • Leem, Jeong Gill (Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Management, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College) ;
  • Lee, Cheong (Eulji University Hospital, Eulji University College of Medicine) ;
  • Shin, Jin Woo (Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Management, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College)
  • 김현혜 (울산대학교 의과대학 서울아산병원 마취통증의학교실) ;
  • 김두환 (울산대학교 의과대학 서울아산병원 마취통증의학교실) ;
  • 김성훈 (울산대학교 의과대학 서울아산병원 마취통증의학교실) ;
  • 임정길 (울산대학교 의과대학 서울아산병원 마취통증의학교실) ;
  • 이청 (을지대학교 의과대학 마취통증의학교실) ;
  • 신진우 (울산대학교 의과대학 서울아산병원 마취통증의학교실)
  • Received : 2008.06.24
  • Accepted : 2008.07.30
  • Published : 2008.08.30
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Abstract

Paraplegia is a relatively rare complication of epidural anesthesia. Several possible factors may contribute to the development of paraplegia including arachnoiditis, trauma and ischemia. We experienced a case where paraplegia had developed after epidural anesthesia for cesarean section. So we present the case and consider the possible etiologies. A 30-year-old previously healthy woman was referred to our hospital for postpartum motor weakness of the lower limbs. Six days prior, the patient was admitted at a local obstetric clinic for delivery at 39 weeks gestation. The patient underwent a Cesarean section under epidural anesthesia induced with 20 ml 2% lidocaine and 5 ml 0.5% bupivacaine. In the early morning of the day following the Cesarean section, a motor and sensory deficit in both lower extremities was noted. A lumbar MRI showed diffuse enhancement along the cauda equina and spinal cord surface in the lower lumbar spine, suggesting diffuse arachnoiditis.

Keywords

References

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