Subdural Displacement of an Epidural Catheter With Spinal Cord Compression in a Patient With Chronic Cancer Pain: A Case Report

Here we present the case of a 76-year-old woman with pancreatic cancer receiving epidural analgesia for chronic cancer pain treatment. Attempts of running the epidural catheter sequentially resulted in unexpected and extensive sensory block together with sympathicolysis but insufficient pain control. Finally, after 3 failed attempts of epidural catheter placements with insufficient pain control and uncommon neurological signs, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the spine was ordered. The MRI showed subdural catheter displacement with extensive liquid accumulation in the subdural space and consequent significant spinal cord compression. Findings normalized after removing the subdural catheter.
Source: A&A Case Reports - Category: Anesthesiology Tags: Diagnostic Ultrasound Rounds Source Type: research