Accidental Spinal Cord Injury Following an Attempted Thoracic Epidural for acute Pancreatitis Pain Management

Özet

We report a case of spinal cord injury following an attempted epidural in a conscious woman for pain management in acute pancreatitis. Theepidural needle was inserted at the T11–T12 interspace. On the second attempt, dural puncture occurred. The patient did not complain ofpain or discomfort during the procedure. Thirty-two hours after the attempted epidural, the patient was found to have motor deficit on her rightlower limb. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a spinal haematoma with direct spinal cord injury. Post-laminectomy neurological recoverywas slow but progressive. The possible causes for spinal cord injury and spinal haematoma without pain or paraesthesia during the procedureare discussed.