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http://dx.doi.org/10.3344/kjp.2008.21.2.159

A Case of Paraplegia Associated with Epidural Anesthesia -A case report-  

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)
Publication Information
The Korean Journal of Pain / v.21, no.2, 2008 , pp. 159-163 More about this Journal
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
arachnoiditis; epidural block;
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