Korean J Pain.  2008 Aug;21(2):159-163. 10.3344/kjp.2008.21.2.159.

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

• Kim HH
• Kim DH
• Kim SH
• Leem JG
• Lee C
• Shin JW

• KMID: 2278088
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3344/kjp.2008.21.2.159

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.

Keyword

arachnoiditis; epidural block

MeSH Terms

Adult
Anesthesia, Epidural
Arachnoid
Arachnoiditis
Bupivacaine
Cauda Equina
Cesarean Section
Female
Humans
Ischemia
Lidocaine
Lower Extremity
Paraplegia
Postpartum Period
Pregnancy
Spinal Cord
Spine
Bupivacaine
Lidocaine