Iterative epidural blood patch for recurrent spontaneous intracranial hypotension during pregnancy

J Clin Anesth. 2016 Nov:34:239-43. doi: 10.1016/j.jclinane.2016.04.040. Epub 2016 May 13.

Abstract

A 30-year-old woman at 28 weeks presented with sudden onset of intense headache, epigastric pain, hot flushes, nausea, vomiting, and stiff neck. Cerebral magnetic resonance imaging showed pathognonomic signs of spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH). Epidural blood patch was performed 2 times during pregnancy for symptoms relief in spite of medical treatments. No other recurrence was noted until the spontaneous delivery. SIH is a rare entity during pregnancy which may be diagnosed using magnetic resonance imaging. Iterative Epidural blood patch should be proposed to patients with SIH during pregnancy because it allowed faster symptoms improvement and patient relief with complete recovery than medical treatment only.

Keywords: Epidural blood patch; Pregnancy; Spontaneous intracranial hypotension.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Blood Patch, Epidural*
  • Female
  • Headache / etiology
  • Humans
  • Intracranial Hypotension / complications*
  • Intracranial Hypotension / diagnostic imaging
  • Intracranial Hypotension / therapy*
  • Magnetic Resonance Angiography
  • Nausea / etiology
  • Pregnancy
  • Recurrence
  • Vomiting / etiology