Groin and buttock claudication associated with vascular origin due to chronic occlusion of internal iliac artery: A case report

Neurogenic and vascular claudication is sometimes difficult to distinguish from each other due to similarities in symptoms. Symptoms and physical examinations may not always match the severity in both diseases, and when atypical symptoms, such as groin pain, are present, diagnosis can be more challenging. Proper differential diagnosis of the two is important because of the invasiveness of treatment in both diseases. We report a rare case of a patient with severe groin and buttock pain due to chronic occlusion of the internal iliac artery, along with a review of the relevant literature.

Combined third occipital and C3 deep medial branch neurotomy in a patient with C2-3 facet joint osteoarthritis associated cervicogenic headaches: A case report

Cervicogenic headache is pain from the head due to various sources in the cervical spine. The C2-3 zygapophysial joints are the most commonly involved structure, and this type of headache could be relieved by blocks or neurotomy of the third occipital nerve. A 59-years-old female patient suffered from cervicogenic headaches due to severe C2-3 zygapophysial joint hypertrophy. Her pain was partially relieved by the third occipital radiofrequency neurotomy, and was almost completely removed by C3 deep medial branch neurotomy. Herein, we report a case of osteoarthritis associated cervicogenic headaches at the C2-3 zygapophysial joints and proposed a treatment option.

Contralateral complete L5 palsy following ipsilateral L4 selective transforaminal epidural block / 대한마취과학회지

No abstract available.

Percutaneous bipolar radiofrequency T3 sympathicotomy in Raynaud's disease: A case report / 대한마취과학회지

A 54-year-old female was suffering from cold-induced Raynaud's attacks in her both hands with symptoms most severe in her left hand. As the patient did not respond to previous medical treatments and endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy, we performed percutaneous bipolar radiofrequency thoracic sympathicotomy at the left T3 vertebral level. After the procedure, the patient obtained a long duration of symptom relief over 3 years. Percutaneous bipolar radiofrequency T3 sympathicotomy is minimally invasive and effective technique by creating large continuous strip lesion.

Cardiac arrest associated with carbon dioxide gas embolism during laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer and liver metastasis: A case report / 대한마취과학회지

Clinically apparent carbon dioxide (CO2) gas embolism is uncommon, but it may be a potentially lethal complication if it occurs. We describe a 40-year-old woman who suffered a CO2 gas embolism with cardiac arrest during laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer and liver metastasis. Intra-abdominal pressure was controlled to less than 15 mmHg during CO2 gas pneumoperitoneum. The right hepatic vein was accidentally disrupted during liver dissection, and an emergent laparotomy was performed. A few minutes later, the end-tidal CO2 decreased, followed by bradycardia and pulseless electrical activity. External cardiac massage, epinephrine, and atropine were given promptly. Ventilation with 100% oxygen was started and the patient was moved to the Trendelenburg position. Two minutes after resuscitation was begun, a cardiac rhythm reappeared and a pulsatile arterial waveform was displayed. A transesophageal echocardiogram showed air bubbles in the right pulmonary artery. The patient recovered completely, with no cardiopulmonary or neurological sequelae.

Morphologic Analysis of Water-Cooled Bipolar Radiofrequency lesions on Egg White in Vitro

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to document the optimal spacing of two cannulae to form continuous strip lesions and maximal surface area by using water-cooled bipolar radiofrequency technology. METHODS: Two water-cooled needle probes (15 cm length, 18-gauge probe with 6 mm electrode tip) were placed in a parallel position 10, 20, 24, 26, and 28 mm apart and submerged in egg white. Temperatures of the probes were raised from 35degrees C to 90degrees C and the progress of lesion formation was photographed every 1 minute with the increase of the tip temperature. Approximately 30 photographs were taken. The resultant surface areas of the lesions were measured with the digital image program. RESULTS: Continuous strip lesions were formed when the cannulae were spaced 24 mm or less apart; monopolar lesions around each cannula resulted if they were spaced more than 26 mm apart. Maximal surface areas through the formation of continuous strip lesion were 221 mm2, 375 mm2, and 476 mm2 in 10, 20, and 24 mm, respectively. Summations of maximal surface area of each monopolar lesions were 394 mm2 and 103 mm2 in 26 and 28 mm, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Water-cooled bipolar Radiofrequency technology creates continuous "strip" lesions proportional in size to the distance between the probes till the distance between cannulae is 24 mm or less. Spacing the cannulae 24 mm apart and treating about 80degrees C for 24 minutes maximizes the surface area of the lesion.

A New Anterior Approach for Fluoroscopy-guided Suprascapular Nerve Block: A Preliminary Report

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to investigate the feasibility of fluoroscopy-guided anterior approach for suprascapular nerve block (SSNB). METHODS: Twenty patients with chronic shoulder pain were included in the study. All of the nerve blocks were performed with patients in a supine position. Fluoroscopy was tilted medially to obtain the best view of the scapular notch (medial angle) and caudally to put the base of coracoid process and scapular spine on same line (caudal angle). SSNB was performed by introducing a 100-mm, 21-gauge needle to the scapular notch with tunnel view technique. Following negative aspiration, 1.0 ml of contrast was injected to confirm the scapular notch, and 1 % mepivacaine 2 ml was slowly injected. The success of SSNB was assessed by numerical rating scale (NRS) before and after the block. RESULTS: The average NRS was decreased from 4.8 +/- 0.6 to 0.6 +/- 0.5 after the procedure (P < 0.05). The best view of the scapular notch was obtained in a medial angle of 15.1 +/- 2.2 (11-19degrees) and a caudal angle of 15.4 +/- 1.7degrees (12-18degrees). The average distance from the skin to the scapular notch was 5.8 +/- 0.6 cm. None of the complications such as pneumothorax, intravascular injection, and hematoma formation was found except one case of partial brachial plexus block. CONCLUSIONS: SSNB by fluoroscopy-guided anterior approach is a feasible technique. The advantage of using a fluoroscopy resulted in an effective block with a small dose of local anesthetics by an accurate placement of a tip of needle in the scapular notch while avoiding pneumothorax.

Percutaneous aspiration of lumbar zygapophyseal joint synovial cyst under fluoroscopic guidance: A case report / 대한마취과학회지

A 51-year-old man with a 1-month history of lower back pain and radiating pain visited to our pain clinic. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan demonstrated a cyst like mass at the level of the L4-5 interspace and compression of the thecal sac and the nerve root on the right side. We performed percutaneous needle aspiration of the lumbar zygapophyseal joint synovial cyst under fluoroscopic guidance. The patient felt an immediate relief of symptoms after the aspiration, and had no signs or symptoms of recurrence at the follow-up 6 months later. No demonstrable lesion was found in the 6 months follow-up MRI.

Symptomatic epidural gas cyst treated with epidural block and percutaneous needle aspiration: A case report / 대한마취과학회지

A 68-year-old woman suffered from lower back and radiating pain on her right buttock and posterior calf. Axial magnetic resonance imaging showed a 7 x 7 mm nodular lesion (T1 and, T2 low signal intensity) at the epidural space between the L5-S1 level and computed tomography revealed it was an epidural gas cyst. The authors performed an epidural block and percutaneous needle aspiration of the epidural gas cyst. The patient showed almost complete resolution of symptoms one year later. The authors suggest that an epidural nerve block with needle aspiration of a gas cyst could be an alternative treatment option for patients with a symptomatic epidural gas cyst before surgery.

Partial-Thickness Rotator Cuff Tears

Although the incidence of partial-thickness rotator cuff tears (PTRCTs) was reported to be from 13% to 32% in cadaveric studies, the actual incidence is not yet known. The causes of PTRCTs can be explained by either extrinsic or intrinsic theories. Studies suggest that intrinsic degeneration within the rotator cuff is the principal factor in the pathogenesis of rotator cuff tears. Extrinsic causes include subacromial impingement, acute traumatic events, and repetitive microtrauma. However, acromially initiated rotator cuff pathology does not occur and extrinsic impingement does not cause pathology on the articular side of the tendon. An arthroscopic classification system has been developed based on the location and depth of the tear. These include the articular, bursal, and intratendinous areas. Both ultrasound and magnetic resonance image are reported with a high accuracy of 87%. Conservative treatment, such as subacromial or intra-articular injections and suprascapular nerve block with or without block of the articular branches of the circumflex nerve, should be considered prior to operative treatment for PTRCTs.

Trigeminal Neuralgia and Neural Blockade / 한양의대학술지

Trigeminal neuralgia is characterized by recurrent episodes of intense lancinating pain affecting the face localized to the sensory supply areas of the trigeminal nerve. There is a lack of certainty regarding the etiology and pathophysiology of trigeminal neuralgia. The diagnosis of idiopathic typical trigeminal neuralgia requires the absence of clinically evident neurological deficit. Treatment must be individualized to each patient. Various trigeminal neural blockades can be options when medical therapy fails to relieve pain. Neural blockades include peripheral nerve branch blocks and intracranial nerve root or ganglion blocks such as RF thermocoagulation, percutaneous balloon compression and glycerol rhizolysis. Neural blockade with local anesthetics produces temporary effects, but neural blockade with neurolytics like alcohol lasts longer, around one or two years. They are very useful for patients with poor general condition or high risk. RF rhizotomy and balloon compression of trigeminal ganglion are relatively more invasive treatment options, but have more cost effectiveness with less serious complications compared to other surgical procedures. The continuous improvement of neural block techniques is necessary for better treatment of trigeminal neuralgia.

Kinked J-tip guidewire within the tracheal lumen during retrograde intubation: A case report

Retrograde intubation is an alternative option for gaining airway access for patients with a difficult airway.We report a successful management of a kinked J-tip guidewire within a tracheal lumen with flexible fiberoptic laryngoscope in a patient with type II odontoid fracture.It is helpful to adjusting the depth of angiocatheter and handling of J-tip guidewire if J-tip guidewire does not come out into the oral cavity at the expected length during retrograde intubation.

Left atrial appendage thrombus detected by intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography in a patient with acute small bowel infarction: A case report / 대한마취과학회지

Acute mesenteric ischemia and infarction is an emergent situation associated with high mortality, commonly due to emboli or thrombosis of the mesenteric arteries. Embolism to the mesenteric arteries is most frequently due to a dislodged thrombus from the left atrium, left ventricle, or cardiac valves. We report a case of 70-year-old female patient with an acute small bowel infarction due to a mesenteric artery embolism dislodged from a left atrial appendage detected by intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography and followed by anticoagulation therapy.

Sequential bipolar radiofrequency lumbar sympathectomy in Raynaud's disease: A case report / 대한마취과학회지

A 39-year-old female was suffering from cold-induced Raynaud's attacks in both hands and feet, with symptoms being most severe in her left foot. The patient did not respond to medical treatments and was referred to our department of pain medicine. We performed sequential bipolar radiofrequency lumbar sympathectomy to the patient, which offered a long duration of symptom relief. Sequential bipolar radiofrequency lesions could create continuous strip lesion, and thus, could achieve better results, while the potential risk of liquid neurolytic agents could be avoided.

Spontaneous Retropharyngeal Hematoma: A Case Report

Spontaneous retropharyngeal hematoma is rare and difficult to diagnosis early. A 23-year-old male spontaneously developed acute onset of neck pain, limitation of neck motion, and mild dysphagia. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated blood products in prevertebral space from C2 to C4, suggesting a diagnosis of retropharyngeal hematoma. We report a rare case of spontaneous retropharyngeal hematoma causing neck pain.

A comparative study on the analgesic effect of continuous intraarticular infusion with ropivacaine, ropivacaine/fentanyl and ropivacaine/fentanyl/ketorolac after arthroscopic shoulder surgery / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Arthroscopic shoulder surgery can result in severe postoperative pain. A variety of methods have been used to control pain in postoperative period and the results are variable. The purpose of this study was to compare the relative analgesic efficacies of the postoperative intraarticular infusion of ropivacaine, ropivacaine/fentanyl, and ropivacaine/fentanyl/ketorolac after arthroscopic shoulder surgery. METHODS: Thirty patients undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery under general anesthesia were randomly assigned to three groups. At the end of surgery, 0.5% ropivacaine 20 ml was infused into the articular space and a continuous infusion catheter was inserted into intraarticular operated site. After surgery, continuous infusion of 0.5% ropivacaine 100 ml (Group 1, n = 10), 0.5% ropivacaine 100 ml including fentanyl 10 microg/kg (Group 2, n = 10), or 0.5% ropivacaine 100 ml including fentanyl 10 microgram/kg and ketorolac 150 mg (Group 3, n = 10) was started through catheter at rate of 2 ml/hr with bolus dose of 0.5 ml with a lock out time of 15 minutes for 2 days. The level of pain was assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS) postoperative 2, 6, 12, 24 and 48 hours and the amounts of supplemental analgesics were recorded. RESULTS: The VAS was significantly lower after 2, 6, 12 hours in Group 2 than in Group 1. In Group 3, the VAS was significantly lower all hours than in the other two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of fentanyl and ketorolac with ropivacaine did provide better postoperative analgesia than the other groups after arthroscopic shoulder surgery.

Unilateral phrenic nerve block guided by ultrasonography and nerve stimulator for the treatment of hiccup developed after tongue cancer operation: A case report / 대한마취과학회지

Hiccups are common benign and usually transient phenomenon that occur in nearly everyone. However, persistent or intractable hiccups can cause multiple problems including malnutrition, weight loss, fatigue, dehydration, insomnia, and wound dehiscence. We have experienced a case of postoperative persistent hiccup. The patient was formerly diagnosed tongue cancer and developed persistent hiccup after partial glossectomy with modified radical neck dissection and a radial forearm free-flap operation. He was unsuccessfully managed using pharmacologic methods, and then we tried phrenic nerve block guided by ultrasonography and a nerve stimulator because the surface anatomy of neck was deformed by the previous operation. Thirty minutes after the block, the hiccups disappeared.

Degenerative Osteoarthritis of the Hip Misconceived as a Failed Back Surgery Syndrome: A case report / 대한마취과학회지

We report the treatment experience of a patient who developed pain in the right anterior thigh and buttock 3 months later after lumbar disc surgery. He was treated as failed back surgery syndrome and had no symptom improvement. On physical examination, groin pain was elicited by Patrick's test and internal rotation of the hip. Plain radiographs of the pelvis showed calcification or osteophytes near the superior lip of the acetabulum. On magnetic resonance imaging, the lesion was identified as osteophytes and joint effusion was also noted. Under C-arm guidance, we injected corticosteroids and local anesthetics, and the patient obtained dramatic pain relief and no recurrence of symptoms.

A Study about Size and Shape of Bipolar Radiofrequency Lesions / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Present limitations to monopolar RF include the small lesion size, difficulties in targeting, and questions about the reliability.In contrast with monopolar RF, bipolar RF create larger, more predictable, and more extensive ablative lesion. This study documents the optimal spacing of two needles, temperature, and time required to produce bipolar RF lesions. METHODS: Two 20-gauge 5 mm active tip needles and 10 mm active tip needles were secured in a parallel position 6, 8, and 10 mm apart and submerged in egg white that would allow visualization of the size and shape of the lesion.RF lesions were produced at 70, 80, and 90degrees C.At each temperature, photographs were taken at 30, 60, 90, and 120 seconds. RESULTS: When the 5 mm active tips with 6 mm distance were above 60 s and with 8, 10 mm distance above 120 s, continuous strip lesions were produced.10 mm active tips with 120 s were produced too.The others had discrete unipolar lesions around each cannula.The lesion size increased with a higher temperature and time.But time was the more important factor in determining lesion size. CONCLUSIONS: A continuous strip lesion was produced even though the electrode spaced 10 mm apart.And spacing the electrode 6 mm apart with 5 mm active tip and 8 mm apart with 10 mm active tip at 90degrees C for 90 s maximize the surface area of the lesions.

Cervical Transforaminal Axis Measured by MRI and Its Relation to the Internal Jugular Vein, Internal Carotid Artery and Vertebral Artery / 대한통증학회지

BACKGROUND: The safety of cervical transforaminal epidural block has been the subject of debate, therefore, this study was conducted to measure the angle of the cervical transforaminal axis and to investigate its relationship to the internal jugular vein, internal carotid artery and vertebral artery. METHODS: One hundred cases of cervical MRI were reviewed. The angle between a line passing through the center of the vertebral body and spinous process and a line passing through the center of the lamina in C3-4, C4-5 and C5-6 was measured and designated as A-degree. Additionally, we drew a line at the back of the vertebral artery that ran parallel to a line passing through the center of the lamina, which was presented as A-line. We then examined the distribution of the area in which the internal jugular vein and the internal carotid artery were located. RESULTS: The mean values of the A-degree in C3-4, C4-5 and C5-6 were 53.5 +/- 4.3, 54.2 +/- 4.6 and 54.3 +/- 4.8, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences among age groups or vertebral levels (ANOVA test, P > 0.05). The A-line was distributed primarily throughout zone 3, 4, and 5 in C3-4 and zone 5 in C4-5 and C5-6. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate that the mean values of A-degree were not statistically different among each age group and each vertebral level. However, the A-line may be located in the zone in which the internal jugular vein and the internal carotid artery lie and individual differences in the A-degree remain.