Dural sinus thrombosis following epidural analgesia for delivery: a clinical case / Trombose de seios durais após analgesia peridural para parto: caso clínico

Abstract Background and objectives: Neurological complications of spinal anesthesia are rare conditions. Headache caused by low pressure of the cerebrospinal fluid is one of the most frequent, which occurs after post-dural puncture. A comprehensive history and physical exam must be carried out before making the diagnosis of Post-Dural Puncture Headache (PDPH) and additional tests are necessary to exclude the possibility of developing serious neurological complications such as Dural Sinus Thrombosis (DST). According to the Case Report a differential diagnosis between Dural Sinus Thrombosis with PDPH is discussed. Case report: A 22 year-old lady, ASA Physical Status Class I was admitted at 39 weeks of gestation for delivery. For labor pain relief she requested epidural for analgesia, but unfortunately accidental dural puncture occurred. She developed an occipital headache and neck pain in the second day postpartum which was relieved by both lying down and supporting treatment such as rehydration, analgesics and caffeine. On day third postpartum she was discharged without complaints. On day fifth postpartum the pain returned and became more intense and less responsive to oral analgesics. She was admitted to the hospital to do a complete neurological and image investigation that showed a lesion consistent with the diagnosis of cortical vein thrombosis and Dural Sinus Thrombosis (DST). She was treated with oral anticoagulants. After two days, a repeated magnetic resonance image (MRI) showed partial canalization of the central sinus thrombus. The patient was discharged from hospital five days after her admission without any of the initial symptoms. Conclusion: The report describes a patient who developed severe headache following continuous epidural analgesia for delivery. Initially it was diagnosed as PDPH, however with the aid of MRI the diagnosis of DST was later established and treated. DST is a rare condition and is often underdiagnosed. Because of its potentially lethal complications, it should always be considered in acute headache differential diagnosis.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivos: As complicações neurológicas da raquianestesia são condições raras. A cefaleia causada pela baixa pressão do fluido cerebrospinal é uma das mais frequentes e ocorre após a punção dural. Anamnese completa e exame físico geral devem ser feitos antes de fazer o diagnóstico de cefaleia pós-punção dural (CPPD) e testes adicionais são necessários para excluir a possibilidade de complicações neurológicas graves, como trombose de seios durais (TSD). De acordo com o relato do caso, discutiremos o diagnóstico diferencial entre TSD e CPPD. Relato de caso: Paciente de 22 anos, estado físico ASA I, foi admitida com 39 semanas de gestação para o parto. Para alívio da dor do trabalho de parto, a paciente solicitou analgesia peridural, mas infelizmente ocorreu uma punção dural acidental. A paciente desenvolveu cefaleia occipital e dor cervical no segundo dia pós-parto - ambas aliviadas com repouso e terapia de suporte, como reidratação, analgésicos e cafeína. No terceiro dia pós-parto, a paciente recebeu alta sem queixas. No quinto dia pós-parto, a dor retornou e ficou mais intensa e com pouca resposta aos analgésicos orais. Ela foi admitida no hospital para uma completa investigação neurológica e de imagem que mostrou uma lesão compatível com o diagnóstico de trombose venosa cortical e TSD. A paciente foi tratada com anticoagulantes orais. Após dois dias, a repetição de ressonância nuclear magnética (RM) mostrou canalização parcial de trombo do seio central. A paciente recebeu alta hospitalar cinco dias após a admissão, sem quaisquer dos sintomas iniciais. Conclusão: O caso descreve uma paciente que desenvolveu cefaleia grave após epidural contínua para o parto. Inicialmente ela foi diagnosticada como CPPD, contudo com o auxílio da RNM foi estabelecido o diagnóstico tardio de TSD. TSD é uma condição rara e frequentemente subdiagnosticada. Ela deve sempre ser considerada como diagnóstico diferencial de cefaleia aguda em decorrência de suas complicações potencialmente letais.

Incidence of post dural puncture headache [PDPH] with different gauge spinal needles in relation to age

To asses the incidence of PDPH in different gauges of spinal needle in relation to age. 1500. Comparative Study Armed Forces Institute of Urology [RWP], Railway General Hospital [RWP] and Waseema Talat PVT LTD, Multan. 15[th] Aug, 2007 to 14[th] Aug, 2008. 1500 patients were studied in 9 different groups [A1, B1, C1, A2, B2, C2, A3, B3, C3] with group A, B and C for 23G, 25G and 27G respectively and 1, 2 and 3 for 26-40yrs, 41-55 yrs, and 56-70yrs respectively. Al included younger age group with 23G spinal needles and C3 included older age group with 27G spinal needle. ASA II/III grade patients were selected. All groups were preloaded with 10ml/kg body weight ringers lactate. Routine urine examination and blood complete picture were done. 24hrs strict post-operative bed rest observed. The frequency of PDPH in A1[6%], B1[3%], C1[2%], A2[3%], B2[1.33%], C2[0%], A3[0%], B3[0%], C3[0%]. The study clearly shows that incidence is much higher in younger age group even with the finest needle of 27 gauges