Magnetic Resonance Imaging Images of the Local Anesthetic Spreading after Erector Spinae Plane Block at T2 Level

ABSTRACT

It has been reported that erector spinae plane block (ESPB), which was performed at the mid-thoracic level, can be effective for the visceral and somatic pain of the thoracic region. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images showed the diffusion of the contrast medium into the transforaminal and epidural spaces after ESPB, and these MRI findings helped to understand the mechanism of the analgesic effect. There have also been reports that ESPB at the upper thoracic level can reduce the pain of the shoulder and upper extremities. However, no MRI images have been reported to support the mechanism of analgesic effect in the cervical region. We report for the first time the MRI images of local anesthetic spread after ESPB at the T2 level.