Herniated Nucleus Pulposus during Pregnancy / 대한주산의학회잡지

ABSTRACT

A herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP) during pregnancy has been a rare occurrence with a reported incidence of 110,000 case. It is hard to diagnose because of the potentially hazardous effect of ionizing radiation to the fetus when complaining back pain during pregnancy. In this case, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provide safe and useful modality and in general, back pain usually respond readily to conservative treatment. Cauda equina syndrome or severe and/or progressive neurologic deficit is a medical emergency that necessitates prompt surgery during pregnancy. She admitted at 31 weeks gestation for sudden development of right leg paresthesia and ankle motor weakness, an MRI showing compression on right nerve root at the level of L5~S1. After 4 weeks treated with bed rest and analgesics, we delivered by cesarean section and laminectomy at the same time. We have experienced a pregnancy with HNP, so report of this case with brief review of literature.