Persistent Horner's syndrome after spinal fusion and epidural analgesia. A case report.
METHODS
A case report of a clinical observation.


OBJECTIVE
To present the clinical findings of an unusual complication of spinal fusion and epidural analgesia.


BACKGROUND
A 13-year-old girl developed Horner's syndrome after posterior thoracic spinal fusion and epidural analgesia.


METHODS
By clinical examination and pupillary pharmacologic testing, the diagnosis of Horner's syndrome was confirmed.


RESULTS
Examination and testing confirmed the presence of central or preganglionic Horner's syndrome. The specific cause of the Horner's syndrome was not determined. Horner's syndrome persisted, and the blepharoptosis was corrected surgically.


CONCLUSIONS
This is the first reported case of Horner's syndrome occurring after posterior spinal fusion and epidural analgesia.
Hered
R W
RW
Division of Ophthalmology, Nemours Children's Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA.
Cummings
R J
RJ
Helffrich
R
R
D000767:Anesthesia, Epidural / Q000009:adverse effects*; D018685:Anesthetics, Inhalation; D001763:Blepharoptosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006732:Horner Syndrome / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D011859:Radiography; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*
D018685:Anesthetics, Inhalation