title: Paraplegia after epidural anesthesia in a patient with peripheral vascular disease: case report and review of the literature with a description of an original technique for hematoma evacuation.
abstract: Epidural hematoma after epidural anesthesia is a rare and uncommon complication in patients with peripheral vascular disease who require perioperative anticoagulation therapy. A low index of suspicion makes its diagnosis difficult and often delayed. Treatment usually involves extensive laminectomy, increasing the chances for patient complications. In this article, the authors report a case of epidural hematoma with secondary paraplegia after epidural anesthesia. Also described is an original technique for evacuating the epidural space.
authors.affiliation: Spine and Paediatric Orthopaedics, American University of Beirut, Lebanon.
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Osmani
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Afeiche
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lakkis
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000767:Anesthesia, Epidural / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004322:Drainage; D004824:Epidural Space; D005260:Female; D006406:Hematoma / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D010264:Paraplegia / Q000209:etiology*; D016491:Peripheral Vascular Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative / Q000379:methods