Transverse myelitis following general and epidural anaesthesia in a paediatric patient.
A 13-year-old girl developed transverse myelitis 2 weeks after an uncomplicated, combined general and epidural anaesthetic for orthopaedic surgery. Since epidural anaesthesia had been used, a causal relationship might have been assumed. We review the aetiology and pathogenesis of acute transverse myelitis and the role of anaesthesia in this disorder. Although a causal relationship cannot be assumed and regional anaesthesia in children is considered safe, we would like to re-emphasise the management principles and practices that may improve the benefit-to-risk ratio of these techniques.
Martinez-Garcia
E
E
Department of Anaesthesia, Children University Hospital, Nino Jesus, Madrid, Spain. ernesmg2002@yahoo.es
Pelaez
E
E
Roman
J C
JC
Perez-Gallardo
A
A
D000208:Acute Disease; D000293:Adolescent; D000767:Anesthesia, Epidural / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000768:Anesthesia, General / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D009188:Myelitis, Transverse / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*