Management of persistent post-dural puncture headache after repeated epidural blood patch.
We report a case of persistent post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) in a patient despite two epidural blood patches (EBPs). Successful resolution of headache was achieved with a third EBP performed under computed tomography (CT) guidance. A 38-year-old female had a total abdominal hysterectomy under combined spinal-epidural anesthesia with no complications. After surgery, she developed a postural headache consistent with PDPH. The first EBP was performed by injecting autologous blood through the epidural catheter that was in situ. The second EBP was performed under fluoroscopy. The patient continued to have a persistent headache. A computed tomography (CT) myelogram demonstrated cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak at L3-4 level. A "directed" CT-guided blood patch was then performed successfully with resolution of the headache.
Ho
K-Y
KY
Department of Anaesthesia and Surgical Intensive Care, Singapore General Hospital, Outram Road, Singapore 169608. hokokyuen@yahoo.com.sg
Gan
T J
TJ
D000767:Anesthesia, Epidural / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017217:Blood Patch, Epidural / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D051299:Post-Dural Puncture Headache / Q000628:therapy*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed