Asymptomatic spinal cord neoplasm detected during induction of spinal anesthesia.
We report a case of an asymptomatic spinal cord neoplasm detected during the placement of a 25-gauge Whitacre spinal needle for spinal anesthesia before elective cesarean delivery. Subarachnoid blood was repeatedly aspirated during otherwise uncomplicated induction of spinal anesthesia. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a spinal cord ependymoma in the lumbar spine. Asymptomatic spinal cord neoplasms and ependymomas are reviewed. Central nervous system pathology should be considered in the presence of persistent subarachnoid blood.
Armstrong
P A
PA
Department of Anesthesiology, Division of Obstetric Anesthesiology, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
Polley
L S
LS
D000773:Anesthesia, Obstetrical; D000775:Anesthesia, Spinal; D004806:Ependymoma / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D011247:Pregnancy; D013120:Spinal Cord Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D013346:Subarachnoid Space / Q000502:physiology; D055815:Young Adult