[Targeted epidural blood patch: an effective treatment for spontaneous intracranial hypotension].
OBJECTIVE
To report the authors' own experience in the treatment of spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) with targeted epidural blood patch after locating the CSF leaks with CT myelography (CTM) and to discuss the mechanism and value of this method.


METHODS
Six patients with SIH (3 males and 3 females aged 33-66 years) were included. All patients met the diagnostic criteria of 2nd edition of International Classification of Headache Disorders (2004). CT myelography revealed the CSF leak sites in all 6 patients. Autologous blood mixed with Omnipaque (300 mg/ml) was injected after selective puncture at the leak site indicated by CTM.


RESULTS
All patients responded well to the treatment and achieved a complete resolution of symptoms. Nerve root irritation occurred in 2 patients. Three patients suffered from a temporary back pain.


CONCLUSIONS
With the location of leak sites by CTM, targeted epidural blood patch is an effective way to treat spontaneous intracranial hypotension.
Wang
Jin
J
Department of Neurology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Sir Run Run Shaw Institute of Clinical Medicine of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, China. wangjinjoy@hotmail.com
Wang
Li
L
He
Fei-fang
FF
Lu
Pei-lin
PL
Hu
Xing-yue
XY
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D017217:Blood Patch, Epidural / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019585:Intracranial Hypotension / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed