Paravertebral cervical nerve block in a patient suffering from a Pancoast tumor.
In patients with aggressive tumors resistant to conventional pain treatment, regional anaesthesia frequently becomes an alternative therapy. Cervical paravertebral nerve block among several access options to the brachial plexus is barely ever used. We present a case with severe shoulder and upper extremity pain owing to an expanding Pancoast tumor exhibiting compression upon the brachial plexus. Continuous intrathecal morphine infusion and adjuvant treatment was not sufficient to render the patient pain-free. With the addition of paravertebral nerve blockade the patient's pain improved substantially, however without impacting his longevity.
Anesthesia Department, Son Llátzer Hospital, Spain. rpelaez@hsll.es
Raquel
R
Peláez
Gabriel
G
Pascual
José L
JL
Aguilar
Peter G
PG
Atanassoff
D000328:Adult; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001917:Brachial Plexus / Q000473:pathology; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009020:Morphine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009407:Nerve Block / Q000379:methods*; D009408:Nerve Compression Syndromes / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010178:Pancoast Syndrome / Q000150:complications*
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D009020:Morphine