The Disposition of Radiocontrast in the Interscalene Space in Healthy Volunteers.
BACKGROUND
We measured the spread of radiocontrast in the interscalene space after injection under low (<15 psi) and high (>20 psi) pressures.


METHODS
Nine healthy volunteers received ultrasound-guided injections of 10 mL radio-opaque NaCl 0.9% in both interscalene spaces. Spread of injectate as assessed by computed tomography scan and discomfort on injection were recorded.


RESULTS
Under both opening pressure conditions, injectate contacted 3 brachial plexus roots and spilled over the surface of the anterior and/or middle scalene muscles underneath the cervical fascia.


CONCLUSIONS
Regardless of injection pressure, the interscalene space was filled with 10 mL of radiocontrast injectate.
From the Department of Anesthesiology, Clinique Ste Anne-St Remi, Brussels, Belgium; Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg (ZOL), Genk, Belgium; Sint Jozefskliniek, Izegem, Belgium; NAICE (North American Institute for Continuous Education), New York, New York; Department of Radiology, Clinique Ste Anne-St Remi, Brussels, Belgium; and New York School of Regional Anesthesia, New York, New York.
Philippe
P
Gautier
Catherine
C
Vandepitte
Isabelle
I
Schaub
Kristof
K
Fourneau
Maxine M
MM
Kuroda
Yvan
Y
De Merlier
Admir
A
Hadzic
D000328:Adult; D001530:Belgium; D001917:Brachial Plexus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D065527:Brachial Plexus Block; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D005260:Female; D064368:Healthy Volunteers; D006801:Humans; D007267:Injections; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011312:Pressure; D012965:Sodium Chloride / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D018084:Ultrasonography, Interventional
D003287:Contrast Media; D012965:Sodium Chloride