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Subdural hematoma after cervical epidural steroid injection
Charles A Reitman1, William Watters
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.
Spine
|March 9, 2002
Summary
A rare subdural hematoma complication occurred after a cervical epidural steroid injection, leading to quadriparesis and meningitis. Prompt recognition of spinal hematomas is crucial for patient prognosis.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Anesthesiology
Background:
- Cervical epidural steroid injections are common for spinal complaints, with rare reported complications.
- Subdural hematoma is a previously undescribed complication of this procedure.
Observation:
- A patient developed quadriparesis hours after a cervical epidural steroid injection.
- Imaging revealed a C3-C5 anterior spinal subdural hematoma, requiring surgical evacuation.
Findings:
- Post-surgery, the patient experienced initial quadriplegia with partial recovery, followed by meningitis and cardiopulmonary arrest.
- Despite resuscitation, the patient's neurological function did not improve, and she experienced a second fatal cardiac arrest.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for devastating outcomes from cervical subdural hematomas post-injection.
- Early diagnosis and intervention are critical for improving patient prognosis in such rare cases.