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Published on: January 21, 2020
A case of complex regional pain syndrome type II after transradial coronary intervention
Nobuko Sasano1, Takako Tsuda, Hiroshi Sasano
1Department of Anesthesiology and Medical Crisis Management, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 1 Kawasumi Mizuho-cho, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya 467-8622, Japan.
Insights
Transradial coronary intervention is generally safe, but can rarely cause complex regional pain syndrome type II (CRPS type II). This condition involves severe hand pain and disability, requiring prompt medical attention.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Pain Medicine
Background:
- Transradial approach is a standard technique for coronary catheterization.
- It is generally associated with minimal complications at the puncture site.
Observation:
- A 61-year-old woman developed severe right hand pain after transradial coronary intervention for unstable angina.
- Pain followed the median nerve distribution, and nerve conduction studies suggested carpal tunnel syndrome.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with complex regional pain syndrome type II (CRPS type II).
- Treatment included stellate ganglion and cervical epidural blockades, amitriptyline, and loxoprofen.
- The patient showed gradual symptom improvement and enhanced daily living activities.
Implications:
- Transradial coronary intervention may lead to serious regional pain and disability, such as CRPS type II.
- Median nerve damage due to local compression and ischemia is a potential cause.
- Medical personnel should be vigilant for CRPS type II and avoid excessive compression during the procedure.
Abstract:
The transradial approach for coronary catheterization is now a routine technique without serious complications at the puncture site. We report a case of complex regional pain syndrome type II (CRPS type II) in the hand after the transradial coronary intervention, which may alert medical personnel that the technique may cause serious regional pain with disability. A 61-year-old woman underwent coronary intervention via the right radial artery for the treatment of unstable angina. After the operation she complained of severe pain in the right hand, consistently felt along the median nerve distribution. The nerve conduction study suggested carpal tunnel syndrome. We made a diagnosis of CRPS type II, and the patient received stellate ganglion blockade, cervical epidural blockade, and administration of amitriptyline and loxoprofen. The symptoms gradually improved and her activities of daily living markedly improved. The median nerve appeared to be damaged by local compression and potential ischemia. Careful attention should be paid to avoid CRPS type II, associated with excess compression.
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