Lumbar tinea versicolor and spinal anaesthesia

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Obstetrics
• Infectious Disease

Background:

• Meningitis is a feared complication of spinal anesthesia, often leading to avoidance in patients with skin infections at the puncture site.
• General anesthesia is undesirable in obstetrics due to potential complications.
• Antiseptic measures, like chlorhexidine with alcohol, are crucial for preventing microbial contamination of the subarachnoid space.

Observation:

• A parturient presented with generalized tinea versicolor affecting the lumbar region.
• The patient required delivery via cesarean section.

Findings:

• Despite the widespread skin fungal infection, spinal anesthesia was successfully administered.
• Meticulous antiseptic skin preparation was employed prior to the procedure.
• No adverse events or complications related to meningitis were observed.

Implications:

• This case suggests that spinal anesthesia can be safely performed in obstetric patients with superficial skin infections like tinea versicolor.
• Rigorous antiseptic protocols are paramount in mitigating the risk of infection transmission.
• This approach may help avoid the risks associated with general anesthesia in the obstetric population.