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Epidural Blood Patch for Postdural Puncture Headache in a Patient With Coronavirus Disease 2019: A Case Report
Mark C Norris1, Albert Kalustian, Seroos Salavati
1From the Department of Anesthesiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts.
Insights
The safety of epidural blood patch for treating headaches after spinal anesthesia in COVID-19 patients is unknown. This case study shows successful headache relief and no neurological symptoms in a patient with coronavirus disease 2019.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- The safety of epidural blood patch (EBP) in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remains unestablished.
- Postdural puncture headache (PDPH) is a potential complication following spinal anesthesia, commonly treated with EBP.
Observation:
- A case report details a patient who underwent cesarean delivery with spinal anesthesia and subsequently developed PDPH.
- The patient was diagnosed with COVID-19.
- An epidural blood patch was administered to manage the PDPH.
Findings:
- The epidural blood patch effectively resolved the patient's postdural puncture headache.
- No adverse neurological events or complications related to COVID-19 or the procedure were observed post-treatment.
Implications:
- This case suggests that epidural blood patch may be a safe and effective treatment for PDPH in patients with COVID-19.
- Further research is warranted to confirm the safety and efficacy of EBP in this patient population.
- This finding could inform clinical practice regarding PDPH management in pregnant patients with active SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Abstract:
The safety of epidural blood patch in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is unknown. Here, we report a single case of epidural blood patch to treat a postdural puncture headache in a woman after spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery. The patient's headache was relieved, and she did not develop any other neurological symptoms.
