CT-Guided Celiac Ganglion Block for Neurogenic Gastrointestinal Dysmotility

To determine whether celiac ganglion block can serve as a diagnostic test for dysautonomia as the cause of gastrointestinal dysmotility-related symptoms.

This was an institutional review board-approved, prospective, single-arm, registered study, from January 2020 to May 2021, and included patients aged 14-85 years with gastrointestinal symptoms of food intolerance, abdominal pain, or angina. Patients with nonneurogenic causes (ie, chronic cholecystitis, peptic ulcer disease, gastroesophageal reflux, and malabsorption syndrome) were excluded. All 15 patients underwent computed tomography-guided celiac ganglion block with 100 mg of liposomal bupivacaine. Patients filled out the dysautonomia-validated questionnaire Composite Autonomic Symptom Score 31 (COMPASS-31) before and after intervention. Differences (before vs after) were compared with the exact permutation method.

Fifteen women (median age, 17 years; range, 14-41 years) were included. Average COMPASS-31 score improved significantly, from baseline 11 (SD ± 2.8) to 4 (SD ± 1.9) (improvement, 7 points ± 2.8; P < .001). All patients reported significant reduction in abdominal angina. Fourteen of the 15 patients (93%) reported complete resolution, and 14 of 15 (93%) reported a significant reduction in non-postprandial abdominal pain (P < .01). Only 1 patient reported no improvement. Eight of those 14 patients (57%) reported complete resolution of abdominal pain. There was a significant improvement in functional scores (vomiting, P = .01; constipation frequency, P = .02; constipation severity, P < .01; and nausea, P < .01). The rate of minor and major adverse events was 13% and 0%, respectively, per the Society of Interventional Radiology adverse event classification.

Celiac ganglion block is a safe diagnostic tool for confirming dysautonomia as the underlying condition in patients with gastrointestinal dysmotility-related symptoms. It could provide early diagnosis, lead to definitive treatment (ganglionectomy) earlier, or obviate unnecessary surgery.