[A case of spinal extradural hematoma during the insertion of an epidural catheter]

An epidural haematoma was observed after epidural lumbar puncture in a 75-year old patient receiving 5,000 units calcium heparinate every 12 h as antithrombotic therapy. The diagnosis was suspected by the occurrence of sudden pain and bleeding through the epidural catheter, followed by a complete paraplegia. The diagnosis was confirmed by contrast myelography. Early surgery did not improve the neurological deficit. This case report emphasized that anticoagulant therapy must be discontinued before epidural anaesthesia.