Epidural hematoma as a cause of postpneumonectomy paraplegia

Postpneumonectomy paraplegia developed in a woman admitted for resection of bronchogenic carcinoma. Postpneumonectomy paraplegia is an uncommon, but catastrophic, event that is thought to be caused primarily by ischemia to the spinal cord; in this instance an epidural hematoma was the cause. Recommendations for prevention are presented.