Accidental intrathecal injection of bupivacaine and dextran

The case is reported of a patient who received an accidental intrathecal injection of a mixture containing 0.375% plain bupivacaine in dextran following a paravertebral block. From the duration of anaesthesia produced, it is suggested that the addition of dextran to a solution of bupivacaine does not potentiate the action of subarachnoid bupivacaine.