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The Delayed Appearance of Neurological Signs in Intrathecal Granuloma Warrants Imaging Surveillance: A Case Series and Review of the Literature
Author(s) -
Zimmerman Amanda,
Rauck Richard L.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
pain practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.899
H-Index - 58
eISSN - 1533-2500
pISSN - 1530-7085
DOI - 10.1111/j.1533-2500.2012.00540.x
Subject(s) - medicine , asymptomatic , etiology , paralysis , surgery , complication , granuloma , population , refractory (planetary science) , dermatology , pediatrics , pathology , physics , environmental health , astrobiology
Intrathecal pump therapy (ITP) has become a mainstay of treatment for the chronic, refractory nonmalignant pain patient. Increasingly, ITP therapy is being instituted for the failed back pain population. Inflammatory mass or granuloma is a complication that is considered “rare” or “uncommon.” In this patient population, the symptoms of granuloma can often mimic the symptoms for which the patient is being treated. The case series reported here illustrates 4 cases of inflammatory mass. One patient presented with paralysis before she was diagnosed, and the remainder of the patients were asymptomatic at the time of diagnosis. The cases presented illustrate the need for broader education of inflammatory mass among nonpain specialists. Etiology, diagnosis and treatment guidelines of inflammatory mass are reviewed. The literature reviewed highlights the number of patients who present with paralysis as well as the need for regular screening of ITP patients.