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An Unusual Delayed Onset of Systemic Toxicity After Fluoroscopy‐Guided Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection With Levobupivacaine: A Case Report
Author(s) -
Kang Hee Yong,
Kim Jeong Eun,
Kim Yun Jong,
Park Sung Wook,
Kim Youngsoon
Publication year - 2019
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/papr.12802
Subject(s) - medicine , anesthesia , complication , surgery , radicular pain , epidural space , dexamethasone , neck pain , levobupivacaine , adverse effect , local anesthetic , toxicity , bupivacaine , lumbar , alternative medicine , pathology
Background Cervical epidural steroid injection ( CESI ) with local anesthetics is commonly used to treat neck pain and radicular pain of the upper extremity. Local anesthetic systemic toxicity ( LAST ) occurs shortly after injection as a complication; however, delayed onset is a very rare event, especially in central nervous system ( CNS ) block. Case report We present a case in which delayed onset of LAST occurred in a patient who received CESI for cervical and arm radiating pain due to a cervical disc protrusion. We performed the interlaminar approach for CESI using fluoroscopic guidance. After confirming the location of the epidural space using the loss of resistance technique and spreading of contrast agent (Telebrix ® 30), a mixture of 0.25% levobupivacaine 12.5 mg (5 mL in volume), hyaluronidase 1,500 IU (1 mL), dexamethasone 5 mg (1 mL), and normal saline 3 mL was administrated. After 50 minutes of injection, the patient showed CNS toxicity (unconsciousness, seizure) with normal blood pressure and tachycardia; therefore, she was immediately sedated with intravenous midazolam (3 mg), and 15 L/min of oxygen was administered. The patient fully recovered after 30 minutes of sedation without any sequelae. Conclusion Delayed onset of LAST is a rare complication of a common procedure in CESI , so it is important to be aware of this complication and the presentation of toxicity.