Department of Neurology, Päijät-Häme Central Hospital, Keskussairaalankatu 7, FIN-15850 Lahti, Finland. liisa.luostarinen@phks.fi
Post-lumbar puncture headache is a frequent clinical problem. Needle design is expected to reduce post-puncture headache. In this study, we compared two different lumbar puncture needle designs in diagnostic lumbar puncture and analysed post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) and social and economical harm associated with the diagnostic lumbar puncture procedure. This prospective, controlled study consisted of 80 consecutive adult patients requiring elective diagnostic lumbar puncture due to various neurological symptoms. Lumbar puncture was completed either with Spinocan 22 G sharp bevel needle or Whitacre 22G pencil point needle. Patients were asked about previous headache symptoms and pain provoked by puncture. One week after the lumbar puncture all patients were interviewed by telephone and occurrence and type of headache, headache intensity, medication and frequency of impairment in activities of daily living were asked. Need for epidural blood patch was also recorded. Thirty-three of 78 (42%) patients experienced headache after diagnostic lumbar puncture and in 26 (33%) the headache could be classified as PDPH. There were no statistically significant differences between needle types in the frequency of common headache, PDPH, puncture pain intensity, need for epidural blood patch or sick leave. Also, there were no other complications except local back pain or headache. In this study, the needle design did not affect the frequency of PDPH. Also, PDPH was common, occurring in 33% cases and caused a considerable amount of disturbance in daily activities. Seeking help for this condition was insufficient and only part of these PDPH patients were treated with epidural blood patch.
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Department of Clinical Chemistry, Kalmar County Hospital, Kalmar, and Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Linköping, Linköping, Sweden.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of borrelia serology (Quick ELISA C6 Borrelia assay kit) as a diagnostic tool in cases of suspected neuroborreliosis. A retrospective patient material consisting of 124 paired serum and cerebrospinal fluid samples with a positive anti-borrelia antibody index (AI) using the IDEIA Lyme Neuroborreliosis test was compared with 124 AI-negative matched control subjects. The patients were divided into four groups based on presence of pleocytosis and age above or below 12 years. The presence of positive C6 serology in AI-positive patients with pleocytosis was 89%(83/93), significantly different (p<0.01) from in patients without pleocytosis (58%, 18/31). In AI-positive patients aged >/=12 years with pleocytosis, 94%(51/54) had a positive C6 serology. Of AI-positive patients with a symptom duration of more than 30 days, 93%(27/29) were positive by the C6 test. We conclude that the C6 serum test, together with clinical evaluation, is a powerful diagnostic tool in adult (>/=12 years) European patients with suspected neuroborreliosis with a symptom duration of more than 30 days. Patients with suspected neuroborreliosis and positive C6 results should be further investigated by lumbar puncture for definite diagnosis.
Lumbar puncture is a diagnostic procedure commonly performed by emergency physicians. Post-dural puncture headaches occur frequently after this procedure and can be associated with significant morbidity and, occasionally, even death. There is also a lot of variation in how post-dural puncture headaches are treated once they occur. This article seeks to examine the science behind post-dural puncture headaches, their prevention and treatment.
ABSTRACT: This paper will review the lumbosacral spine (L1-S5). Procedures performed in the lumbosacral spine include electromyography, spinal stimulator implants, spinal infusion implants for spasticity or pain medications, sacroiliac spine injections, facet blocks, and steroid injections. Complications from these procedures include iatrogenic paraplegia or paraplegia due to transverse myelitis, intravascular penetration, dural puncture, increased pain at the injection site, increased radicular pain, increased spine pain, lightheadedness, nausea, nonspecific headache, and vomiting. Long-term complications include implant infection, implant or catheter dislodgment/kinking, and device failure. This paper provides anatomically accurate schematics of innervations of the lumbosacral spine (L1-S5) that can be used to interpret magnetic resonance images of the muscles and nerves. Cross-sectional schematics of the lumbosacral spine were drawn as they appear on imaging projections. The relevant nerves were color coded. The muscles and skin surfaces were labeled and assigned the color of the appropriate nerves. An organized comprehensive map of the motor innervation of the lumbosacral spine allows the physician to increase the accuracy and efficacy of interventional procedures. This anatomical map could also assist the electromyographer in correlating the clinical and electrophysiological findings on magnetic resonance images.
Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
Nontraumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage is one of the most elusive diagnoses in emergency medicine; it is a potentially lethal disease that is often considered and rarely found. The current practice as determined by the American College of Emergency Physicians 1996 Clinical Policy on Headache is a noncontrast head computed tomography (CT) followed by diagnostic lumbar puncture (LP) to exclude subarachnoid hemorrhage. Whereas the guideline does not consider pretest probability of subarachnoid hemorrhage in determining which patients require LP after negative head CT, patients' acceptance of LP, technical aspects of performing a LP in patients with nonideal anatomy, and risks associated with LP must all be considered when choosing to proceed with invasive testing. This article outlines the use of current testing modalities including CT, magnetic resonance imaging, angiography and LP to provide an up-to-date understanding of diagnostic testing for subarachnoid hemorrhage.
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Päijät-Hämeen keskussairaala, neurologian klinikka Keskussairaalankatu 7, 15850 Lahti.
Anitta Vilppula,
Katri Kaukinen,
Liisa Luostarinen,
Ilkka Krekela,
Heikki Patrikainen,
Raisa Valve,
Markku Maki,
Pekka Collin
ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Celiac disease may emerge at any age, but little is known of its appearance in elderly people. We evaluated the prevalence of the condition in individuals over 55 years of age, and determined the incidence of biopsy-proven celiac disease (CDb) and celiac disease including seropositive subjects for anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies (CDb+s). METHODS: The study based on prevalence figures in 2815 randomly selected subjects who had undergone a clinical examination and serologic screening for celiac disease in 2002. A second screening in the same population was carried out in 2005, comprising now 2216 individuals. Positive tissue transglutaminase antibodies were confirmed with small bowel biopsy. RESULTS: Within three years the prevalence of CDb increased from 2.13 to 2.34%, and that of CDb+s from 2.45 to 2.70%. Five new cases were found among patients previously seronegative; two had minor abdominal symptoms and three were asymptomatic. The incidence of celiac disease in 2002-2005 was 0.23%, giving an annual incidence of 0.08% in this population. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of celiac disease was high in elderly people, but the symptoms were subtle. Repeated screening detected five biopsy-proven cases in three years, indicating that the disorder may develop even in the elderly. Increased alertness to the disorder is therefore warranted.
Background: Laparoscopic colonic resection has gained popularity as a method to treat colonic diseases. The electrothermal bipolar vessel sealer (EBVS; LigaSure Atlas((R))) is a modern device that allows the secure sealing of vessels with a diameter of up to 7 mm. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the suitability of the device for laparoscopic colonic surgery. Methods: The immediate outcome of 114 consecutive patients who underwent a sigmoid or rectal resection was prospectively analyzed. The intention was to perform all operations with the EBVS for dissection and ligation of the mesenterial vessels. Details on patient characteristics, peroperative and postoperative complications, and postoperative recovery were recorded prospectively and analyzed. Results: One hundred and fourteen patients were scheduled for elective left-sided colonic or rectal resection. Massive intra-abdominal adhesions in 1 patient required a conversion of the laparoscopic procedure to an open one; In total, 113 laparoscopic operations were thus performed. The mean operative time was 87.7 +/- 2.8 minutes, and the mean time for patients to tolerate solid food was 3.4 +/- 0.1 days and the time to discharge from hospital was 4.6 +/- 0.2 days. There were nine (8.0%) general complications, and additionally, 10.6% of patients suffered from surgical complications. Conclusions: The electrothermal bipolar vessel sealer is suitable and safe for laparoscopic sigmoid and rectal resections. The use of the device probably reduces the operative time.
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Department of Anesthesiology, Baskent University Adana Teaching and Medical Research Center, Adana, Turkey, aydaturkoz@yahoo.com.
PURPOSE: We investigated whether inserting an intrathecal catheter and leaving it in place for 24 h after an unintentional dural puncture in orthopedic patients reduced the incidence of post-dural puncture headache (PDPH). METHODS: The study consisted of 427 patients in whom a total of 21 unintentional dural punctures had occurred during orthopedic surgery performed between 2002 and 2006. Seven patients (phase I; evaluated retrospectively) each underwent placement of an epidural catheter at another level after dural puncture during the period January 2002 to February 2004. Fourteen patients (phase II; evaluated prospectively) received an epidural catheter through the dural tear after an unintentional dural puncture during the period February 2004-March 2006 RESULTS: In phase I, 5 of the 7 patients experienced PDPH, and one required an epidural blood patch. In phase II, only one of the 14 patients complained of PDPH, which resolved after 48 h of medical therapy. No patient experienced paresthesia, neurologic or hemorrhagic complication, or infection. CONCLUSION: Inserting an epidural catheter through the dural tear following an unintentional dural puncture and leaving it in place for 24 h significantly reduces the incidence of PDPH.
Neurologische Universitätsklinik der Ludwig-Maximilian-Universität, Klinikum Grosshadern, Marchioninistrasse 15, Munich. Michael.Strupp@med.uni-muenchen.de
The major invasive procedure of the neurologist is the spinal tap. Its most frequent complication is post-lumbar puncture syndrome/headache. The syndrome's leading symptom is posture-dependent headache, which is caused by the prolonged escape of CSF from a dural leak. Its frequency lies between 1 and 30%, depending on the technique used for lumbar puncture. An important measure for reducing the risk of its occurrence is the use of a small (22-gauge), atraumatic Sprotte or Whitacre needle. The treatment of choice for the syndrome is caffeine, and if ineffective, then an epidural blood patch (at least 20 ml of the patient's own blood). Spontaneous low CSF pressure is due to a dural tear; it has the same symptoms as post-dural puncture headache, and on MRI there is a contrast enhancement of the meninges. In most cases the spontaneous low CSF pressure syndrome only is diagnosed after weeks to months. For this reason one should consider this syndrome in all cases of chronic headache. It is also treated with caffeine and an epidural blood patch. If it persists, the leak must be localized by means of radioisotope cisternography, thin-layer MRI, or CT myelography, and then the hole is closed either surgically or by CT-assisted application of fibrin glue.
St Vincent's University Hospital, Elm Park, Dublin 4. gavin.weekes@gmail.com
We report the case of a 35-year-old lady who presented with a 6-day history of a postural headache following an uncomplicated epidural catheter insertion. Meningitis was initially suspected and a neurology review was obtained. CT and MRI brain revealed features suggestive of meningitis. However these radiological features are also consistent with post dural puncture headache (PDPH). This case highlights the under reported and possible misleading radiographical features of PDPH.
Vicente Pastor Casas Agudo,
José Manuel Janeiro Pais,
Juan González Dacal,
Daniel López García,
Roberto Casas Muiño,
Marcelino González Martín
Servicio de Urología, Hospital Juan Canalejo, A Coruña, España.
Department of Neurosurgery, National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore, Singapore.
Lumbar puncture is a very common neurological diagnostic procedure which is associated with minimal risk. Epidural cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection can occur after puncture of the dura from extravasation of CSF from the thecal sac. On rare occasions, the epidural collection can be large enough to cause neurological dysfunction. The epidural fat has less fibrous stroma in children compared to adults, and it is postulated that this facilitates the dissection of CSF along epidural space. We report a rare case of a large symptomatic spinal epidural CSF collection shortly after lumbar puncture presenting with severe leg pain. The patient recovered fully within 48 h with bed rest and analgesia, and repeat imaging 1 month later showed good resolution of the epidural collection. Review of the literature revealed that epidural CSF collections resolve with conservative measures without the need for surgical intervention even in the setting of significant neurological symptomatology.
Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.
ABSTRACT Objective. To describe the unusual course of postdural puncture headache (PDPH) after pump implantation for intrathecal baclofen (ITB) administration in patients with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)-related dystonia. Design. Case series based on data collected from 1996 to 2005. Setting. Movement disorders clinic, university hospital. Patients. A total of 54 patients with CRPS-related dystonia who were treated with ITB. Results. A high incidence (76%) and prolonged course (median 18 days, range 2 days to 36 months) of PDPH was found. Radionuclide studies performed in two patients with long-lasting symptoms (12-16 months) did not reveal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage. In patients without signs of CSF leakage (N = 38), epidural blood patches administered in 24 patients were effective in 54%, while ketamine infusions administered in six patients were effective in 67%. Conclusions. Our observations may suggest that other mechanisms besides intracranial hypotension play a role in the initiation and maintenance of PDPH in CRPS and stimulate new directions of research on this topic.
Tae Kinoshita,
Toshihiro Takeda,
Jun Morishita,
Norihiro Shimada,
Ryoichi Yamaki,
Hisao Komatsu,
Kosuke Chujo
Department of Anesthesia, Higashiosaka City General Hospital, Higashiosaka 578-8588.
A 47-year-old woman with postdural puncture headache suffered from transient paralysis and paresthesia immediately after the epidural blood patch. After one and a half hour, these symptoms disappeared spontaneously. We suspect that the spinal cord or spinal nerve root was transiently pressed by the viscous blood mass, because blood sampling maneuver took a few minutes. With passing of time, the viscous blood spread through the epidural space, and neurological symptoms improved. Although the risks of epidural blood patch are relatively low, we should closely pay attention to unexpected side effects.
Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care, and Pain Management, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
Significant complications following large-volume epidural blood patches (LEBPs) in two parturients following LEBP for postdural puncture headache are reported. A 39-year-old woman developed a spinal subdural hematoma causing both lumbar back and radicular pain following a single LEBP using 58 mL of blood. The second case was a 33-year-old woman who received three LEBPs over a 4-day period totaling 165 mL of blood. She developed arachnoiditis and chronic sacral radiculopathy with resolution 4 months later.
Service d'anesthésie réanimation, hôpital militaire Moulay-Ismaïl, Meknès, Morocco. hachimi1968@hotmail.com
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate if bed rest during 2 h in a supine posture is required to improve the efficacy of the blood-patch procedure. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients whose postdural puncture headache remained distressing 48 to 72 h after dural tap despite the use of stage II WHO painkillers were included in this prospective single center study lasted for a 2-year period. The patient's own blood injection in the epidural space was performed until discomfort or pain in the lumbar area occurred or was limited to 20 ml if no such sensation was observed. After blood had been injected, the patient was allowed to stand up as soon as desired, under close observation. The patient was then discharged to the ward for a 48 h follow-up. RESULTS: Nine female and 12 male patients (age: 16-35 years) were included. Headache occurred after spinal anaesthesia in 16 cases, epidural analgesia for delivery in two cases and lumbar puncture by during neurological workup in three cases. Autologous blood volume injected was 20 ml in 19 patients and was reduced to 18 and 16 ml, respectively, in two patients due to lumbar pain. All blood-patches were technically uneventful and led to immediate headache relief, associated with a feeling of wellbeing and desire to stand up. The 48 following hours were without any incident and painkillers were no more needed. CONCLUSION: In this prospective study, blood-patch was mainly performed after spinal anaesthesia and was associated with a high rate success. This encouraging result suggests that recumbent position maintained for 2h after the blood-patch is performed might not be necessary to obtain full efficacy.