Epidural injection-related pneumorrhachis: A case report with cauda equina syndrome

• Published in: Radiology case reports Vol. 19; no. 7; pp. 2898 - 2903
• Main Authors: Khai, Nguyen Xuan, Tien, Truong Dinh, Dung, Hoang Thi, Thuan, Nguyen Duc, Thong, Nguyen Huy, Dung, Nguyen Tien, Dung, Nguyen Viet, Phuong, Nguyen Viet, Minh, Ngo Tuan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier Inc 01-07-2024; Elsevier
• Subjects: Cauda equina syndrome; Epidural injection; Magnetic resonance imaging; Pneumorrhachis; Spine; CES; CT; PR; Epidural injection; Magnetic resonance imaging; Spine; MRI; NSAIDs; Pneumorrhachis; ESI; Cauda equina syndrome; LOR
• ISSN: 1930-0433; 1930-0433
• DOI: 10.1016/j.radcr.2024.03.085

Pneumorrhachis (PR) is an uncommon condition characterized by the accumulation of air within the spinal canal. This finding may occur due to various causes, mostly after trauma and medical procedures. It can manifest with various features depending on the underlying cause, the location, and the extent of the air trapped. Clinically, the symptoms in affected patients can span a spectrum, ranging from being asymptomatic to manifesting as radiculopathies resulting from compression. The pneumorrhachis-related cauda equina syndrome is incredibly rare and typically appears as a large volume of air causing compression or irritation of the nerve roots in the lower spinal cord. In this report, we present a female patient whose cauda equina syndrome developed as a result of accidental extradural pneumorrhachis after epidural injection in the lumbar spine.