Blood Patch Research Articles

Joint ERS/EACTS/ESTS clinical practice guidelines on adults with spontaneous pneumothorax.

The optimal management for spontaneous pneumothorax (SP) remains contentious, with various proposed approaches. This joint clinical practice guideline from the ERS, EACTS and ESTS societies provides evidence-based recommendations for the management of SP. This multidisciplinary Task Force addressed 12 key clinical questions on the management of pneumothorax, using ERS methodology for guideline development. Systematic searches were performed in MEDLINE and Embase. Evidence was synthesised by conducting meta-analyses, if possible, or narratively. Certainty of evidence was rated with GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations). The Evidence to Decision framework was used to decide on the direction and strength of the recommendations. The panel makes a conditional recommendation for conservative care of minimally symptomatic patients with primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) who are clinically stable. We make a strong recommendation for needle aspiration over chest tube drain for initial PSP treatment. We make a conditional recommendation for ambulatory management for initial PSP treatment. We make a conditional recommendation for early surgical intervention for the initial treatment of PSP in patients who prioritise recurrence prevention. The panel makes a conditional recommendation for autologous blood patch in secondary SP patients with persistent air leak (PAL). The panel could not make recommendations for other interventions, including bronchial valves, suction, pleurodesis in addition to surgical resection or type of surgical pleurodesis. With this international guideline, the ERS, EACTS and ESTS societies provide clinical practice recommendations for SP management. We highlight evidence gaps for the management of PAL and recurrence prevention, with research recommendations made.

Blinded Epidural Blood Patch for Treating a Man with Antiphospholipid Syndrome and Autoimmune Thrombocytopenia Presenting with Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension (P10-12.010)

Blinded Epidural Blood Patch for Treating a Man with Antiphospholipid Syndrome and Autoimmune Thrombocytopenia Presenting with Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension (P10-12.010)

Thoracoscopic blood patch instillation for persistent air leak in pneumothorax: a case series and systematic review.

Persistent air leaks in patients with pneumothorax can lead to significant morbidity. If a patient with persistent air leak is medically unfit for thoracic surgery, medical pleurodesis via chest tube or thoracoscopy is either an option. Thoracoscopy offers the advantage of visualizing the site of the air leak and enabling direct instillation of the pleurodesis agent or glue at that location. Autologous blood patch instillation via chest tube has been reported to be a cheap and very effective technique for the management of persistent air leaks. However, thoracoscopic blood patch instillation has not been reported in the literature. We report two cases of secondary spontaneous pneumothorax in which patients had persistent air leaks for more than seven days and were subjected to thoracoscopy to locate the site of the leak. In the same sitting, 50 mL of autologous blood patch was instilled directly at the leak site. Post-procedure, the air leak subsided in both patients, and the chest tube was removed with complete lung expansion. We also conducted a systematic review of the use of medical thoracoscopic interventions for treating persistent air leaks.

Effect of blind versus fluoroscopic guidance epidural blood patch in patients with intracranial hypotension

Epidural blood patch (EBP)—the most effective treatment for intracranial hypotension (IH)—can be performed using the blind technique in the lateral position or under fluoroscopic guidance in the prone position. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of EBP in patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension (sIH) and iatrogenic intracranial hypotension (iIH) when performed with the blind technique in the lateral decubitus position or fluoroscopic guidance in the prone position. We reviewed IH patients who underwent EBP between January 2015 and September 2019 in a single hospital and divided them into two groups according to the type of IH. Of the 84 included patients, 36 had sIH and 48 had iIH. We compared the effectiveness of EBP using the two methods in each group. There was no significant difference in the effect of EBP between the patients with iIH (p > 0.05). For patients with sIH, fluoroscopic guidance in the prone position technique showed better improvement than the blind technique in the lateral decubitus position (p < 0.05). We observed similar outcomes after blind EBP versus fluoroscopic guidance EBP in patients with iIH. However, procedure-dependent differences were observed in patients with sIH. For patients with sIH, it would be effective to consider fluoroscopic EBP first. Further study is needed to investigate interactions between method of EBP and other factors that affect the effectiveness of EBP.

Factors to predict recurrence after epidural blood patch in patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension.

This study aimed to identify predictors for the recurrence of spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) after epidural blood patch (EBP). Epidural blood patch is the main treatment option for SIH; however, the characteristics of patients who experience relapse after successful EBP treatment for SIH remain understudied. In this exploratory, retrospective, case-control study, we included 19 patients with SIH recurrence after EBP and 36 age- and sex-matched patients without recurrence from a single tertiary medical institution. We analyzed clinical characteristics, neuroimaging findings, and volume changes in intracranial structures after EBP treatment. Machine learning methods were utilized to predict the recurrence of SIH after EBP treatment. There were no significant differences in clinical features between the recurrence and no-recurrence groups. Among brain magnetic resonance imaging signs, diffuse pachymeningeal enhancement and cerebral venous dilatation were more prominent in the recurrence group than no-recurrence group after EBP (14/19 [73%] vs. eight of 36 [22%] patients, p = 0.001; 11/19 [57%] vs. seven of 36 [19%] patients, p = 0.010, respectively). The midbrain-pons angle decreased in the recurrence group compared to the no-recurrence group after EBP, at a mean (standard deviation [SD]) of -12.0 [16.7] vs. +1.8[18.3]° (p = 0.048). In volumetric analysis, volume changes after EBP were smaller in the recurrence group than in the no-recurrence group in intracranial cerebrospinal fluid (mean [SD] -11.6 [15.3] vs. +4.8 [17.1] mL, p = 0.001) and ventricles (mean [SD] +1.0 [2.0] vs. +2.0 [2.5] mL, p = 0.003). Notably, the random forest classifier indicated that the model constructed with brain volumetry was more accurate in discriminating SIH recurrence (area under the curve = 0.80 vs. 0.52). Our study suggests that volumetric analysis of intracranial structures may aid in predicting recurrence after EBP treatment in patients with SIH.

Successful Autologous Blood Patch Pleurodesis: A Safe and Useful Treatment for Persistent Pneumothorax in Former Pulmonary Tuberculosis and Aspergillosis in Pregnant Women

Background: Autologous Blood Patch Pleurodesis (ABPP) is one of the treatment options for persistent pleural air leaks especially in patients who are not suitable for surgical intervention. Persistence pneumothorax is defined as pneumothorax of more than five days duration. It is associated with increased morbidity and cost of care. The most widely accepted treatment for it is pleurodesis. Several types of pleurodesis have been proposed, including surgical approaches and the instillation of different chemicals in the intrapleural space. ABPP has proven to be a simple, inexpensive, efficacious and safe method. We present the case of the first patient with Persistent Pneumothorax we have treated Successfully with ABPP. ABPP is currently rarely and uncommonly used, but it provides benefits especially in special conditions with easier, cheaper, and quite effective procedures.&#x0D; Case: A female 35-year-old pregnant women patients with Former Tuberculosis (FTB) come to our hospital with complaints breathlessness and chest pain worsening since 3 days before admitted to our hospital. Chest radiography showed spontaneous pneumothorax with GeneXpert (GE) sputum Mtb Not Detected but there is Aspergillosis from Fungal Culture. Water Sealed Drainage (WSD) was inserted in right pleural for almost 1 month and this patient discharge with pneumostat. One month after that she come again with Persistence Pneumothotax, so that we do the pleurodesis with Blood Patch and get the improvement from clinical status. Antifungals are continued for an initial 4-6 weeks while an outpatient evaluation is conducted.&#x0D; Conclusion: ABPP is a safe, inexpensive and efficacious treatment for persistent pleural air leak. Autologous Blood Patch administration may be considered for patients with Persistent Pneumothorax.

Intrathecal hematoma following epidural blood patch: An alternative mechanism to intrathecal puncture.

Intrathecal blood after a percutaneous epidural blood patch is a known complication, one that has been previously attributed to inadvertent needle tip position in the subarachnoid space. We present two cases with imaging confirmation of an alternative mechanism, one that includes blood transferring from the epidural space to the subarachnoid space through a pre-existing dural defect.

Management of Post-Dural Puncture Headaches in Pediatric Patients with Epidural Blood or Saline Patch: An Educational Focused Review.

Post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) is a common adverse outcome following puncture of the dura. It can occur after inadvertent dural puncture during epidural catheter placement or following diagnostic or therapeutic LP. The incidence of PDPH in pediatric patients has been estimated at 1-15% depending on patient factors (age, gender, body mass index) and needle factors (size and needle bevel/point type). The larger the needle gauge, the higher the incidence of PDPH. Various options have been proposed to treat PDPH including observation, bed rest, hydration, caffeine, and epidural blood/saline patch. The current manuscript provides a review of the use of epidural blood/saline patch in pediatric-aged patients with PDPH.

Cerebrospinal fluid in the epidural space accidental finding in spontaneous intracranial hypo-tension headache cured by epi-dural blood patch - case report

&lt;p&gt;自發性顱內低血壓頭痛(SIH)是一種體位性(姿勢性)頭痛，大多因腦脊髓液(CSF)在脊椎段發生滲漏造成，通常在核磁共振成像(MRI)可發現滲漏。本病例報告一名自發性顱內低血壓頭痛患者，在MRI上發現於胸部脊柱椎體(T1)以下後硬膜外腔腦脊髓液滲漏，並接受了腰椎穿刺以排除腦膜炎。此病患經過保守治療之後無效、在核磁共振檢查之後第5天，患者在腰椎硬膜外血液貼片(LEBP)治療時，於腰椎硬膜外腔(L3-4)中發現了一些腦脊髓液並接受腰椎硬膜外血貼片治療改善病情。我們討論了自發性低顱內壓頭痛的病理生理學、提出的病因和治療方法、腰椎硬膜外血液貼片治療的安全性以及一位在脊椎目標滲漏區間遠處發現硬脊膜外腦脊髓液滲漏之罕見病例。&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Spontaneous intracranial hypotension headache (SIH) is a phenomenon com-bined with postural headaches, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage often at spine level on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We present a patient with SIH with CSF leakage blow thoracic (T1) spine vertebral level presence of posterior epidural space CSF on MRI and received lumbar puncture to excluded meningitis. The patient re-ceived conservative treatments but in vain. Some CSF was found in lumbar epidural space (L3-4) during aempiric lumbar epidural blood patch (LEBP) treatment 5 days later. The patient was pain relief immediately. We discuss the pathophysiology, pro-posed etiologies and treatments, and safety of LEBP anesthesia in spontaneous in-tracranial hypotension, and a rare case is found CSF far away to the target CSF leakage site.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

Novel Image-Guided Percutaneous Lung Tissue Excision Device With Integrated Sealing of Blood Vessels and Airways: An In Vivo Preclinical Study.

This study evaluated the efficacy of the Minimally Invasive Targeted Resection (MiTR) device, a novel electrosurgical instrument that allows for targeted excision of a lung abnormality while using bipolar radiofrequency (RF) energy to seal blood vessels and airways. The MiTR system was evaluated in 7 acute and 2 chronic porcine (7-day) models to evaluate the efficacy of tissue excision with bipolar RF sealing of blood vessels and airways and application of an autologous blood patch into the excised tissue cavity. Air leak was recorded for all evaluations. The study was approved by the institutional ethical board. Nineteen lung tissue samples, measuring 2.5 cm long × 1.2 cm diameter, were excised. In 8 of 9 animals (89%), hemostasis and pneumostasis were observed visually at the completion of the procedure. In 2 of 2 chronic animals (100%), hemostasis and pneumostasis persisted for the 7-day observation period. Histologic examination of the excised samples showed preservation of the core parenchymal architecture without evident tissue damage of the samples that would impair pathologic analysis. Percutaneous resection of targeted lung tissue with the MiTR system demonstrated hemostasis and pneumostasis while obtaining a histologically intact sample. After regulatory approval, the use of this device could offer more tissue for analysis than a transthoracic needle biopsy or bronchoscopy and a far less invasive alternative to video-assisted thoracic surgery or thoracotomy. This may also expand patient and physician options for the early diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer.

Uncontrollable head shaking after neostigmine-atropine for postdural puncture headache: Case report

Rationale: Postdural puncture headache (PDPH) is a common complication in lactating mothers after cesarean delivery. It was reported that postdural puncture headache was managed through a novel approach by administration of neostigmine-atropine. Neostigmine-atropine is commonly used to reverse residual non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents. The method is simple, well-tolerated, and has fewer side effects compared to epidural blood patch procedure. We report a case of a patient who presented severe side effects following treatment using this method. Patient concerns: A 29-year-old female presented with uncontrollable head shaking (no studies reported) after using neostigmine/atropine. Diagnosis: Based on the clinical, using of neostigmine, the patient was diagnosed with severe side effects of neostigmine. Interventions: Comforted the patient until all symptoms disappeared (self-care). Outcomes: Approximately 10 minutes after administration of neostigmine/atropine, the patient exhibited trembling in the upper limbs, followed by severe head shaking from side to side with large amplitude above 90 degrees. The rate of head shaking was approximately 100 times min−1. The patient complained of stomachache and vomited about 20 mL light yellow liquid. After 20 minutes, the uncontrollable head shaking presented as a slight up-and-down nod. All the symptoms disappeared after approximately 50 minutes. The patient was fully conscious throughout the process and responded normally. Physical examination showed stable vital signs. The patient was discharged after 2 days. The patients were followed up for 1 year and everything was normal. Lessons: There are many side effects observed with neostigmine, such as uncontrollable head shaking. Patients should be informed of all the possible side effects during the consenting process to avoid panicking; dilution of the medications, and the drugs should be administered gradually to minimize side effects.

Blood Patch for Post-Surgical Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak: A Case Report

Intracranial hypotension syndrome may occur secondary to Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak (CSFL). Its etiology can be iatrogenic, traumatic or spontaneous. The most common cause is related to incidental or intentional punctures during anesthetic approaches. It is a rare complication during lumbar spine surgery. The clinical manifestations of this syndrome are characterized by orthostatic headache as the most frequent symptom, accompanied by a wide variety of manifestations, which frequently result in a disability for daily life activities and a delayed recovery. Diagnosis is made through a detailed medical history, the presence of symptoms and signs, and additional imaging studies. Initial treatment is conservative; however, using a hematic patch is recommended for a significant number of patients as the next step, reserving surgical treatment for cases that are not resolved with these measures. This paper presents the clinical case of a 56-year-old female patient diagnosed with CSF fistula following a surgical procedure, which is treated by applying a blood patch with complete remission of symptoms; similarly, a therapeutic algorithm is proposed for the diagnosis of CSFL.

Efficacy of therapies for post dural puncture headache.

Clinical management of postdural puncture headache (PDPH) remains an interdisciplinary challenge with significant impact on both morbidity and quality of life. This review aims to give an overview of the most recent literature on prophylactic and therapeutic measures and to discuss novel findings with regard to currently published consensus practice guideline recommendations. Although current evidence does not support a recommendation of any specific prophylactic measure, new data is available on the use of intrathecal catheters to prevent PDPH and/or to avoid invasive procedures. In case of disabling or refractory symptoms despite conservative treatments, the epidural blood patch (EBP) remains the therapeutic gold standard and its use should not be delayed in the absence of contraindications. However, recent clinical studies and meta-analyses provide additional findings on the therapeutic use of local anesthetics as potential noninvasive alternatives for early symptom control. There is continuing research focusing on both prophylactic and therapeutic measures offering promising data on potential alternatives to invasive procedures, although there is currently no treatment option that comes close to the effectiveness of an EBP. A better understanding of PDPH pathophysiology is not only necessary to identify new therapeutic targets, but also to recognize patients who benefit most from current treatments, as this might enhance their therapeutic efficacy.

Management of Spontaneous Spinal CSF Leaks Using Noninvasive Dynamic MR Neurography: A Case Series

AbstractSpontaneous spinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak presents with orthostatic headache and may lead to formation of subdural collection. Invasive magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography myelography is routinely used to detect these leaks. Noninvasive dynamic magnetic resonance neurography can also detect these leaks and confirm its resolution post treatment. It includes three-dimensional NerveView, a high-resolution short-tau inversion recovery sequence for better visualization of spinal nerves and leak sites. This article showcases the diagnostic and therapeutic journey of three patients with spontaneous spinal CSF leak all of whom were diagnosed with dynamic magnetic resonance neurography and treated successfully with autologous targeted epidural blood patch. In one case, epidural blood patch was repeated after 2 months for recurrence of the leak.

Sphenopalatine ganglion block vs greater occipital nerve block in the management of post dural puncture headache in obstetric patients: a randomized clinical trial

Background: With the increased popularity of spinal anesthesia for a variety of surgeries, the anesthesiologists have to face the increased incidence of post dural puncture headache (PDPH). It is especially cumbersome to the obstetric patients. A variety of management techniques have been used. We compared the efficacy of sphenopalatine ganglion block (SPGB) versus greater occipital nerve block (GONB) for the management of PDPH in obstetric cases.&#x0D; Methodology: This prospective, randomized trial, enrolled 120 PDPH cases into two groups. The SPGB group received bilateral SPGB with a 3 ml mixture of 2% lidocaine and 4 mg dexamethasone (in each nostril). In the GONB group, the greater occipital nerves were blocked utilizing a solution of 3 ml mixture of 2% lidocaine and 4 mg dexamethasone on each side. Prior to the procedure, a pain score on numerical pain scale (NPS) was reported. Pain scores were noted at 15 and 30 min, then at 2, 4, 8, 16, and 24 h after the intervention. Need for and cumulative dose of analgesics used were recorded. Complications, patient satisfaction, hospital stay for epidural blood patch (EBP), and hospital discharges were also recorded.&#x0D; Results: Pain perception in upright position at 30 min and at 2, 16, and 24 h, the need for rescue analgesia and the cumulative analgesic dose within 24 h were significantly lower in SPGB group. Bitter taste was significantly more frequently complained by the patients of SPGB group. In the SPGB group, the EBP was not significantly less prevalent. In the SPGB group, patient satisfaction was noticeably greater.&#x0D; Conclusion: The sphenopalatine ganglion block is more effective in relieving PDPH and its associated symptoms than the greater occipital nerve block. Both procedures are easy, safe, more conservative than EBP, and without serious adverse effects. The sphenopalatine ganglion block can be recommended as a first line treatment for PDPH.&#x0D; Abbreviations: ASA: American Association of Anesthesiologists; CI: Confidence Interval; CSF: Cerebral Spinal Fluid; EBP: Epidural Blood Patch; GON: Greater Occipital Nerve; GONB: Greater Occipital Nerve Block; PDPH: Post-Dural Puncture Headache; RR: Relative Risk; SPGB: Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block; NPS: Numerical Pain Scale&#x0D; Key words: Nerve Block; Obstetrical Analgesia; Post-Dural Puncture Headache; Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block&#x0D; Citation: Abdelrazik RA, Toulan HF, Ayoub SNB, Sphenopalatine ganglion block vs greater occipital nerve block in the management of post dural puncture headache in obstetric patients: a randomized clinical trial. Anaesth. pain intensive care 2024;28(1):68-73; DOI: 10.35975/apic.v28i1.2143&#x0D; Received: January 27, 2023; Reviewed: March 02, 2023; Accepted: March 02, 2023

A rare case of atraumatic CSF leak into brachial plexus elements

We present the case of a patient with unexplained postural headaches who was found to have an atraumatic Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) leak from the foraminal and extraforaminal epidural spaces at the levels of C5-C6, C6-C7, C7-T1, and T1-T2, with contrast tracking along the brachial plexus elements as well as the bilateral scalene and paraspinal musculature. This is a rare presentation as the etiology was not connected to brachial plexus injury or surgical trauma but rather was a spontaneous occurrence. The patient was successfully treated with a CT-guided epidural blood patch that conferred complete resolution of the symptoms. We hope this case study offers clinical utility with the diagnosis and management of patients with orthostatic headaches.

Comparative evaluation of nebulised dexmedetomidine vs fentanyl for the treatment of post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) in parturients after caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia: A randomised controlled study.

The incidence of post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) following spinal anaesthesia in the obstetric population is around 0.5%-2%. Hydration, bed rest, caffeine, paracetamol, non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs, epidural blood patches, etc., are the various modalities used for its management. This study aims to compare nebulised dexmedetomidine versus fentanyl for the treatment of PDPH in parturients after caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia. Ninety obstetric patients aged 18-35 years with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status II/III and suffering from PDPH as per the criteria of the International Headache Society after caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia were recruited in this double-blinded randomised study. Patients were randomised to Group D (dexmedetomidine 1 µg/kg nebulisation), Group F (fentanyl 1 µg/kg nebulisation), and Group S (saline nebulisation 4mL). The nebulisation was done 12 hourly for 72 hours. Assessment parameters included pain score and the requirement of additional treatment such as paracetamol, caffeine, and epidural blood patch. Analysis of variance test was used for continuous quantitative variables, and the Kruskal-Wallis test was used for quantitative discrete data. The pain scores at 1, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours following nebulisation were significantly lower in Group D in comparison to groups F and S (P < 0.001). The number of patients requiring additional analgesic therapy was lower in Group D in comparison to patients in other groups (P < 0.001). Dexmedetomidine nebulisation resulted in effective reduction in PDPH symptoms and pain scores. Nebulisation with fentanyl did not alleviate PDPH symptoms when compared to the control group.

Acquired tonsillar herniation related to spontaneous intracranial hypotension: case reports.

Acquired prolapse of the cerebellar tonsils in spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) patients is rare. This study aims to evaluate neuroimaging changes of acquired prolapse of the cerebellar tonsils below the foramen magnum in SIH patients due to spontaneous spinal cerebrospinal fluid leakage, which was treated by targeted epidural blood patches (EBP). We retrospectively reviewed clinical and neuroimaging characteristics of 5 cases of SIH with acquired prolapse of the cerebellar tonsils that received targeted EBP in our institution from January 2013 to December 2016. Of these SIH patients, all of them suffered from an orthostatic headache. Initial cranial MRI demonstrated descent of the cerebellar tonsils ≥5 mm. Intrathecal gadolinium-enhanced spinal MR myelography and/or spinal MR hydrography were performed to evaluate the level of spinal cerebrospinal fluid leakage. Symptoms were alleviated in all 5 patients after two (n = 4), or three (n = 1) targeted EBP during hospitalization. Follow-up cranial MRI revealed that the descent of cerebellar tonsils was reversed after EBP treatment. Acquired tonsillar herniation can occur in patients with SIH and spinal cerebrospinal fluid leakage. Symptoms of these patients may be resolved and radiologic findings may be reversed after EBP treatment.

Ultrasonic optic nerve sheath diameter can be used as a diagnostic measure after accidental dural puncture during cesarean section: a case report

BackgroundParturients are prone to postdural puncture headache (PDPH) after epidural puncture. Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is a fatal complication of PDPH. The main symptom of both is headache, however, the mechanism is not similar. For persistent PDPH, early differential diagnosis from CVST is essential. Optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) measurements can be used to identify changes in intracranial pressure as an auxiliary tool to distinguish the cause of headache.Case presentationThe dura of a 32-year-old woman undergoing cesarean section was accidentally penetrated while administering epidural anesthesia, and the patient developed PDPH the subsequent day. The patient refused epidural blood patch (EBP) treatment and was discharged after conservative treatment. Fourteen days post-discharge, she was readmitted for a seizure. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) indicated low cranial pressure syndrome and superior sagittal sinus thrombosis with acute infarction. The next morning, the EBP was performed with 15 ml autologous blood. Subsequently, the headache symptoms decreased during the day and worsened at night. ONSD measurement suggested dilation of the optic nerve sheath, and subsequently, the patient showed intracranial hypertension with papilledema. After dehydration and anticoagulant treatment, the patient’s symptoms were relieved and she was discharged from the hospital 49 days later.ConclusionsHeadache is the main symptom of PDPH and cerebral venous thrombosis, which are difficult to distinguish. ONSD measurement may help to estimate the intracranial pressure, and early measurement may be helpful for women with PDPH to avoid serious complications, such as CVST.

Cerebrospinal fluid–lymphatic fistula in a child with generalized lymphatic anomaly treated with targeted blood patch — a rare case report and review of the literature

Spontaneous intracranial hypotension may result in debilitating postural headaches and severe neurological symptoms due to secondary cerebellar sagging. The most common cause is the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak within the spinal canal. Although previously reported in only a few cases, also paraspinal lymphatic malformations causing vertebral bone destruction may occasionally result in CSF leak to these pathological formations. Here, we present a case of a 9-year-old girl with generalized lymphatic anomaly (GLA) presenting with severe postural headache. Radiological imaging revealed a typical feature of cerebellar sagging. Myelography localized the CSF leakage into vertebral bodies of C7 and Th1, which both were partly involved in pathological paravertebral masses of known lymphatic anomaly, and from there along the right C8 nerve root sleeve into the anomaly. As the C8-nerve root could not be ligated due to the risk of significant neurological injury, we attempted image-guided targeted percutaneous epidural placement of a blood patch directly into the foramen at the affected level. The procedure resulted in obliteration of the fistula and regression of cerebellar sagging, with significant relief of symptoms. Although it is an extremely rare coincidence, patients with paraspinal lymphatic malformations may develop intraspinal CSF leak into these pathological formations. The present case report suggests that besides a direct surgical obliteration of the fistula and sacrificing the nerve root, a targeted percutaneous epidural blood patch may be a possible alternative in the case of a functionally important nerve root.