Cervical epidural blood patch using an in-dwelling epidural catheter in intracranial hypotension caused by cervical cerebrospinal fluid leak

摘要

We report a case of low cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure headache from a CSF leak diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) treated successfully with a cervical epidural blood patch. The epidural needle was guided by intensive imaging followed by insertion of an epidural catheter in the C3/C4 interspace and placement confirmed with contrast. This report is the first to highlight a technique which may be useful especially in identifying the optimum amount of blood required in the cervical epidural space as well as allowing for repeat blood patches to be performed without an increase in risk associated with the repeat procedure.