Cauda equina syndrome following combined spinal-epidural anesthesia with levobupivacaine for cesarean section. 2021

S Marinho, and P Frias, and I Oliveira, and C Melo Bento, and F Rodrigues, and A Paiva
Hospital do Divino EspĂ­rito Santo de Ponta Delgada, Ponta Delgada, Portugal. Electronic address: saramarinho@campus.ul.pt.

Cauda equina syndrome (CES) is a rare but possible complication of neuroaxial anesthesia. Damage to the nerve roots may occur due to compression, inflammation, stretching, direct trauma, spinal ischemia or neurotoxicity, usually with lidocaine or bupivacaine. We describe a case of a 33-year-old patient that underwent an uneventful cesarean section with a combined spinal-epidural technique anesthesia, with levobupivacaine. 48 h after the procedure, she presented diminished muscular strength and abolished osteotendinous reflexes in the left lower limb, limited flexion of the right hallux, urinary retention and saddle anesthesia. Imaging exams excluded hematoma, thickening or compression of the cauda equina nerve roots. CES was suspected and treatment was initiated. 9-month follow up revealed diminished osteotendinous reflexes on the left lower limb and perianal hypoesthesia. Despite being unusual, neurological complications require prompt recognition and management to avoid permanent damage.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D011247 Pregnancy The status during which female mammals carry their developing young (EMBRYOS or FETUSES) in utero before birth, beginning from FERTILIZATION to BIRTH. Gestation,Pregnancies
D002585 Cesarean Section Extraction of the FETUS by means of abdominal HYSTEROTOMY. Abdominal Delivery,Delivery, Abdominal,C-Section (OB),Caesarean Section,Postcesarean Section,Abdominal Deliveries,C Section (OB),C-Sections (OB),Caesarean Sections,Cesarean Sections,Deliveries, Abdominal
D005260 Female Females
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000077554 Levobupivacaine S-enantiomer of bupivacaine that is used as a local anesthetic and for regional nerve blocks, including EPIDURAL ANESTHESIA. Chirocaine,Levobupivacaine Hydrochloride
D000077684 Cauda Equina Syndrome Compressive lesion affecting the nerve roots of the CAUDA EQUINA (e.g., compression, herniation, inflammation, rupture, or stenosis), which controls the function of the bladder and bowel. Symptoms may include neurological dysfunction of bladder or bowels, loss of sexual sensation and altered sensation or paralysis in the lower extremities. Cauda Equina Syndromes
D000328 Adult A person having attained full growth or maturity. Adults are of 19 through 44 years of age. For a person between 19 and 24 years of age, YOUNG ADULT is available. Adults
D000767 Anesthesia, Epidural Procedure in which an anesthetic is injected into the epidural space. Anesthesia, Extradural,Anesthesia, Peridural,Epidural Anesthesia,Anesthesias, Epidural,Anesthesias, Extradural,Anesthesias, Peridural,Epidural Anesthesias,Extradural Anesthesia,Extradural Anesthesias,Peridural Anesthesia,Peridural Anesthesias
D000775 Anesthesia, Spinal Procedure in which an anesthetic is injected directly into the spinal cord. Anesthesias, Spinal,Spinal Anesthesia,Spinal Anesthesias

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