Cerebrospinal fluid-cutaneous fistula and pseudomonas meningitis complicating thoracic epidural analgesia

Abstract

We report a case of delayed cerebrospinal fluid-cutaneous fistula that developed in a patient following removal of a thoracic epidural catheter used for perioperative analgesia. It was further complicated by the development of bacterial meningitis. Predisposing factors and management of this rare iatrogenic complication are discussed and the literature reviewed for similar reports. © The Board of Management and Trustees of the British Journal of Anaesthesia 2004.