Haematoma following epidural anaesthesia

Abstract

A case is presented of a 70-year-old man who developed progressive quadriplegia associated with epidural catheterization while on anticoagulation therapy. At operation a large liquid epidural haematoma was found extending from c-3 to l-2. Essentially no recovery of function was noted to time of death. If epidural anaesthesia is to be used in anticoagulated patients, there must be recognition of the signs of onset of neurological complications so that surgical therapy is instituted immediately rather than after a delay of several hours. © 1970 Canadian Anesthesiologists.