Spinal haematoma following epidural anaesthesia in a patient with eclampsia

Abstract

A patient with a twin pregnancy required a Caesarean section for severe pre-eclampsia. Her platelet count was 71 x 109.l-1. Epidural anaesthesia was performed after platelet transfusion. A spinal epidural haematoma was diagnosed postoperatively. A generalised tonic-clonic seizure sparing the lower limbs enabled early diagnosis to be made. The patient recovered with no permanent neurological damage after laminectomy and clot removal. The risks and benefits of regional techniques require careful consideration, and postoperative monitoring for recovery of neural blockade is essential.