Computerized axial tomo-epidurographic and radiographic documentation of unilateral epidural analgesia

Abstract

A 23-year-old primigravid patient who received epidural analgesia for pain of labour presented with persistent, apparently irremediable, unilateral analgesia. Computerized axial tomo-epidurography demonstrated absence of circumferential spread due to lateral placement of the catheter. Transforaminal escape of contrast medium into the paravertebral area had occurred and anterior and posterior midline partitioning of the epidural space was obvious. All the usual measures to the promote contralateral analgesia, except reinsertion of the catheter, had been tried without success. © 1989 Canadian Anesthesiologists.