Article Text
Abstract
Background Recalcitrant complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) type 1 is a devastating condition.
Case presentation We report a case of a patient in their twenties with left hand and forearm CRPS type I, transiently responsive to spinal cord stimulation, thoracic sympathectomy, and multimodal analgesia. The investigators initiated a trial of a single-shot erector spinae plane block at the T2 level, resulting in a clinically significant improvement in pain, function, vasomotor and sudomotor symptoms transiently for a 36-hour interval. As a result, a permanent e-port catheter implantation under combined ultrasound and fluoroscopic guidance was trialed. Two-year follow-up of the continuous erector spinae plane block (CESPB) indicated an 80% reduction in pain scores from baseline, and a 50% reduction in opiate consumption, with a clinically significant reduction in swelling, color changes, allodynia, and temperature asymmetry.
Conclusion Recalcitrant CRPS type 1 is a challenging life-altering condition that results in a cyclical triad of chronic pain, disability, and impaired psychosocial health. The profound and prolonged analgesic response to CESPB, highlights the clinical utility of this technique, and warrants more clinical investigation.
- Complex Regional Pain Syndromes
- Autonomic Nerve Block
- CHRONIC PAIN
- Pain Management
- Ultrasonography
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Footnotes
Twitter @DrRomello
Contributors MF: Responsible author, manuscript conceptualization and writing. RAK: Manuscript writing, editing and critical review. PLC: Conduct of interventional procedures, clinical care and follow-up of the patient. EM: Manuscript writing, conduct of interventional procedures.
Funding The authors have not declared a specific grant for this research from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.
Competing interests None declared.
Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.
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