Extensive Lumbar Sympathetic Ganglion Block Combined With Epidural Block for Primary Erythromelalgia: A Case Report

A A Pract. 2020 Oct;14(12):e01325. doi: 10.1213/XAA.0000000000001325.

Abstract

A 19-year-old-woman experienced severe burning pain in the lower extremities with erythema and swelling. She was diagnosed with primary erythromelalgia (PE). The pain was unresponsive to medications but relieved by immersing her feet in cold water. We performed a multilevel lumbar sympathetic ganglion block (LSGB) with 5% phenol at second lumbar vertebra (L2) and third lumbar vertebra (L3), and additional fourth lumbar vertebra (L4) levels. An epidural block was intermittently combined. The pain and skin lesions dramatically improved after the procedures, and she no longer needed medications or to soak her feet in cold water. This case demonstrated that extensive LSGB may be a therapeutic option for intractable PE.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anesthesia, Epidural*
  • Autonomic Nerve Block*
  • Erythromelalgia* / drug therapy
  • Female
  • Ganglia, Sympathetic
  • Humans
  • Pain
  • Young Adult