CT contrast evidence of injectate encapsulation after long-term epidural administration

Abstract

This case report provides radiographic evidence (CT scan with Iopamidol) to support the development of epidural injectate encapsulation in response to long-term epidural morphine injections via an implanted polyurethane catheter. The patient complained of intense low interscapular pain when the catheter was used for administration of epidural morphine for control of angina. The patient had previously enjoyed 3 months of excellent pain relief following the initiation of epidural morphine via an implanted portal device. The CT scan, with contrast dye injected via the epidural catheter, clearly showed loculation of the injectate and associated indentation of the spinal cord. It is significant to note that the dye in the encapsulated sheath occupied a significant proportion of the spinal canal extending from T 7 to T 9 .