Pediatric thoracic paravertebral block: roentgenologic evidence for extensive dermatomal coverage.

A case of a 10 year old boy who underwent a T10 continuous thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB) using a standard technique for postoperative pain management is reported. In the postoperative recovery area, 10 mL of Omnipaque contrast dye was injected through the catheter and an anteroposterior chest radiograph was performed. The radiograph showed longitudinal spread of contrast parallel to the spine from the T(4)-T(5) intervertebral disc to the T(10)-T(11) intervertebral disc with clear lateral extension of contrast along the fifth through the tenth intercostal nerves.