Spinal haematoma following epidural analgesia. Report of a patient with ankylosing spondylitis and a bleeding diathesis.

A patient who developed an epidural haematoma with multifactorial aetiology (bleeding diathesis, ankylosing spondylitis, chronic alcoholism and acute pancreatitis) after epidural analgesia for pain relief is described. Our conclusion is that adequate laboratory screening of blood coagulation, including platelet count, should be carried out in this category of patient before attempted epidural blockade, the risks of which must be weighed against the benefits. The block should be allowed to wear off intermittently and repeated neurological assessment performed if an epidural catheter is used for repeated injections or for a continuous infusion of local anaesthetic. Neuroradiological examination should be carried out promptly if an epidural haematoma is suspected and surgical decompression performed without delay if the diagnosis is confirmed.