William Alfred Moore MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Harold David Scott MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Victor Omar Lopez MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

David Paul Chason MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Edward Justin Stehel MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Blood patch is an effective therapy for the treatment of headaches due to spinal CSF leaks with low complication rate. Review the indications, contraindications, technical methods, imaging, clinical results, and potential complications of the epidural blood patch. An empiric injection in the lumbar spine can potentially treat an occult spontaneous CSF leak arising from the thoracic spine. Image-guided blood patch may be of particular advantage over the blind “loss of resistance” technique in the setting of prior spinal surgery, complex anatomy, obese patients, or advanced degenerative change.  

A.   Introduction: Review of the history of post-dural puncture headaches and blood patch as a treatment B.   Review of indications/contraindications for blood patch including clinical features of spinal headaches, etiologies, and possible alternative methods to treat spinal headaches C.   Review of pertinent anatomy D.   Detailed review of the procedure        a. Pre-procedure assessment        b. Review of equipment needs        c. Positioning        d. Detail of technical steps with imaging examples E.   Outcomes: Potential procedural pitfalls, complications, and expectations for headache resolution  

http://abstract.rsna.org/uploads/2014/14004016/14004016_fsgy.pdf

Moore, W, Scott, H, Lopez, V, Chason, D, Stehel, E, The RBC's of Spinal Headaches: A Review of the Autologous Epidural Blood Patch.  Radiological Society of North America 2014 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, - ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2014/14004016.html