Management of persistent post-dural puncture headache after repeated epidural blood patch

Abstract

We report a case of persistent post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) in a patient despite two epidural blood patches (EBPs). Successful resolution of headache was achieved with a third EBP performed under computed tomography (CT) guidance. A 38-year-old female had a total abdominal hysterectomy under combined spinal-epidural anesthesia with no complications. After surgery, she developed a postural headache consistent with PDPH. The first EBP was performed by injecting autologous blood through the epidural catheter that was in situ. The second EBP was performed under fluoroscopy. The patient continued to have a persistent headache. A computed tomography (CT) myelogram demonstrated cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak at L3-4 level. A "directed" CT-guided blood patch was then performed successfully with resolution of the headache.