Treatment of chronic chest wall pain in a patient with Loeys-Dietz syndrome using spinal cord stimulation

Abstract

Objective: Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has been used with increased frequency for the treatment of intractable pain including chronic chest pain.

Methods: The patient with a history of Loeys-Dietz syndrome who underwent repair of pectus excavatum with subsequent chronic chest wall pain underwent an uneventful SCS trial with percutaneous epidural placement of two temporary eight-electrode leads placed at the level of T3-T4-T5.

Results: After experiencing excellent pain relief over the next two days, the patient was implanted with permanent leads and rechargeable generator four weeks later and reported sustained pain relief at 12-month follow-up visit.

Conclusion: SCS provides an effective, alternative treatment option for select patients with Loeys-Dietz syndrome who underwent repair of pectus excavatum with subsequent chronic chest wall pain who have failed conservative treatment. SCS may provide pain relief with advantages over conservative treatments and more invasive techniques.