Acute respiratory failure as a rare complication of celiac plexus block in a patient with adenocarcinoma of the ampulla of vater

Abstract

Celiac and splanchnic plexus blocks are considered as terminal approaches for pain control in end stage pancreatic cancer. It may be done temporarily (using local anesthetics) or as a permanent act (using alcohol and/or phenol). Like every other interventional procedure, celiac plexus block has its own potential complications and hazards among them pneumothorax and ARDS are very rare. In this case report we present an end stage patient with adenocarcinoma of ampulla of Vater with involvement of both abdomen and thorax who presented with severe intractable abdominal pain. Bilateral celiac plexus block in this patient resulted in left side pneumothorax and subsequent development of ARDS. We discuss the rare complications of celiac plexus block as well.

Keywords: Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS); Celiac plexus block; Pneumothorax.