Journal of Medical Cases, ISSN 1923-4155 print, 1923-4163 online, Open Access
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Case Report

Volume 7, Number 10, October 2016, pages 461-466


Central Nervous System Hemorrhage Following Lumbar Puncture for Intrathecal Chemotherapy in a Pediatric Oncology Patient

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain showing intraventricular T2 hypointense signal compatible with intraventricular hemorrhage. Dependent layering is seen within the occipital horns of the lateral ventricles.
Figure 2.
Figure 2. Magnetic resonance imaging (T2-weighted) showing blood filling the caudal aspects of the thecal sac (green arrow). Significant bladder distention is also noted anteriorly.

Table

Table 1. Previous Reports of Hemorrhagic Complications After Lumbar Puncture in Children
 
AuthorCaseHemorrhagic complicationProcedureCoagulation disorderNeurologic deficit, therapies, and outcome
ALL: acute lymphoblastic lymphoma; LP: lumbar puncture; MRI: magnetic resonance imaging; IT: intrathecal.
Hatzipantelis et al [7]5-year-old boy with ALLEpidural hematomaLPThrombocytopeniaHeadache and lower back pain with paraparesis, decreased sensation of both legs, and urinary retention after LP. Sensation of lower extremities was recovered quickly, whereas motor function of legs improved gradually. Urinary retention followed a slower course of recovery.
Adler et al [9]5-year-old boyEpidural hematomaLP for fever evaluationNonePain in the legs and back. MRI revealed epidural blood extending from L4-5 up to L2 with compression of the thecal sac. There was no progression of his neurologic symptoms and no surgical intervention was deemed necessary.
Boran et al [13]6-year-old boy with non-Hodgkin lymphomaFronto-parietal hematomaLP for IT chemotherapyNoneRight hemiparesis and focal seizures. Neurosurgery team recommended surgical evacuation of the hematoma, but the parents refused. The intracerebral hematoma resolved spontaneously over 6 weeks and the patient’s symptoms improved.
Tubbs et al [14]Preterm infantConus medullaris hematomaLPNoneSpontaneous movement of the lower extremities decreased after LP. Residual neurologic deficit with lower extremity paresis and incontinence of bowel and bladder.
Wirtz et al [15]12-year-old boySpinal subdural hematomaLPThrombocytopeniaLower back pain, leg weakness, and urinary retention developed after LP. Surgical laminectomy was performed from T11 to L2 with partial evacuation of the hematoma. After surgery, his neurologic condition gradually improved. He was able to walk without support and urinary retention had resolved.