Acetazolamide in the resolution of cerebrospinal fluid cutaneous fistula after peridural analgesia: Case report1

AbstractBackgroundCerebrospinal fluid cutaneous fistula following spinal anaesthesia is a serious and rare complication which requires a prompt diagnosis. However, the treatment management is not well defined.Clinical caseFemale aged 50 with a stage IIB cervical carcinoma, who had a peridural catheter inserted at lumbar level. Three days after surgery she refers severe headache, which was corroborated by leakage of cerebrospinal fluid through the puncture. She was prescribed antibiotics and acetazolamide 250mg every 8hours for five days with a favourable outcome.ConclusionIn this case, management with acetazolamide and suture of the fistula inhibits cerebrospinal fluid leakage, without the need for a blood patch