Persistent Horner's syndrome after spinal fusion and epidural analgesia. A case report.

STUDY

DESIGN

A case report of a clinical observation.

OBJECTIVES

To present the clinical findings of an unusual complication of spinal fusion and epidural analgesia.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: A 13-year-old girl developed Horner's syndrome after posterior thoracic spinal fusion and epidural analgesia.

METHODS

By clinical examination and pupillary pharmacologic testing, the diagnosis of Horner's syndrome was confirmed.

RESULTS

Examination and testing confirmed the presence of central or preganglionic Horner's syndrome. The specific cause of the Horner's syndrome was not determined. Horner's syndrome persisted, and the blepharoptosis was corrected surgically.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first reported case of Horner's syndrome occurring after posterior spinal fusion and epidural analgesia.