Intrathecal catheter granuloma associated with continuous sufentanil infusion

Pain Med. 2010 Jun;11(6):847-52. doi: 10.1111/j.1526-4637.2010.00860.x. Epub 2010 Apr 29.

Abstract

Intrathecal sufentanil is a minimally utilized opioid for patients with intractable pain refractory to traditional intrathecal medications. We present an 86-year-old female with a history of multiple spine surgeries who eventually progressed to having chronic, intractable, and diffuse low back pain. After failing medical management, she underwent a successful intrathecal trial of opioid therapy and was subsequently treated with an implantable drug delivery system (IDDS) or intrathecal pump. We describe the first reported case of formation of a catheter tip granuloma associated with intrathecal infusion of sufentanil. Due to increasing opioid requirements and gradually escalating pain, a computed tomography myelogram was performed to explore neuraxial etiologies of her symptoms. This investigation revealed the presence of a catheter tip-associated inflammatory mass (granuloma). All patients receiving intrathecal medications, including sufentanil, must be considered for the possibility of catheter-associated granuloma, particularly with symptoms of altered neurological function and/or increasing medication requirements associated with worsening pain.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Analgesics, Opioid* / adverse effects
  • Analgesics, Opioid* / therapeutic use
  • Catheters, Indwelling / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Granuloma / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Injections, Spinal* / adverse effects
  • Injections, Spinal* / methods
  • Low Back Pain / drug therapy
  • Low Back Pain / surgery
  • Sufentanil* / adverse effects
  • Sufentanil* / therapeutic use
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Substances

  • Analgesics, Opioid
  • Sufentanil