Management of postoperative cervical pseudomeningocele with percutaneous aspiration and epidural blood patch

Introduction While epidural blood patch can be an effective management option in lumbar pseudomeningoceles in certain clinical settings, its utility in the cervical spine is unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of percutaneous aspiration and autologous blood patch for post-operative durotomy related pseudomeningoceles within the cervical spine. Methods A single institution retrospective review detailing 3 patients with durotomy related pseudomeningocele following posterior cervical spine surgery was completed. Results In all three cases, aspiration with subsequent injection of autologous epidural blood patch successfully treated each pseudomeningocele. One patient required more than one intervention, while the other two were successfully treated after one procedure. All three patients improved clinically without need for additional surgery. Conclusion Percutaneous aspiration and epidural blood patch can be used to safely manage post-operative pseudomeningoceles within the posterior cervical spine.