Could a Vertebral Mass be the Cause of Unsuccessful Spinal Anesthesia? Case Report Başarısız Spinal Anestezinin Nedeni Vertebral Kitle Olabilir mi? Olgu Sunumu


DEMİRCİ Ç., Balcı F., Erdoğan Z. Ş., Çaylak H., Yörük M. F., Çatalkaya İ., ...More

Anestezi Dergisi, vol.34, no.2, pp.168-171, 2026 (Scopus, TRDizin)

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 34 Issue: 2
  • Publication Date: 2026
  • Doi Number: 10.54875/jarss.2026.18863
  • Journal Name: Anestezi Dergisi
  • Journal Indexes: Scopus, Central & Eastern European Academic Source (CEEAS), EMBASE, TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM), Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO)
  • Page Numbers: pp.168-171
  • Keywords: failed spinal anesthesia, Regional anesthesia, vertebral mass
  • Yozgat Bozok University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Spinal anesthesia is generally considered safe and effective; however, its failure may occasionally indicate an underlying spinal pathology. We present the case of a 79-year-old female who experienced repeated unsuccessful attempts at spinal anesthesia despite the use of appropriate technique and drug administration. Postoperative thoracic-lumbar magnetic resonance imaging revealed a thoracic vertebral mass causing spinal cord compression. This case underscores the importance of considering asymptomatic vertebral lesions as a potential cause of spinal anesthesia failure and highlights the critical role of imaging in such scenarios.