[Complications of spinal anesthesia as the initial symptom in patients with spinal tumor--a report of two cases].

ABSTRACT

This report describes the onset of symptoms of spinal cord compression by tumor after spinal anesthesia. Two patients underwent caesarean section. Postoperatively, they complained of backache and heaviness in the legs. MRI demonstrated spinal tumor and laminectomy was performed in one case. Postoperatively symptoms improved rapidly. In another case, operation was not performed, but the patient recovered gradually. Onset of symptoms of spinal cord compression by tumor after lumbar puncture can be attributed to displacement of the mass or to vascular engorgement. If after the lumbar puncture, a patient complains numbness, loss of strength, and paresthesias in the legs, we should suspect the presence of the spinal tumor.