Radioisotopic control for baclofen pump catheter failure.

ABSTRACT

STUDY DESIGN: Case report of Baclofen pump catheter failure investigated by radioisotope injection. OBJECTIVES: To report a safe and reliable method for evaluating catheter dysfunction. SETTING: France. METHODS: Single case report of failure of Baclofen pump investigated by radioisotope injection. RESULTS: The injection demonstrated the block in the catheter. The catheter failure was not visualised by plain X-ray nor by filling the pump with radio-opaque solution. CONCLUSION: Catheter failure is a common cause of intrathecal drug delivery problems and may be difficult to diagnose. When catheter disconnection, kink, or dislodgement is not visible on X-ray, radioisotopic control is a safe and reliable method for assessment.