Intrathecal drug delivery to treat intractable neuropathic pain following Sjögren's syndrome-induced transverse myelitis: A case report

Abstract

Rationale: Transverse myelitis (TM) is a spinal cord inflammatory myelopathy that causes motor/sensory loss and urinary retention below the level of the affected spinal cord. Although a few case reports have described the control of neuropathic pain in patients with TM via spinal cord stimulation, no documented case regarding the control of severe allodynia following TM via intrathecal pump has been described.

Patient concerns: A 37-year-old woman was referred to a pain clinic for severe intractable pain below the T5 level followed by Sjögren's syndrome-induced TM.

Diagnoses: A neurological examination revealed paresthesia and allodynia below the T5 level. The sensory evaluation was limited by extreme pain and jerking movements. The muscle strength of both lower limbs was grade 3.

Interventions: Intrathecal pump was inserted into the left lower abdomen. Catheter tip was placed at the midline of the T8 level.

Outcomes: The numeric rating scale (NRS) for pain score decreased from 10 to 5. Functional Independence Measure score increased from 67 before implantation to 92 at the time of discharge, while the patient's Barthel score increased from 31 to 46.

Lessons: Neuropathic pain due to Sjögren's syndrome-related TM could be controlled effectively using the intrathecal morphine pump.