An unusual cause of overdose after baclofen pump implantation: case report.

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE

Intrathecal baclofen delivery for the treatment of spasticity has been used for almost 20 years with a great deal of success. A wide variety of complications and pitfalls have been described. This report details a novel complication involving inadvertent and initially unrecognized canalization of the subdural space with the spinal catheter, which ultimately resulted in an overdose.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION

An intrathecal pump system was implanted in a 15-year-old girl with spasticity. This initially resulted in a lack of therapeutic effect. The diagnostic workup ultimately led to contrast administration through the pump system, which precipitated a baclofen overdose when sequestered medication in the subdural compartment was released into the intrathecal space.

INTERVENTION

The spinal catheter was subsequently revised, and the patient made a full recovery.

CONCLUSION

The possibility of a subdural catheter should be included in the differential diagnosis in patients who experience a lack of drug effect after pump implantation, despite increases in dosage. Close monitoring is required because of the risk of spontaneous or induced overdose, which may occur when a communication develops between the subdural and intrathecal compartments.