Ultrasound-guided bilateral pulsed radiofrequency of the phrenic nerve for prolonged hiccups: a case report.

Abstract

Singultus is the sudden onset of erratic diaphragmatic and intercostal muscle contraction immediately followed by laryngeal closure. Pathophysiology involves afferent, central and efferent components. Bilateral phrenic nerve block was performed to a 46-year-old woman with a brain tumor with persistent hiccups, with initially positive response but later symptom recurrence. Bilateral pulsed radiofrequency of the phrenic nerve was performed guided by ultrasonography (US). In the follow-up, absence of hiccups was confirmed. The patient was discharged 24 h later. Persistent or untreatable singultus is an infrequent condition that should not be dismissed. This approach is a safe, accurate and effective therapeutic approach for patient's refractory to conservative treatment. Further studies are needed to establish safety and effectiveness of the treatment.