Transient coma: A complication after neurolytic celiac plexus and splanchnic nerve blocks in a patient with superior mesenteric artery syndrome.

Abstract

The unintentional intravascular injection of alcohol or phenol during the neurolytic block of the celiac plexus or splanchnic nerves can cause major side effects, which are rare but potentially fatal. We report a case of a 42-year-old female with a history of epigastric pain, persistent postprandial vomiting, and weight loss due to superior mesenteric artery syndrome, who underwent a fluoroscopy-guided neurolytic splanchnic nerve block with phenol and a celiac plexus block with alcohol, complicated by transient coma immediately after the procedure. Any pain originating from visceral abdominal structures can be effectively reduced by the neurolytic block of the celiac plexus or splanchnic nerves. Although the systemic effects of alcohol and phenol are not normally expected, physicians should be aware of serious complications such as intoxication, seizures, and unconsciousness due to intravascular injection.