Unilateral Lumbosacral Plexopathy Following Extra-Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation Managed with Burst Spinal Cord Stimulation: A Case Report

BACKGROUND: Lumbar plexopathy is considered a rare complication of minimally invasive endovascular or surgical procedures, but it has not been related to the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) so far. In cases of high-intensity neuropathic pain, neuromodulation should be considered early in the treatment. CASE REPORT: After receiving supportive ECMO therapy for 7 days, a 42-year-old woman developed lumbar plexopathy and high-intensity neuropathic pain and was referred to the pain unit 6 months later. After unsuccessful use of neuropathic drugs, spinal cord stimulation achieved global improvements of 90%. Sixteen months later, the patient continues to be asymptomatic, leading an active life as a mother of 4 children. CONCLUSIONS: The use of ECMO cannot be said to be the main cause of plexopathy in this case, but a multifactorial approach regarding this issue should be considered. Spinal cord stimulation can provide dramatic relief in localized neuropathic pain. KEY WORDS: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), lumbosacral plexopathy, spinal cord stimulation