The Disposition of Radiocontrast in the Interscalene Space in Healthy Volunteers.

Philippe Gautier, Catherine Vandepitte, Isabelle Schaub, Kristof Fourneau, Maxine M Kuroda, Yvan De Merlier, Admir Hadzic

Journal: Anesthesia and analgesia 2016;120(5):1138-1141

PMID: 25742631

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Abstract

BACKGROUND

We measured the spread of radiocontrast in the interscalene space after injection under low (<15 psi) and high (>20 psi) pressures.

METHODS

Nine healthy volunteers received ultrasound-guided injections of 10 mL radio-opaque NaCl 0.9% in both interscalene spaces. Spread of injectate as assessed by computed tomography scan and discomfort on injection were recorded.

RESULTS

Under both opening pressure conditions, injectate contacted 3 brachial plexus roots and spilled over the surface of the anterior and/or middle scalene muscles underneath the cervical fascia.

CONCLUSIONS

Regardless of injection pressure, the interscalene space was filled with 10 mL of radiocontrast injectate.

Address: From the Department of Anesthesiology, Clinique Ste Anne-St Remi, Brussels, Belgium; Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg (ZOL), Genk, Belgium; Sint Jozefskliniek, Izegem, Belgium; NAICE (North American Institute for Continuous Education), New York, New York; Department of Radiology, Clinique Ste Anne-St Remi, Brussels, Belgium; and New York School of Regional Anesthesia, New York, New York.

DOI: 10.1213/ANE.0000000000000649

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MeSH Terms: Adult, Belgium, Brachial Plexus, Brachial Plexus Block, Contrast Media, Female, Healthy Volunteers, Humans, Injections, Male, Middle Aged, Muscle, Skeletal, Pressure, Sodium Chloride, Tomography, X-Ray Computed, Ultrasonography, Interventional