Anesthetic management of spontaneous cervical epidural hematoma during pregnancy: a case report

Background Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma during pregnancy is a quite rare event requiring emergent decompressive surgery in the majority of cases to prevent permanent neurological damage. Therefore, there is little data in the literature regarding anesthetic management of cervical localization during pregnancy. The potential for difficult airway management with the patient under general anesthesia is one of the major concerns that needs to be addressed to prevent further cord compression. Anesthetic management should also include measures to maintain the mean arterial pressure to improve spinal cord perfusion. Furthermore, spine surgery in pregnant patients needs special consideration in terms of positioning and in the postoperative period.