What are the potential complications of CPN?
- There is a 1% to 2% risk of major complications. Neurologic complications include lower extremity weakness, parathesia, or paralysis.
- The artery of Adamkiewicz runs along the spine between T8 and L4, and perfuses the lower two thirds of the spinal cord.
- Spasm or thrombosis of this artery can lead to spinal cord ischemia. In addition, direct damage to the spinal cord or somatic nerves can cause neurologic deficits.
- Chronic gastroparesis or diarrhea may also occur.
- Bleeding, infection, and inadvertent organ puncture are also recognized complications.