Pulsed Radiofrequency of Stellate Ganglion for Neuropathic Pain Associated with Recurrent Pleural Leiomyosarcoma - A Case Report

Abstract

Pleural leiomyosarcomas are rare soft-tissue sarcomas. Neuropathic pain associated with such tumours can be quite debilitating. We present the case of a 62-year-old woman with chronic neuropathic pain refractory to pharmacologic interventions in association with recurrent pleural leiomyosarcoma. Pulsed radio-frequency of the stellate ganglion was performed after due consideration and planning as a palliative measure to provide pain relief. The patient was discharged the same day with pain score 0/10 and followed up for 3 years. The unique features of this case report are: (1) Different approach of the treatment modality and (2) longer follow-up.

Stellate ganglion intervention for chronic pain: A review

“…They also showed functional improvement, and used fewer rescue pain killers compared with the PRF group in the 6‐month follow‐up period 56 . Recently, the application of PRF of SG was reported in a 62‐year‐old woman with chronic nerve pain due to pleural malignant tumor encasing the cervical nerve roots 57 . It was found that the VAS score was 0/10 after SG PRF and at the 3‐year follow‐up 57 …”

“…TRF 57 Prospective randomized trial Perform nerve release for 60 s at 80°C, then repeat twice after needle tip rotation.…”

“…Recently, the application of PRF of SG was reported in a 62‐year‐old woman with chronic nerve pain due to pleural malignant tumor encasing the cervical nerve roots 57 . It was found that the VAS score was 0/10 after SG PRF and at the 3‐year follow‐up 57 …”

“…SGI not only treats pain associated with sympathetic nerve maintenance also but other types of chronic pain, such as postmastectomy pain syndrome (PMPS) and chronic nerve pain. 56 , 57 In a randomized‐controlled study of thermal versus supervoltage PRF of SG in PMPS, SG thermal radiofrequency significantly reduced postmastectomy pain in 80 enrolled patients. 56 They also showed functional improvement, and used fewer rescue pain killers compared with the PRF group in the 6‐month follow‐up period.…”