Editor-in-Chief: Alaa Abd-Elsayed, MD, PhD
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BACKGROUND: Leukocytoclastic vasculitis (LCV) can lead to both dermatological and neuropathic symptoms with many patients ultimately meeting criteria for complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). While there are accepted treatments for both LCV and CRPS, when these treatments fail, there is very limited evidence for next steps in management.
CASE REPORT: A 34-year-old woman with a history of COVID exposure-induced LCV presented to the pain medicine clinic with back and left lower leg pain. The patient failed medical management and initial conservative interventions. Ultimately lumbar sympathetic nerve block resulted in significant and lasting improvement in her symptoms.
CONCLUSIONS: Sympathetic blockade shows promise in the treatment of refractory vasculitis and chronic pain. More extensive research with a larger sample size and longer patient follow-up is necessary to determine the true efficacy of sympathetic nerve block in both CRPS and vasculitis.
KEY WORDS: Complex regional pain syndrome, leukocytoclastic vasculitis, lumbar sympathetic nerve block
