Persistent hiccups following cervical epidural steroid injection with betamethasone

Abstract

Matthew L Ritz, Christopher Bailey, Katherine Overstreet, Andrew Gorlin Department of Anesthesiology, Mayo Clinic Hospital, Phoenix, AZ, USA Abstract: Singultus (hiccups lasting longer than 48 hours) is a described complication following epidural steroid injections, sacroiliac joint injections, and facet joint injections. The underlying etiology is not completely understood, but it is a condition that can be distressing to patients. Our case presentation involves a 62-year-old male presenting for cervical epidural steroid injection. He subsequently developed persistent hiccups that resolved after medical therapy. When approaching these patients, it is critical to evaluate for potentially life-threatening etiologies before progressing down a treatment algorithm. Keywords: singultus, epidural steroid injection, persistent hiccups, betamethasone

Keywords

• Singultus
• epidural steroid injection
• persistent hiccups
• betamethasone