Jerks of the latissimus dorsi muscle and intercostal neuralgia after posterolateral thoracotomy

INTRODUCTION: Post-thoracotomy pain syndrome (PTPS) is a common complication related to intercostal nerve injury. During this type of surgery, although less frequently, thoracodorsal and long thoracic nerves can also be injured, and jerks of peripheral origins may appear. We report a case with intercostal neuralgia and latissimus dorsi muscle jerks after posterolateral thoracotomy. CASE REPORT: A 55-year-old woman with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome presented with a typical picture of PTPS along the right T5 dermatome following posterolateral thoracotomy at the level of the fifth intercostal space. Approximately six months after the surgery she developed frequent jerk-like involuntary movements of the right latissimus dorsi muscle. Neuropathic pain along the T5 dermatome was partially relieved with thoracic epidural block. No special attention was paid to the jerks until three years later. A neurophysiological study demonstrated a peripheral origin of these movements and the patient was then treated with periodic injections of botulinum toxin. In response, involuntary movements of the latissimus dorsi muscle disappeared. SIGNIFICANCE: To our knowledge, this is the first case with PTPS and post-thoracotomy latissimus dorsi muscle jerks in a patient with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. A correct diagnosis together with identification of iatrogenic neuropathic disorders allow the delivery of targeted treatments. In such cases clinical neurophysiology helps to determine a correct diagnosis.