Transversus abdominis plane block provides effective and safe anesthesia in the cesarean section for an amyotrophic lateral sclerosis parturient: A case report

RATIONALE: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease with the fatal course of muscle weakness. The published experience of anesthesia management in the cesarean section with ALS parturient is scant. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 34-year-old woman was admitted to our center complaining of obvious dysphagia together with atrophy and weakness of quadriceps at 24 weeks of her pregnancy. Cesarean was planned at 36 weeks’ gestation due to the rapid deterioration of the mother. DIAGNOSES: The results of neurological examination, electromyography and spinal magnetic resonance imaging suggested ALS according to the EI Escorial World Federation of Neurology criteria. INTERVENTIONS: Ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane block with 0.6 minimum alveolar concentration sevoflurane was used in this ALS parturient during her cesarean section procedure. OUTCOMES: This anesthesia strategy successfully met the demands of the surgery, helped avoid prolonged ventilation and prevent maternal respiratory complications. LESSONS: Transversus abdominis plane block with subanesthetic concentrations of sevoflurane can provide effective and safe anesthesia in the cesarean section for a patient with ALS.