Study design: Case report of Baclofen pump catheter failure investigated by radioisotope injection.
Objectives: To report a safe and reliable method for evaluating catheter dysfunction.
Setting: France.
Methods: Single case report of failure of Baclofen pump investigated by radioisotope injection.
Results: The injection demonstrated the block in the catheter. The catheter failure was not visualised by plain X-ray nor by filling the pump with radio-opaque solution.
Conclusion: Catheter failure is a common cause of intrathecal drug delivery problems and may be difficult to diagnose. When catheter disconnection, kink, or dislodgement is not visible on X-ray, radioisotopic control is a safe and reliable method for assessment.