Intertransverse process block for the management of herpes zoster-associated pain of thoracic nerve: two case reports

Abstract

We report two cases of intertransverse process block (ITPB) for herpes zoster-associated pain of the thoracic nerve with good analgesic effects. Case 1: A 78-year-old man visited our department after a skin rash appeared on his left chest and back 15 days before the visit and was diagnosed with herpes zoster. After performing ultrasound-guided ITPBs five times at the Th5 level, the pain disappeared. Case 2: An 80-year-old man was diagnosed with herpes zoster after a skin rash appeared on his right abdomen 14 days before the visit. Ultrasound-guided ITPB was performed six times at the Th10 level, and the pain gradually decreased. ITPB was safely performed for thoracic herpes zoster-associated pain that was not responsive to pharmacotherapy and provided good analgesic effect.