Abstract
Here I report a case with rare complication associated with stellate ganglion block (SGB). A 32-yr-old woman was scheduled to undergo the SGB in the left-right alternation for nasal allergy. She developed significantly reproducible hypertension after the left SGB. Systolic blood pressure increased to more than 160mmHg in 8 of the 16 left SGB trials (more than 200mmHg in 3) versus in none of the 13 right SGB trials. Laboratory data showed an increase in plasma noradrenalin concentration corresponding to the hypertension after the left SGB. Ultrasonography, MRI and laboratory data did not show existence of ectopic pheochromocytoma. I speculate that mechanical stimulation of the left sympathetic nerve followed by the left vagus nerve block due to infiltration of local anesthetics caused the hypertension. As the conclusion, it should be recognized that such a complication, although rare, can occur in the left SGB.
