Case report: Notalgia Paresthetica

Abstract

Notalgia paresthetica (NP) is an under-diagnosed condition characterized by the presence of neuropathic pain associated with itching, in most cases localized at the dermatomes corresponding to the dorsal column of T2-T6; these symptoms are associated with the presence of skin lesions described as hyperpigmented macules in the affected areas. The etiology is multifactorial and multiple theories have been described, among them, the compromise of the cutaneous endings coming from the posterior branch of the nerve roots from T2 to T6. Different approaches are mentioned in the literature as treatment for NP, including systemic pharmacological management with neuromodulators, topical management with local anesthetics and capsaicin, and interventional analgesic strategies, among others. We present the case of a patient with NP who received multimodal pharmacological management with a favorable response. © 2023 Sociedad de Anestesiologia de Chile. All rights reserved.