LESI LESI Pharmacology

Question 1

Which corticosteroid is particulate and therefore associated with higher risk of embolic complications in transforaminal LESI?

Accepted Answer

Methylprednisolone acetate (Depo-Medrol)

Answer

Dexamethasone

Answer

Betamethasone sodium phosphate

Answer

Prednisolone sodium succinate

Question 2

Which corticosteroid is recommended as the preferred agent for transforaminal LESI because it is non-particulate?

Accepted Answer

Dexamethasone

Answer

Triamcinolone acetonide

Answer

Methylprednisolone acetate

Answer

Betamethasone acetate

Question 3

What is the primary mechanism by which corticosteroids reduce radicular pain in LESI?

Accepted Answer

Inhibition of phospholipase A2 and reduction of inflammatory mediators

Answer

Direct analgesia via opioid receptors

Answer

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibition

Answer

Blockade of sodium channels in nerve roots

Question 4

The local anesthetic most commonly added to corticosteroids in LESI to provide immediate pain relief is:

Accepted Answer

Bupivacaine 0.25% or lidocaine 1%

Answer

Tetracaine 1%

Answer

Cocaine 4%

Answer

Ropivacaine 2%

Question 5

The typical dose of triamcinolone acetonide used per interlaminar LESI is:

Accepted Answer

20-40 mg

Answer

5-10 mg

Answer

80-120 mg

Answer

200-400 mg

Question 6

Why is preservative-free formulation required for epidural steroid injections?

Accepted Answer

Preservatives (e.g., benzyl alcohol) are neurotoxic and can cause arachnoiditis

Answer

Preservatives increase steroid potency

Answer

Preservatives shorten the duration of effect

Answer

Preservatives cause local anesthetic resistance