[Spinal cord infarctions as a complication of coronary angiography]

O Aramburu1, C Mesa, J L Arias

  • 1Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Macarena, Sevilla, España. oaramburub@nexo.es

Revista De Neurologia
|June 22, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Spinal cord infarction is a rare complication of angiographic procedures. This case highlights the importance of considering spinal infarction in patients presenting with acute neurological deficits after such interventions.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Vascular Medicine

Background:

  • Spinal cord infarction, though the most common vascular spinal cord disorder, is infrequently diagnosed.
  • Historically associated with angiography, its occurrence is now rare.

Observation:

  • A 61-year-old male with ischemic heart disease developed acute lumbar pain, leg weakness, paraparesia, and sphincter dysfunction post-coronariography.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an oval lesion in the medullar cone consistent with infarction.

Findings:

  • The spinal cord lesion remained unchanged six months post-infarction.
  • The case illustrates spinal cord infarction as an exceptional complication of invasive vascular studies.

Implications:

  • Spinal infarction should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute neurological deficits following angiography.
  • Early suspicion and MRI confirmation are crucial for managing this rare adverse event.
Abstract

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