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Paraplegia after routine cardiac surgery: a rare complication
Marc P Pelletier1, Abdulaziz Ali Al-Khaldi, Gerald J Berry
1Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Journal of Cardiac Surgery
|March 13, 2003
Summary
Spinal cord infarction causing paraplegia can occur after cardiac surgery. Peripheral embolization is a likely cause, necessitating strategies to prevent this complication.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Cardiology
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Cardiac procedures involving cardiopulmonary bypass carry risks.
- Spinal cord infarction is a rare but devastating complication.
Observation:
- Two patients developed paraplegia following uncomplicated cardiac surgery.
- Clinical presentation suggested spinal cord infarction.
Findings:
- Peripheral embolization was identified as the probable cause in both cases.
- Review of other potential etiologies and previously reported cases.
Implications:
- Highlights the risk of spinal cord infarction after cardiac surgery.
- Emphasizes the need for preventative measures against peripheral embolization.