[Spinal lesions in surgery of the aorta]

Aortic diseases in particular aneurysms may be accompanied by spinal ischemia occurring either spontaneously or as complications of surgical interventions. Surgery of the abdominal or thoraco-abdominal aorta is followed in 5 to 15% by ischemia of the spinal cord, in exclusively abdominal interventions in 1.5%. Clinical manifestation depends largely on anatomy of the spinal vessels. If complete transverse myelopathy does not occur, presentation as anterior or posterior arterial ischemic syndrome is common. Other forms of myelopathy are rare. Perfusion deficits through intercostal and lumbar arteries are important in pathogenesis. The great radicular artery is particularly important. Ischemia occurs after hypotensive episodes (ruptured aneurysm) intraoperative clamping of the suprarenal aorta or by occlusion (thrombotic, arterio-arterial embolism). Careful surgical techniques are important for prevention of these neurologic complications. Possibilities for treatment and chances for spontaneous recovery of established spinal-cord lesions are poor.