Spontaneous conus medullaris infarction in a 79 year-old female with cardiovascular risk factors: a case report

To detail the case of a 79 year-old female who presented with sudden bilateral neurological deficits of the lower extremities and was later diagnosed with non-traumatic conus medullaris infarction. The purpose of this case report is to inform primary contact practitioners of the presentation, diagnosis and the associated risk factors of this condition in order to facilitate prompt management.

Spinal cord infarction presenting as low back pain with a high degree of bilateral loss of motor strength, sensation and reflexes in the lower extremities and bowel/bladder dysfunction, in a patient with previous coronary artery bypass graft surgery and renal insufficiency.

Referral to emergency within hours of symptom onset allowed for immediate assessment, management and relatively favourable partial recovery.

Although rare, conus medullaris infarction is potentially devastating and requires an appropriate clinical index of suspicion for timely diagnosis, treatment and optimal neurological recovery.