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Cocaine-induced vasospasm causing spinal cord transient ischemia
1Department of Neuroradiology, Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, McGill University; Montreal, QC, Canada - donatella.tampieri@mcgill.ca.
The Neuroradiology Journal
|September 14, 2013
Summary
This case study details a rare instance of complete recovery from cocaine-induced spinal cord infarction and quadriplegia. It highlights the potential for transient vasospasm as a cause and the value of diffusion-weighted imaging in diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Toxicology
- Radiology
Background:
- Spinal cord infarction is a rare but devastating neurological event.
- Cocaine abuse is an increasingly recognized cause of vascular insults, including spinal cord ischemia.
- Complete recovery from cocaine-induced quadriplegia and respiratory failure is exceptionally rare.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a unique case of a young woman with complete recovery from spinal cord infarction following cocaine and alcohol abuse.
- To review the literature on cocaine-induced spinal cord infarction and discuss potential etiologies.
- To emphasize the diagnostic utility of diffusion-weighted imaging in such cases.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 25-year-old female patient.
- Review of existing medical literature on cocaine-induced spinal cord infarction.
- Analysis of diffusion-weighted imaging findings.
Main Results:
- The patient experienced quadriplegia and respiratory insufficiency attributed to spinal cord infarction after substance use.
- She achieved a full motor and respiratory recovery within five months.
- Literature review identified 11 prior cases of cocaine-induced spinal cord infarction, none with complete recovery.
- Diffusion-weighted imaging suggested transient vasospasm of the anterior spinal artery as the likely cause.
Conclusions:
- Complete recovery from cocaine-induced spinal cord infarction, though rare, is possible.
- Transient vasospasm is a plausible mechanism for cocaine-related spinal cord ischemia.
- Diffusion-weighted imaging plays a crucial role in the diagnosis of spinal cord infarction.
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