Pulmonary embolism after manual muscle testing in an incomplete paraplegic patient: a case report

To report and discuss the case of an incomplete paraplegic patient who died of pulmonary embolism (PE) aggravated by manual muscle testing.

Acute spinal ward, Maharaj Hospital, Chiang Mai, Thailand.

A 79-year-old man suffering from chest trauma, fractured ribs and a fracture of T11 with incomplete paraplegia, American Spinal Injury Association impairment scale D. Intercostal tubes were inserted at both sides due to haemothorax. Ten days after onset, T9 to L2 posterior instrumentation was successfully completed. A week after the operation, he was allowed to stand on a tilt-table and a rehabilitation specialist was consulted to assess and plan to encourage ambulation. After manual muscle testing of the right hip flexors and knee extensors, the patient suffered from a short period of unconsciousness and breathlessness. Electrocardiography showed right bundle branch block and a drop in oxygen saturation from 98 to 70%. After oxygenation with mask and bag, oxygen saturation increased to 90%. PE or acute myocardial infarction was suspected. After insertion of an endotracheal tube, the patient went into cardiac arrest. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation failed. The autopsy revealed large and small thromboemboli in both lungs, particularly in the pulmonary artery.

Strong hip and knee muscle contractions during manual muscle testing were suspected of triggering massive pulmonary emboli from the proximal vein of the right leg of a paraplegic patient who had functional motor movements and did not receive any thromboembolic prophylaxis which caused unexpected fatal pulmonary emboli. Screening of venous thromboembolism risks and its symptoms/signs before mobilisation is mandatory.