Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 7, 2025
Author Spotlight: Assessing Ischemic Stroke Damage Through Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion Model
Published on: August 11, 2023
Atypical Spinal Cord Infarction: A Prolonged and Stuttering Course for Six Days
Meng-Chi Chiu1, Chi-Yuan Liang1, Yung-Sung Huang1
1Department of Department of Neurology, Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Dalin, Chiayi, Taiwan.
Purpose:
Spinal infarction is a rare condition and usually presents with a sudden or acute course. A prolonged course is rare and may mimic the presentation of inflammatory myelitis. Here we present a case of atypical spinal cord infarction with a stuttering course for six days..
Case Report:
A 47-year-old male presented initially with symptoms of sudden onset, limb pain. Sudden chest pain radiating to the back, occurred three days later. Sudden urinary retention and quadriparesis were presented after another three days. The diagnosis of spinal cord infarction was made through diffusion restriction in spinal magnetic resonance imaging.
Conclusion:
A prolonged course of spinal cord infarction is relatively uncommon but a stepwise and stuttering course may provide clues. Diffusion restriction in magnetic resonance imaging also may be helpful. The diagnosis of spinal cord infarction should always be kept in mind.
Insights
A rare case of spinal cord infarction presented with a prolonged, stuttering course over six days, mimicking inflammatory myelitis. Diffusion restriction on MRI aided diagnosis, highlighting the need to consider this atypical presentation.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Vascular Neurology
Background:
- Spinal infarction is a rare neurological condition typically presenting with acute symptoms.
- A prolonged or stuttering course is uncommon and can be misdiagnosed as inflammatory myelitis.
Observation:
- A 47-year-old male experienced a six-day progression of symptoms including limb pain, chest pain radiating to the back, urinary retention, and quadriparesis.
- The patient's symptoms evolved in a stepwise, stuttering manner over several days.
Findings:
- Diffusion restriction on spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was crucial for diagnosing spinal cord infarction.
- The case demonstrates an atypical, prolonged presentation of spinal cord infarction.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering spinal cord infarction in the differential diagnosis of myelopathy, even with a prolonged or stuttering onset.
- Recognizing atypical presentations and utilizing advanced imaging like MRI with diffusion restriction are key for accurate and timely diagnosis.
