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Updated: Nov 23, 2025

Reproducable Paraplegia by Thoracic Aortic Occlusion in a Murine Model of Spinal Cord Ischemia-reperfusion
Published on: March 3, 2014
Acute paraplegia as a presentation of acute aortic occlusion
Ana F Costa1, Fábio Almeida1, Sara Faria1
1Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Distrital da Figueira da Foz, Rua do Hospital, 3094-001, Figueira da Foz, Coimbra, Portugal.
Abstract:
Acute aortic occlusion is a rare life-threatening event. We present a case of a heavy smoking, 54-year-old man who was admitted in the emergency room with sudden paraplegia, associated to severe lower back and lower limbs pain. A neurologic examination showed paralysis of the lower limbs and cold lower extremities. The pedal and femoral pulses were absent. A computed tomography revealed occlusion of the mesenteric superior artery, abdominal aorta, and both iliac arteries. Despite medical treatment, the patient died before evaluation of vascular surgery. Paraplegia is a rare presentation of acute aortic occlusion and clinicians should be alert to make an early intervention.
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