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Updated: Oct 18, 2025
08:10
Reproducible Motor Deficit Following Aortic Occlusion in a Rat Model Of Spinal Cord Ischemia
Published on: July 22, 2017
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Spinal cord infarction caused by extensive aortic intramural hematoma
Rodica Nicoleta Diaconu1, Adelina Oana Neagoe, Ionuţ Donoiu
1Department of Cardiology, Department of Surgery, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Romania; oana.munteanu@umfcv.ro, sandu.ramboiu@umfcv.ro.
Summary
Aortic intramural hematoma (IMH) in a 62-year-old man caused sudden paraplegia due to spinal cord ischemia. Conservative management was chosen due to high surgical risk, with mild neurological improvement upon discharge.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Neurology
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Aortic intramural hematoma (IMH) is a less common variant of aortic dissection.
- Spinal cord ischemia is a rare but devastating complication of aortic pathologies.
Observation:
- A 62-year-old ex-smoker presented with acute lower back pain and bilateral leg paralysis.
- Clinical findings included T6 sensory level and hypertension (190/100 mmHg).
- Imaging revealed extensive type A aortic IMH with significant thoracic and abdominal aortic dilation.
Findings:
- The patient experienced paraplegia secondary to spinal perfusion deficit from the aortic IMH.
- Surgical repair was deemed high-risk due to lesion extension.
- Cerebrospinal fluid drainage was not recommended.
Implications:
- This case highlights the critical link between aortic pathologies and neurological deficits.
- Conservative management may be considered in select high-risk patients.
- Prompt diagnosis and multidisciplinary management are crucial for optimizing outcomes in aortic IMH with spinal complications.
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