Spinal cord infarction and peripheral extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: a case series

Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO) is increasingly utilized in patients with cardiogenic shock due to improved technology and outcomes. Peripheral VA ECMO offers several advantages over central ECMO and is becoming increasingly popular. However, when configured via the femoral vessels, retrograde flow to the descending aorta and arch of aorta competes with antegrade ventricular output and can be associated with a watershed phenomenon and increased risk of neurologic and visceral injury.

In this case series, we report three patients who were supported with peripheral VA ECMO for cardiogenic shock. All three were successfully weaned from peripheral VA ECMO; however, they had developed bilateral lower limb paralysis. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed spinal cord infarction in all three patients. All patients subsequently succumbed to multiorgan failure and did not survive to hospital discharge.

The use of mechanical circulatory support, in particular, peripheral ECMO, has escalated with advances in technology, better understanding of cardiac physiology and improving outcomes. Spinal cord infarction is a rare but serious complication of peripheral VA ECMO support with only a few case reports published. Further studies are needed to identify the exact cause and prevention of this rare but often terminal complication. Through this series of three patients supported on peripheral VA ECMO complicated by spinal cord infarction, we review previously published reports, analyse possible mechanisms, and propose alternate management strategies to be considered in patients at risk.