Spontaneous spinal cord infarctions: a systematic review and pooled analysis protocol.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Vascular Medicine

Background:

• Spinal cord infarction (SCInf) is a rare ischemic event causing acute neurological deficits.
• SCInf is classified as spontaneous or periprocedural, with spontaneous SCInf being less studied.
• Research has intensified on periprocedural SCInf, particularly its prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively review and synthesize existing literature on spontaneous spinal cord infarction.
• To enhance understanding of SCInf epidemiology, presentation, diagnostics, treatment, and outcomes.
• To identify knowledge gaps and guide future research in spontaneous SCInf.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search of electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase) using keywords: "spinal cord", "infarction", "ischemia", "spontaneous".
• Inclusion of English-language studies from database inception; exclusion of editorials, letters, and reviews.
• Screening of identified studies by multiple reviewers to minimize bias; synthesis of data on epidemiology, presentation, diagnostics, treatment, outcomes, and predictors.

Main Results:

• The review aims to consolidate current knowledge on spontaneous SCInf.
• It will provide insights into risk factors, diagnostic approaches, and management strategies.
• Prognostic factors concerning neurological function, quality of life, and mortality will be analyzed.

Conclusions:

• This review will consolidate the evidence base for spontaneous spinal cord infarction.
• It aims to improve the understanding and management of this rare condition.
• The findings will highlight areas for future research to address knowledge gaps.