Infantile hematomyelia complicating electrocardioversion

A premature male infant survived for eight months with significant cardiorespiratory problems. He developed a sudden, unexplained cardiorespiratory arrest that required vigorous resuscitation with apparent electrical cardioversion. Subsequent postmortem examination demonstrated focal and confluent hemorrhages in the thoracic and lumbar cord. Care is advised in administering electrical cardioversion due to the potential hazard of hematomyelia.