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Fibrocartilaginous Embolism Spinal Cord Infarction, Mistaken for Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein Autoimmune
Felix E Chukwudelunzu1, Timothy Young2
1Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic Health System, Eau Claire, Wisconsin, chukwudelunzu.felix@mayo.ed.
Introduction:
Fibrocartilaginous embolism causing spinal cord infarct is rare, and a high index of clinical suspicion is needed for accurate diagnosis.
Case Presentation:
A 65-year-old woman presented to our hospital with back pain, paraparesis, and neurogenic bladder. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a T4-T7 signal abnormality that was misdiagnosed initially and treated as autoimmune myelitis.
Discussion:
Fibrocartilaginous spinal cord infarction is rare and remains a clinical diagnosis with supportive imaging findings. The imaging findings may be nonspecific, and other etiologic diagnostic considerations must be excluded.
Conclusion:
Fibrocartilaginous embolism causing spinal cord infarct can be mistaken for transverse myelitis. A high index of clinical suspicion with clinical and radiologic correlation is necessary to make accurate diagnosis and avoid unnecessary treatment.
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