[Paraplegia complicating surgery for coarctation of the aorta]

A case of paraplegia occurring during surgery for coarctation of the aorta in a 28 month-old child is reported. Paraplegia was due to medullary ischemia, probably related to insufficient collateral circulation. Such ischemic accidents generally remain unforeseeable and no good prevention is available. This rare operative complication should not alter the present management of coarctation of the aorta.