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Acute myelopathy caused by fibrocartilaginous emboli
Abstract:
Fibrocartilaginous embolism of the spinal cord has been reported in only 17 cases. We describe three new cases, all seen within a year, of infarction of the spinal cord by fibrocartilaginous emboli in the ramifications of the anterior spinal artery. These emboli probably originate from degenerated intervertebral disks, but full understanding of the pathogenesis is still lacking. The disease has been found more frequently in dogs. Because the pathologist is not likely to attempt to demonstrate the condition unless the clinician has proposed this diagnosis, the true frequency will be known only when the clinical picture is widely recognized.
Insights
Fibrocartilaginous embolism (FCE) is a rare spinal cord condition. This study details three new cases, suggesting FCE may be underdiagnosed due to its challenging clinical recognition.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Veterinary Neurology
- Pathology
Background:
- Fibrocartilaginous embolism (FCE) is a rare condition affecting the spinal cord.
- Only 17 cases have been previously reported in scientific literature.
Observation:
- This report details three new cases of spinal cord infarction caused by fibrocartilaginous emboli.
- All cases involved emboli within the anterior spinal artery's branches.
- The condition appears more prevalent in canine patients.
Findings:
- The likely origin of these emboli is from degenerated intervertebral disks.
- The precise pathogenesis of fibrocartilaginous embolism remains incompletely understood.
- Clinical recognition is crucial for pathological diagnosis.
Implications:
- Increased awareness of the clinical presentation of FCE is needed for timely diagnosis.
- Further research into the pathogenesis may improve understanding and diagnostic approaches.
- Accurate diagnosis is essential for understanding the true prevalence of this condition in both humans and animals.