Venous thrombosis in acute spinal cord paralysis

Area of Science:

• Vascular Surgery
• Neurology
• Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

• Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is a significant complication in patients with acute spinal cord paralysis.
• Early and accurate diagnosis of DVT is crucial to prevent potentially life-threatening pulmonary emboli.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of radiolabeled fibrinogen scanning, impedance phlebography, and venography in detecting DVT in patients with acute spinal cord paralysis.
• To compare the effectiveness of these surveillance methods in this specific patient population.

Main Methods:

• Ten consecutive patients with acute spinal cord paralysis underwent surveillance using radiolabeled fibrinogen, impedance phlebography, and venography.
• Data on positive findings for deep venous thrombosis were recorded for each method.

Main Results:

• Radiolabeled fibrinogen identified deep venous thrombosis in nine out of ten patients.
• Venography confirmed venous thrombosis in seven patients, while impedance phlebography was positive in only four.
• Eight patients developed positive radiolabeled fibrinogen findings post-operatively, and one patient with extensive DVT experienced pulmonary emboli.

Conclusions:

• Radiolabeled fibrinogen scanning demonstrates high sensitivity for detecting deep venous thrombosis in acute spinal cord paralysis.
• Impedance phlebography appears less sensitive for DVT diagnosis in this patient group compared to radiolabeled fibrinogen and venography.