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Acute asymmetrical spinal infarct secondary to fibrocartilaginous embolism

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Abstract

Introduction

Spinal cord infarction is extremely rare in childhood and can result from a wide range of causes. Fibrocartilaginous embolism can give rise to spinal stroke and mimic non-vascular disease such as acute transverse myelitis.

Case

We report two children who suffered an asymmetrical spinal cord infarction due to fibrocartilaginous embolism. The clinical presentation, radiological findings, and pathophysiology of fibrocartilaginous embolism are described. Each patient demonstrated marked clinical improvement after receiving extensive physical therapy and rehabilitation. One child demonstrated complete clinical recovery. The other had persistent asymmetrical foot weakness and distal sensory deficits.

Conclusion

We outline the key clinical and radiographic features that enable spinal cord infarction to be differentiated from transverse myelitis. Prognosis depends on many factors such as extent and type of injury, level of the cord affected, and age at the time of spinal cord infarction.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, University of Ottawa, 401 Smyth Rd, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8L1, Canada

    Balaji Rengarajan, Sunita Venkateswaran & Hugh J. McMillan

Authors
  1. Balaji Rengarajan
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  2. Sunita Venkateswaran
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  3. Hugh J. McMillan
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Hugh J. McMillan.

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Rengarajan, B., Venkateswaran, S. & McMillan, H.J. Acute asymmetrical spinal infarct secondary to fibrocartilaginous embolism. Childs Nerv Syst 31, 487–491 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-014-2562-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-014-2562-9

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