Anterior Spinal Artery Syndrome: Rare Precedented Reason of Postoperative Plegia After Spinal Deformity Surgery: Report of 2 Cases.

BACKGROUND: Complications in spinal deformity surgery vary from insignificant to severe. Apart from direct mechanical insult, ischemia can also cause spinal cord injury. Ischemic injury may be detected during surgery or may manifest itself postoperatively. We present 2 cases of anterior spinal artery syndrome. CASE DESCRIPTION: In the first case, a 12-year-old girl developed anterior spinal artery syndrome resulting in total quadriplegia 8 hours after spinal deformity surgery. She was treated with a steroid, immunoglobulin, and low-molecular-weight heparin. She showed complete recovery at 1 year postoperatively both clinically and radiographically. In the second case, a 62-year-old woman experienced sudden loss of motor evoked potentials intraoperatively during dural tear repair after sagittal and coronal alignment was established. The paraplegic patient was diagnosed with anterior spinal artery syndrome at the thoracic level postoperatively. She was treated with a steroid and heparin. At 1 year postoperatively, she has gained much of her strength and has myelomalacia in her spinal cord. CONCLUSIONS: Anterior spinal artery syndrome is a serious condition with a generally poor prognosis. Though treatment should be directed at the underlying cause, the best strategy is to prevent it from occurring. Peroperative blood pressure control, intraoperative neuromonitoring, avoidance from mechanical stress during surgery, and close neurologic and hemodynamic monitorization postoperatively should be performed.

Anterior spinal artery syndrome caused by thoracic disc herniation.

We present a case of a midline thoracic disc herniation causing acute anterior spinal artery (ASA) syndrome successfully managed surgically. A 54-year-old female with no significant past medical history presented with sudden onset severe back pain followed by rapidly evolving paraparesis with urinary and bowel incontinence. Her neurological exam was consistent with ASA syndrome. An MRI revealed T2 signal change in the thoracic spinal cord and midline disc herniation at the level of T8/T9. Spinal angiography revealed an ASA arising the right T11 segmental artery with no flow towards the T8/T9 region. The patient underwent a T8/T9 discectomy with a lateral interbody fusion that resulted in dramatic clinical improvement. A postoperative angiogram confirmed improvement of flow in the ASA. This is the first report of an angiographically confirmed symptomatic ASA syndrome caused by a thoracic disc herniation successfully managed with up-front surgery.

Fibrocartilaginous embolism as a cause of anterior spinal artery syndrome? / Fibrocartilaginøs emboli som årsak til arteria spinalis anterior-syndrom?

BACKGROUND: Fibrocartilaginous embolism (FCE) is a rare cause of spinal cord infarction. Most spinal cord infarctions are due to aortic pathologies and aortic surgeries. One theory is that material from the intervertebral discs follows a retrograde route to the anterior spinal artery. Fibrocartilaginous embolism and spinal cord infarction have also been described in veterinary literature. Spinal cord MRI diffusion-weighted imaging is of great help in finding the right diagnosis. CASE PRESENTATION: A young man was admitted to hospital after he woke up due to a sudden pain between his shoulders. He developed paresis in both his arms and legs within three hours. A neurological examination uncovered urinary retention, sensory deficits and paresis. The clinical picture was consistent with an infarction in the anterior spinal arterial distribution area. MRI of the patient's spine revealed an infarction in the anterior medulla. INTERPRETATION: Fibrocartilaginous embolism is probably more common than previously presumed.

Lund University Cardiac Assist System Induced Liver Laceration and Anterior Cord Infarction After Cardiac Arrest: A Case Report.

We describe a hepatic laceration and subsequent anterior spinal artery syndrome in a 21-year-old man, secondary to prolonged cardiopulmonary resuscitation with a Lund University Cardiac Assist System (LUCAS2) mechanical cardiac compression device. We briefly review the current literature pertaining to hepatic injury from trauma due to cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The etiology of the anterior spinal artery syndrome in this patient is discussed. This case highlights that intra-abdominal causes of hypotension should be considered in patients after a prolonged resuscitation attempt. Extending focused cardiac ultrasound to exclude intra-abdominal free fluid should be routinely considered in these patients.

Anterior Spinal Artery Syndrome in a Patient with Cervical Spondylosis Demonstrated by CT Angiography.

A few published reports have described anterior spinal artery syndrome (ASAS) with cervical spondylosis based on clinical presentation and/or MRI study, but no photographs of anterior spinal arteries were provided in these studies. Here we present a case of ASAS with cervical spondylosis in a CT angiography (CTA) study. A previously healthy 31-year-old man was diagnosed with acute ASAS with cervical spondylosis. Neurological examination revealed four-limb weakness predominant in the distal part of the upper limbs and superficial sensory impairment below the cervical region. T2-weighted images on MRI showed an area of hyperintensity in the gray matter of the cervical cord from C3 to C5 with a disc herniation at the C4,5 vertebral level. CTA demonstrated that ASA was occluded at level C4,5 , which coincided with the location of disc herniation. Anterior spinal cord decompression and fusions were performed. The patient tolerated the procedure well and had complete resolution of his exertionally dependent myelopathic symptoms 1 week later. In conclusion, although ASAS with cervical spondylosis is rare, it can be diagnosed based on clinical symptoms and MRI and identified by CTA of ASA. A good neurological prognosis is anticipated after anterior spinal cord decompression and fusion is performed if disc herniation is responsible for ASA occlusion.

Anterior spinal artery syndrome and aortic dissection.

BACKGROUND: Anterior spinal artery syndrome, usually resulting in flaccid paraplegia, is a rare but disastrous complication that can occur after surgery of aortic aneurysms and aortic dissections. Spinal cord infarct as the initial clinical presentation of aortic dissection is a very rare finding. CASE REPORT: A 42-year-old male patient who comes to the emergency department due to severe chest pain associated with presyncope and paraplegia of the lower limbs in the context of type A aortic dissection. CONCLUSIONS: Recognizing this atypical clinical presentation of aortic dissection and knowing how to approach it is critical for an early diagnosis and to minimize the risk of spinal cord ischemia during surgery.

ANTECEDENTES: La lesión de la médula espinal, generalmente resultante en paraplejia flácida, es una complicación rara, pero desastrosa, que puede ocurrir tras intervenciones quirúrgicas de aneurismas o disecciones de aorta. La presentación clínica inicial de una disección de aorta como un síndrome de la arteria espinal anterior es un hallazgo muy infrecuente. CASO CLÍNICO: Varón de 42 años que acude al servicio de urgencias hospitalario por dolor torácico intenso asociado a cuadro presincopal y paraplejia de miembros inferiores en el contexto de una disección de aorta tipo A. CONCLUSIONES: Reconocer esta forma de presentación clínica y saber cómo realizar un abordaje adecuado es fundamental para el diagnóstico precoz y para minimizar el riesgo quirúrgico de presentar isquemia medular.

Spinal dural fistula and anterior spinal artery supply from the same segmental artery: Case report of volumetric T2 MRI diagnosis and rational endovascular treatment.

Spinal dural fistulas (SDAVFs) occasionally arise from the same segmental artery as the radiculomedullary branch to the anterior spinal artery. In such cases, selective fistula embolization that does not endanger the anterior spinal artery is not possible, and surgical fistula disconnection is recommended. We present an exceptional case in which rational embolization strategy of SDAVF was feasible because of separate origins from a common segmental artery pedicle of the ventral radiculomedullary artery and the dorsal radicular artery branch supplying the fistula.

Anterior spinal artery syndrome from type A aortic dissection in a patient with Marfan syndrome due to a novel fibrillin mutation.

Type A aortic dissection is a rare but important cardiac surgical emergency. Few reports exist in the literature describing anterior spinal artery syndrome as a presenting feature. We report a case of anterior spinal artery syndrome due to aortic dissection in a patient with Marfan syndrome caused by a novel fibrillin mutation. A 53-year old female presented with chest pain and sudden-onset paralysis. Neurological examination revealed normal upper limb examination, reduced lower limb power and reflexes but normal sensation. CT scanning revealed type A acute aortic dissection which was treated with emergent cardiac surgical repair. At clinic follow up 3 years later, signs of Marfan syndrome were opportunistically noted and genetic testing revealed a novel mutation in the Fibrillin 1 gene. This case emphasises the importance of a good initial clinical assessment, including thorough neurological examination, as well as a low threshold of clinical suspicion for an aortic dissection in such a constellation of symptoms. The importance of family history should also be emphasised given the coincidental diagnosis of Marfan syndrome in a first-degree relative. Furthermore, this case illustrates the classical signs of anterior spinal artery syndrome.

A case with angiographic demonstration of isolated anterior spinal artery occlusion.

Anterior spinal artery syndrome (ASAS) is a rare syndrome which occurs due to thrombosis of anterior spinal artery (ASA) which supplies anterior two thirds of the spinal cord. A 27-year-old female patient was admitted to emergency clinic with sudden onset neck pain, sensory loss and weakness in proximal upper extremities which occurred at rest. Thrombophilia assessment tests were negative. Echocardiography was normal. Serum viral markers were negative. In cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination, cell count and biochemistry was normal, oligoclonal band was negative, viral markers for herpes simplex virus (HSV) type-1 and type-2, Brucella, Borrellia, Treponema pallidum, Tuberculosis were negative. Diffusion restriction which reveals acute ischemia was detected in Diffusion weighted MRI. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) was performed. Medical treatment was 300mg/day acetilsalycilic acid. Patient was discharged from neurology clinics to receive rehabilitation against spasticity.

A case of anterior spinal cord syndrome in a patient with unruptured thoracic aortic aneurysm with a mural thrombus.

BACKGROUND: Spinal cord infarction is an uncommon condition. Anterior cord syndrome present with paraparesis or quadriparesis with sparing of vibration and proprioceptive senses. The common causes of anterior cord syndrome are aortic dissection and aortic surgical interventions. Spontaneous unruptured nondissected aortic aneurysms with intramural thrombus can rarely cause anterior cord infarctions. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of anterior spinal cord syndrome due to aneurysm of the thoracic aorta with a mural thrombus. A 64 year old male presented with sudden onset paraparesis with a sensory level at T1 with preserved sense of proprioception and vibration. The MRI panspine revealed increased T2 intensity in the anterior portion of the spinal cord from C5 to T10 level with characteristic 'owl eye' appearance on axial imaging. The CT aortogram detected aneurysmal dilatation of the ascending aortic, arch and descending thoracic aorta with significant intimal irregularities, calcified atherosclerotic plaques and a small mural thrombus. CONCLUSION: The possible mechanisms postulated are occlusion of ostia of radicular arteries by the atherosclerotic plaques and mural thrombus or thromboembolism to the anterior spinal artery. Nondissected atherosclerotic aortic aneurysms should be considered in patients presenting with spinal cord infarctions especially in the presence of vascular risk factors and smoking.

Cocaine-Related Acute Spinal Cord Infarction.

We report a rare case of anterior spinal artery syndrome in the setting of acute cocaine use. A 31-year-old man presented to the hospital unarousable with leukocytosis and a positive toxicology screen for opioids, cocaine, benzodiazepines and cannabis. He was placed on intravenous naloxone. As the patient regained consciousness, he was found to have paraplegia, sensory loss below the level of T5, and urinary retention. MRI findings showed a signal intensity abnormality from the level of T1-4, highly suggestive of an acute ischemic spinal cord infarct. [Full article available at http://rimed.org/rimedicaljournal-2018-02.asp].

Anterior Spinal Artery Syndrome Following Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: a Case Report.

We present a patient with unstable angina candidate for coronary artery bypass grafting. Saphenous vein graft was used in obtuse marginal and left internal mammary artery to left anterior descending artery properly. After surgery, the patient experienced flaccid paralysis of lower limb and impaired sensation of touch and warmth of knee and below. A computed tomography angiogram of lower limbs and thoracolumbar magnetic resonance imaging showed no abnormality. Based on the symptom, clinical diagnosis of anterior spinal artery syndrome was considered. The artery of Adamkiewicz is an important supplier to the anterior spinal artery. Internal thoracic mammary artery, used in coronary artery bypass grafting, is suspected as a collateral supplier of the artery of Adamkiewicz and has been accused for cause of spinal infarction.

Anterior spinal artery syndrome following coronary artery bypass grafting: a case report

Abstract We present a patient with unstable angina candidate for coronary artery bypass grafting. Saphenous vein graft was used in obtuse marginal and left internal mammary artery to left anterior descending artery properly. After surgery, the patient experienced flaccid paralysis of lower limb and impaired sensation of touch and warmth of knee and below. A computed tomography angiogram of lower limbs and thoracolumbar magnetic resonance imaging showed no abnormality. Based on the symptom, clinical diagnosis of anterior spinal artery syndrome was considered. The artery of Adamkiewicz is an important supplier to the anterior spinal artery. Internal thoracic mammary artery, used in coronary artery bypass grafting, is suspected as a collateral supplier of the artery of Adamkiewicz and has been accused for cause of spinal infarction.

Spinal cord infarction post cardiac arrest in STEMI: A potential complication of intra-aortic balloon pump use.

Intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) is commonly used as a cardiac assist device in various clinical situations: cardiogenic shock, mechanical complications of acute myocardial infarction, high risk percutaneous coronary interventions, coronary artery bypass graft surgery and refractory unstable angina and ventricular arrhythmias as bridge to therapy. Although current data support its safety, there is limited or no support for its efficacy. We present the case of spinal cord infarction after IABP use in a patient who presented with ST elevation myocardial infarction and cardiac arrest and we discuss the potential mechanism of such a devastating complication.