Fibrocartilaginous embolism: an under-recognised cause of young spinal stroke. Issue 4 (2nd May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nagaratnam, Sai Adithya; Lee, Raymond Lam Kwong; Sturm, Jonathan
• Is Part Of: Practical neurology. Volume 22:Issue 4(2022)
• Page Start: 324
• Page End: 327
• Publication Date: 2022-05-02
• Subjects: CEREBROVASCULAR DISEASE -- CLINICAL NEUROLOGY -- MRI; Neurology -- Periodicals; 616.8005
• DOI: 10.1136/practneurol-2021-003322
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1474-7758

Abstract

Abstract : Fibrocartilaginous embolism is a rarely reported cause of spinal cord infarction. Seemingly innocuous activities may be associated with nucleus pulposus material embolising to the spinal cord vasculature. We describe a 36-year-old woman presenting with bilateral arm paraesthesia and chest pain that evolved into an acute cord syndrome. Initial MR scan of spine showed central spinal cord T2-weighted hyperintensity over several vertebral levels, suggesting transverse myelitis. Repeat MR scan after her symptoms persisted showed an acute cord infarction from a presumed fibrocartilaginous embolus. Clinicians should consider fibrocartilaginous embolism in patients presenting with an acute cord syndrome with supportive radiological findings.