Spinal Cord Infarction after Endovascular Aortic Repair for Infrarenal Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Abstract

Spinal cord infarction (SCI) is a rare but serious complication of endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). It is difficult to predict, prevent, and treat and can cause significant impairment. We describe the case of a patient who experienced paraplegia and thermal pain dysfunction of the lower extremities shortly after EVAR for an infrarenal AAA. Immediately after confirming SCI, we initiated cerebrospinal fluid drainage, administered steroids, naloxone, and free radical scavengers, and maintained high blood pressure. However, the patient’s symptoms did not improve sufficiently. Since the possibility of a SCI exists, prompt treatment should be initiated.