A case of spinal cord infarction after transcatheter arterial embolization for active hemorrhage in peri-fracture soft tissue and subcutaneous tissue due to trauma

Abstract

A woman in her 70s was transported for the traffic accident. The patient had multiple traumatic injuries including fractures of the pelvis. All fractures were treated conservatively.

Transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) was performed for active hemorrhage in peri-fracture soft tissue and subcutaneous tissue, but TAE was re-performed the next day due to rapid increase in hematoma and progression of anemia. Five days after injury, the patient complained of muscle weakness in both legs. Paraparesis in both legs of L1 level and below was observed. Based on various test and data, we diagnosed her subacute spinal cord infarction. The patient had been rehabilitated with a lower limb orthosis, her lower limb paraparesis gradually improved, and she was discharged home 4 months later.